"Dynamite Crate" End Table From Old Pallet

This instructable will show you how to make an end table that looks like an old dynamite crate.  It is easy to build and is made from an old pallet so it's cheap too.

Step 1: Materials

Materials

An old pallet
Large ceramic tile
Small Hinges
Magnetic Catch
Small furniture slides or floor protectors
Stencil
Black paint
Wood glue
Nails
Construction adhesive
Clear satin wood finish

Step 2: Disassemble and Cut

Begin by disassembling the pallet.  The easiest way to do this is to run a sawzall between the boards and the 2x4s and cut the nails.  If you try prying the boards off you will likely just break them.  Once you have the boards off, decide which ones will be used for the sides, top and bottom.  The boards will likely be different widths, so you will have to find a combination that works so that you have the same total width for both sides and the same width for the top and bottom.  For my crate, the sides are made of three boards each with a total width of 11".  The bottom is three boards and the top is four boards with a total width of 13 1/2".  I will use these measurements for this instructable but you may need to modify them if your boards are different sizes.

Cut your side, top and bottom boards to 21".  Cut the remnants of your side boards to 12" for the ends of the crate.  Cut four more pieces at 11" and four pieces at 13 1/2".

Step 3: Assemble

Crate ends
Align three of the 12" end boards and glue and nail two 11" boards across them, flush with each end.  Do the same with the other three end boards. 

Top and Bottom
Align your bottom boards and glue and nail two 13 1/2" boards across them, flush with each end.  Align the top boards and glue and nail the final two 13 1/2" boards across them, inset about 1/2".

Glue and nail the side boards on to the crate ends and then glue and nail the bottom on so you have a crate.  Attach the top with the hinges.

Step 4: Stencil and Clear Coat

Use a stencil font in your word processor, type the word "dynamite" in a suitable size and print on cardstock.  Cut out the letters with a utility knife.  Stencil "dynamite" on the sides of the crate with the black paint.

When the paint is dry, apply several layers of clear coat with a light sanding between coats.  Be sure to use a satin or flat clear coat. Gloss or semi-gloss would not suit this project.

Nail your furniture slides on to the end of the crate that you want to be the bottom of your table.

Step 5: Top and Door Catch

Apply construction adhesive to the end of the crate you are using as the top of the table and attach the ceramic tile.  I used a 16"x16" tile and cut it to size with a diamond blade in a circular saw but you don't need to cut it if you don't want to.

Attach the magnetic door catch to the inside of the crate and the metal plate to the inside of the door and you are done.

I hope you enjoyed this project.  I think a larger version of this, laid flat, with a glass top would make a pretty cool coffee table as well.