Introduction: How to Make a Mobile Backdrop Pallet Wall

About: We're Mother Daughter Projects, sharing our DIY adventures as we learn to maintain, improve, decorate, and use tech in our homes.

We used pallets to create a "wall" for a booth we had at a professional conference. The unit needed to portable, easy to transport, and easy to set up. This design met all three criteria.

Supplies

We found the pallets outside a roofing store. We asked permission before taking any making sure those that we chose had the HT (Heat Treated) stamp on them.


  1. Everbilt 3 in. Zinc-Plated Strap Hinge (Home Depot)
  2. Everbilt 2-3/4 in. x 1-1/2 in. Satin Nickel Chest Latches
  3. (4) Everbilt 3 in. Medium Duty Gray TPR Swivel Plate Caster with Brake
  4. (6) 3/8 X 3-1/2 Hex Cap Screws and nuts (Home Depot)
  5. Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Stubby 3/8 in. Impact Wrench (Tool-Only)
  6. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Gen II 18-Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool-Only) (Home Depot)
  7. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw Kit with (1) 12.0Ah Battery, Charger, Tool Bag (Home Depot)
  8. Makita 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless Recipro Saw Kit (Home Depot)
  9. DEWALT 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion 21-Degree Cordless Framing Nailer (Home Depot)
  10. Surebonder 18-Volt Lithium Battery Standard Size Cordless Glue Gun (Home Depot)
  11. Construction Grade Hot Melt Glue Sticks - 1 Minute Working Time - Full Size - 10" Length (Online)
  12. Custom Poster (Canva.com)

Step 1: Watch Video

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Step 2: Clean and Cut

Here's the measurements:

​Assembled: 82” high x 38-1/4” wide x 26.5” depth (at base)

Each pallet before cut: 54” x 40”

Each pallet after cut: 38-1/4” x 40”


Base support:

(3) 24”

28-3/4”

(2) 32.5” with 45 degree angle on both sides

Cover for base 29-1/4” x 14-3/4”


The pallets were really dirty so we used a pressure washer to clean them up. After letting them dry, we cut them to size. We used a circular saw to cut the pallet to the width we needed and then used a reciprocating saw to continue the deconstruction. Then we flipped it over and did the same cuts and deconstruction on the other side.



Step 3: Add Hinges

We cut two pallets down for this projects. We want this to fold to make it easier to travel with and to save space when it's not in use. We used a couple of strap hinges to connect the two pieces. The next step was to stain and poly the pallets.

We needed a way to "lock" the pallets into place. We tried three different kinds of hardware and found this one to be the most secure. There is one on each side.

Step 4: Add Back Support and Wheels

We added framing with 2x4s to the back for support. Here we are attaching the back angle supports with long bolts and nuts. By using bolts and nuts the back of the backdrop could be removed for easier storage.


The last step was to add wheels to the front of the pallet and to the back support. We also added a board across the back to provide a place for storage.


Step 5: Add Supports for Poster

The purpose of the pallet backdrop in the booth is to hold a poster. Here we are hot glueing pieces together to make the holder for the sign. The glue we are using is a hot glue construction adhesive which is different from standard hot glue. Surebonder makes it and a lot of other varieties.

It was a little tricky to attach the poster holder pieces. Steph had to go under and behind to secure the pieces. She used a brad nailer to secure them into place.

The custom posters that we purchased from Canva.com slides into the holder keeping it securely in place.

The back of the backdrop proved to be a great place to store extra books and other supplies for the booth.

After the event, the backdrop was moved into Steph's garage where it provides hidden storage for things you'd rather not see all the time. Plus, the front of the unit is a great place to hang things like buckets and other random things.

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