Pallet End Table

Below are directions for a simple end table made from pallets.

Step 1: Find Pallets

Find free pallets from Craigslist. If not available, you can purchase them locally for very little money.

When searching through the pallet stack, look for the pallets with the most usable wood. The length of the slats is ~ 3 feet. The thickness varies from ½ to ¾ thick. The width of the slats can vary from 2.5 to 6 inches.

Step 2: Deconstruction

Breaking the pallets apart takes a decent amount of work. Use a jig or circular saw to cut the ends. Pry the wood from the center support. This should give you 8 to 14 boards per pallet. Remove nails from slats.

Before you start cutting, determine the best pieces to get the desired width (see drawing). I had multiple long pieces with cracks and/or damage down one side. I was able to cut the damage off and still have usable pieces.

Step 3: Cut Pieces

Cut pieces per drawings. After cutting, sand with course sandpaper to remove rough spots or major staining/paint…unless that is your desired look.

Step 4: Assemble Frames

Assemble the two frames (nail & glue). Note how it is put together – should be a square

Step 5: Add Horizontal Slats

Attach horizontal slats to frames (nail & glue).

Step 6: Leg Assemblies

Nail and glue legs as shown.

Step 7: Ready for Final Assembly

Step 8: Add Legs & Pins

Attach the legs as shown (nail & glue). Drill holes for the pins. Insert and glue into place.

Step 9: Final Product

Drawing File:

https://googledrive.com/host/0B21TbB8gGNQbX2dlNGdxR0NuOE0/end_table_RevA.pdf

Step 10: See Matching Planter Boxes!

If you liked this, see matching planter boxes.

https://www.instructables.com/id/Planter-Box-from-P...

Comments

[nikitamartin1986]

Why do you have to have the pins

[mtairymd]

Adds strength to the table. Also, slightly decorative. You don't need them if you use screws.

[nikitamartin1986]

Thank you

[BRWIGLE]

Are these measurements in inches?

[mtairymd]

Yes

[AdamH145]

Forgot to say I used bolts that had been spray painted black instead of dowels.

[mtairymd]

Nice. The bolts are a cool touch.

[AdamH145]

Made these for our new end tables. Thanks!

[Shermtank28]

Only wish I had some stain, but the goal was to make it for free. I didnt have a table saw for the cuts, so I had to rely on a jigsaw and a few planers, but I love it!

[mtairymd]

Nice job! BTW, there are a few low cost stain options available. Search for natural stain on instructables.

[lonetraveler85]

what type of nails did you use?

[mtairymd]

I think I used 1 1/4 inch finishing nails. I use a nail gun (1.5" nails) for the planter box shown in the last step

[blanka.krejci.3]

love this!...where did you get the pins?...

[mtairymd]

Thanks. 3/4" dowels - Home Depot or Lowes

[Glenzito_46]

Decided to use your idea as my first pallet project, worked fine, just found that finding straight boards is the biggest challenge, took me slightly longer and put my own spin on the dezign, thx for the info

[mtairymd]

Yes, straight pallet wood is a challenge.

Good job. ​I like the color.

[Glenzito_46]

Thanks, mounted some rubber feet yesterday and is steady as a rock

[dpiccine]

Good job!

[gunnerjake81]

Steve Ramsey?

[mtairymd]

Yes, very similar. The dimensions have been modified. I also wanted something to match the planters.