Introduction: Pallet Tv Unit
Step 1: Dismantle About 4 Pallets
I ended up dismantling 5 pallets because some pallets were old and brittle. I used a YouTube video to learn how. You need a crow bar and a hammer. That's all I used
Step 2: Layout Wood
Measure the length you want your tv unit and lay out the wood I honestly made this up as I went along. I measure the length, height and depth and went with it. Basing it on the pallet length ( pallet board was to short. 2 pallet lengths was to long. So pallet and half worked out to be just right. I decided on the height to where my tv was already mounted. You can adjust this accordingly
Step 3: Measure and Cut
My tv was already mounted to the wall. This made it easier to measure the height (I made it up as I went) At this point I decided to make the top and base. Throughout this project I was measuring and cutting and giving one coat of stain. This avoids seeing odd colors once assembled. After working out the basic dimensions, I cut the length using a jig saw. Then sanded ( using 80 grain) and stained it. With a basis of 1 1/2 pallet length. I screwed (8G x 40mm) into 4 bracket lengths pre-cut from pallets
Step 4: Assemble Frame
I pretty much free-styled from here. I basically wanted 3 cupboards with a shelf in each Pictures should explain the rest All screws were the same accept 20 4inch screws for attatching the base and top to the posts. Which needed pilot holes Don't hesitate to ask questions
Step 5: Side Panels
Simply screwed to the inside
Step 6: Shelving
Same concept as the top and base only smaller Couple of "L" brackets for the shelf support
Step 7: Doors
I forgot to take photos whilst make these. Pretty simple though Made strips of wood for left and right of the door. Then screwed them to horizontal pallet slats cut to length You can zoom in on the finished product to see what I did
Step 8: Sand, Stain and Varnish
The most time consuming part. Especially if the kids won't leave you alone for an hour Everything should have had one coat of stain already. I now sanded with 120grit and stained again Then sand with 240grit and apply a varnish sealer (75% varnish 25% mineral terps) Now apply 3 coats of straight vanish sanding in between each coat with a 320grit (best done by hand for this part) This section takes so long due to the fact you need 24hrs drying time between coats (but its worth it)
Step 9: Fit Doors and Insert Shelves
Pick the hinges and handles you want and fit them along with the shelves
Step 10: Bear in Mind
This tv unit is not 100% square and the wood is warped in some parts. If you have the tools. You can spend the time to plain, level and square everything up. But I liked the imperfections. And am happy with the outcome. Next up will be matching side tables. Same style!!!
15 Comments
Question 5 years ago on Introduction
Could I make something similar to this using four way entry close boarded perimeter base pallets?
8 years ago
good job, I like the imperfections when it comes to wood..unless I'm going for (store quality) but I usually am just going for rugged anyway.
8 years ago
Took me about four weekends.
But when I made this I only had a jigsaw and a drill. Plus I had no idea what I was doing. I built a second on for a friend which I had built in 2 days.
Not including sanding and staining
8 years ago on Introduction
how long does this take?
9 years ago
I love it I will try to make my stand this weekend or at least start it.
10 years ago
Simon, this piece has a great look- like the rich tone of the finish. Re: difficult pallet disassembly, I resorted to cutting the slats at the end where they meet the side rails with my circular saw. Then grasp the ends of the rail and twist a few times and the slat will wiggle loose from the middle rail. You lose about 3 inches per rail, but it's much faster and safer than fighting with pry bars. End tables rock too! Keep it up.
10 years ago
Im in qld thanks anyway, will have to look around :)
10 years ago
Well the pallets I got we're made with them. It's hit and miss with what pallets you get. I got them from a fruit and veg wholesaler. I've got 4 posts left over. If you live in Western Australia you can have them
10 years ago
Ok cool thanks for that. What part of the pallet did you use for the 4 corner posts? The pallet I got didn have anything like that, need to get more pallets so searching for them lol
10 years ago on Introduction
nice work bro :) im gonna make that :)
10 years ago
Due to my lack of tools. I just screwed. Didn't have clamps which would be needed as the wood was warped in places.
The screws are visible but a counter sunk so some wood filler would cover it before staining.
If I had to do it again I would do it slightly different, but I made it up as I went.
This is only my second project and am learning things in the way.
Glad you all enjoy.
Here's a taster of the matching side tables I'm doing
10 years ago on Introduction
Perfect use of old pallets. I love the way it turned out. Nice work!
10 years ago
This is awesome, how did you attach the legs to the top and bottom? Did you glue, just screw from the top so it was visible ect
10 years ago
The colors called "merbau"
I used an exterior/interior stain to help treat and protect the wood.
With the dismantling I found you've gotta be patient and just keep goin up and down each slat.
Also depends on the condition of the pallet. One of the pallets pretty much all split
10 years ago on Introduction
From what I can see, you did great! I have tried dismantling pallet wood before, and I have had terrible luck! II couldn't get a board apart that didn't split all the way down.
I did turn a machine pallet into a lathe bench. It worked out quite nicely..
BTW, What color is that stain you used? I have a project in the making and I kinda like that shade...