Ultimate upcycling tips: Pallet furniture

You've driven past shops and workplaces with stacks of pallets outside, often with a "free" sign leaning against them. Unless you have a fireplace, you've probably never given any thought to these abundant resources of pretty good timber.

So, what could you possibly use pallets for? The possibilities are endless. Planters, coffee tables, outdoor furniture, raised gardens, even bed sets. You're only limited by your imagination. Do a quick search on the internet for some ideas.

Getting a good yield

The key to a successful start is breaking up the pallets to get a good yield of wood that is free of nails. One method is laying a piece of metal pipe (or something similar) across the width of the pallet, and then levering a pry bar (crow bar) against this to lift off the pallet slats at the points they are nailed down. Stop the pallet from moving by standing on it.

If this sounds like a bit too much manual labour, there is an easier way. A sabre saw with the right blade can be used to cut along the length of the pallet, underneath the slats that run along the width. This method will get you a lot more wood, as a pry bar can splinter or break the ends that are nailed down. Make sure you have a blade that will go through wood and nails, and that your job is properly secured.

Getting rid of the nails

Once you have your stock of wood you'll want to get the nails out. If you used a pry bar, knock them back through their original holes and then pull them out with the pry bar or hammer. If you cut through the nails, use a small punch (or an old nail) and a hammer to knock them out. Make sure you pick up every nail that falls, especially if you are working in an area where people may walk or drive their cars.