Starting a new craft can be daunting… so we’ve carefully selected 7 projects that you’ll be able to get stuck into without any previous know-how.

We also know that pallet projects often appeal because of the low cost, so we make sure you don’t have to splash out on lots of expensive tools or equipment either. 

 

Indoor Pallet Planter

If you live in the city, chances are you don’t have a garden of your own. And even if you do, bringing plants inside can help improve our wellbeing as well as air quality. So here’s a brilliant beginner pallet project for you.

You’ll need:

• Pallet
• Hammer and nails
• Wood or plastic to cover the back of the pallet
• Landscaping fabric
• Plastic sheeting
• Staple gun

See full instructions for the Indoor Pallet Planter here.

 

Painted Pallet Sign

When you’re learning something new, it can be really motivating to start with a gift. This little sign is great because it only requires pallet boards – so you don’t even need to dismantle a pallet yourself, you just need to cut the boards to size and put them all together.

Want to try something a little different? Decide for yourself how big you want your sign, and what you’d like to paint or stencil onto the front – the world is your oyster! Check out our Pallet Signs Pinterest board for ideas… 

You’ll need:

• Pallet boards
• Saw
• Hammer and nails
• Sandpaper / sanding board
• Paint and brushes
• Stencil (optional)

See full instructions for the Pallet Sign here.  

 

Pallet Coat Hanger

The place we found this, Pallet University, claim that this will only take 60 minutes… we’re not so sure you’ll be that fast if it’s your first ever pallet project, but the instructions and photos are really clear and the final result looks well worth the cost of a few pallet boards, blackboard paint and some hooks. We do love a pallet project that can be personalised. 

And remember, although the instructor is using a circular saw and orbital sander, you’ll be fine with a regular woodworking saw and sandpaper if you don’t want to commit to expensive equipment at this stage – just bring the elbow grease!

You’ll need:

• Pallet boards
• Coat hooks
• Saw
• Drill and screws 
• Sandpaper / sanding board 
• Blackboard paint
• Chalk / chalk pen
• Wood stain (optional)

See full instructions for the Pallet Coat Hanger here. 

 

Pallet Wine Rack

If you already have some woodworking tools about, or you can get access to them, then this beautiful DIY wine rack is a great starting project. Without them, it will take a bit of modifying – for example, you likely will need to forego the fancy curved detailing on the sides – but it’s still very much possible! This wine rack was the creator’s first ever pallet project too, so it’s proof that you don’t need to stick to wall art or coffee tables for that first project. 

You’ll need:

• Heavy duty pallet (Rachel, they mention one with two slats through the middle, which is that?)
• Hand saw 
• Jigsaw (optional)
• Drill and screws
• Sandpaper / sanding board

See full instructions for the Pallet Wine Rack here.

 

Pallet Coffee Table

If you’ve always wanted one of those gorgeous coffee tables on wheels that seem to be everywhere at the moment, here’s the perfect opportunity to make your own. It’s a really impressive looking piece of furniture and there are so many variations out there too, giving you the opportunity to really make it your own.

Just a quick warning from us on this particular tutorial – we strongly recommend that you avoid using scrap pallets, as you’ve got no way of knowing that they’re safe to have in the house, especially around food and drink like this.

You’ll need:

• Two pallets
• Sander / sanding board
• Drill and screws
• Four castor wheels
• Wood paint / stain and brushes

See full instructions for the Pallet Coffee Table here.

 

Pallet Towel Ladder

Here’s another project that only needs loose pallet boards – which you can get from us, removing the need to dismantle full pallets yourself – and brings a bit of rustic charm to any bathroom.

You’ll need:

• Pallet boards
• Sander / sanding board
• Drill and screws
• Wood paint / stain and brushes
• Blowtorch (optional)

See full instructions for the Pallet Towel Ladder here.

 

Vertical Pallet Planter

Minimum effort, maximum impact! Take one pallet, remove a few of the boards, and paint it whatever colour you like before adding some colourful flowers or sweet-smelling herbs.

You’ll need:

• Pallet
• Saw
• Hammer and nails
• Sandpaper / sanding board
• Paint and brushes (optional)

See full instructions for the Vertical Pallet Planter here. 

 

Important note: Remember to make sure that any pallets you’re using for craft purposes are safe – many tutorials suggest picking up discarded pallets but we strongly recommend that you only use pallets when you know their whole history. Otherwise, you have no way of knowing if they’re safe. 

 

If you want further advice on the basic tools and equipment you’ll need to get started, check out another recent blog post we’ve written on pallet tools for beginners.