Wood Pallet Table DIY

For our six month (of dating) anniversary my boyfriend got me a powder drill and saw. I'm not sure what it says about me that this was, to me, THE BEST PRESENT EVER. I was equal parts excited and (super) scared to use the saw. I had big plans to create a small kitchen table from a recycled pallet; but first I had to turn on the saw. Good news: I did it. And it's really not all that scary; just read the directions, know how the safety features work and pay attention while you work. There's probably quite a few of you reading who are totally hip to power tools, including saws. And my hat's off to you, but I also just want you to know: I've joined the club! GIVE ME A MEMBERSHIP CARD.But back to the table. I wanted to create a table that featured many different textures and colors of wood. I love the look of wood in my home and having a pretty kitchen table is a big priority to me because I take a lot of pictures of food on my kitchen table (can I get a hey—o from the food bloggers!). So I used a partially broken palett that we had at the shop to create this little table. I was able to customize it to fit perfectly in my tiny little dinning room. My dad helped me add the slats and legs (thanks Dad!). Here's what we did:1. Supplies: plywood the size of your desired table, an old pallet (or two, depending on how big your table will be), legs (I used hair pin legs I bought from here), drill, saw, (not pictured) 12 screws, liquid nails and sanding block. 2. Remove the wood slats from the pallet. This is a good time to use a saw! 3. You need enough pieces to cover your entire table top. 4. Place wood slats on the table top in the design you want. This will be like a big puzzle. Once you have filled the entire table top mark the edges of the slats and saw off any excess that hangs over the plywood. 5. Apply liquid nails to the slats and wiggle them into place. Allow this to dry overnight. 6. Flip the board over and mark where the legs should go. I put mine about 1 1/2 inches in from the edge. Screw the legs in place. You could also adhere with glue first (before the screws) for added support. Lightly sand the edges and top.This table is quite rustic. I like the look but I must admit it does have a few small cevices and uneven places; making it not the most functional kitchen table. But I still love it! I am considering adding a sealer; as I'm thinking that may help with wiping down and keeping liquids from soaking in if spilled. I also like that if I get tired of my table in a few years I can easily remove the legs and use them on a new project. Thanks for letting me share my very first saw adventure with you. Sorry I geeked out just a little... or a lot. xo. Emma

UPDATE: Sealed it! I went to my local hardware store to explain my project, and find the best solution to safely seal the used pallet wood but without changing the color or look of the finished table as much as possible. They recommended a heavy duty matte polyurethane. Check with your local hardware store to see what's available if you plan to create a similar project.

Comments

[brie]

I think this would look great and function better with a glass top. Thanks for the link to the hairpin legs! I've been looking all over for something similar.

[Marielle]

Love how it turned out. I would love such a present as well! I am always using my dad's tools or borrowing them from friends. Using big tools always makes me feel kind of tough (in a good way) haha. I was using pallets as well for a prototype I was doing in university for an interactive fountain. Can't wait to see more of your projects!

[Thays]

I think it would be a more hygienic table with a glass on top, but it may not be the safest thing to do if the surface is not 100% flat!

[Kasey]

I have a question: where should I look for free pallets? Grocery stores? I've no idea where to find them and I want to do fun projects with them...

Thanks for the help!
-Kasey

[Ruth]

Love it! Awesome job Emma!
BTW, welcome to the club!!!

[Dorothy]

Oh Wow this table is amazing! Love it!!

-Dorothy-

[Rebecca]

I love this! I am bookmarking this for when I finally have a long-term apartment. Keep us updated if you you figure out a way to deal with the uneven surface problem!

[Jess Dynarski]

My mom like this, so I'd say this is an a-plus DIy. I think it's creative!

[Jess]

Emma, SO CUTE! Great job! xo
Jess

[Allison]

Love this table Emma! The legs are great. Maybe a clear sealant would do the trick? The different colours make this table so rustic and beautiful. Great job!
xx
http://www.thrifted.ca

[jennifer rizzo]

it looks awesome. i use ikeas sealer for my butcher block countertops. i think its tung oill and soybean oil and it works amazing and really brings out the color and depth in the wood.

[HK]

Emma, be super careful with this! A lot of pallets are treated with gross chemicals! Please seal this ASAP!

[Angela]

This is really pretty. There is a little cafe near me that used resin to even out the table tops they made from reclaimed lumber-this way it kept the tables natural wood and allowed it to have an even surface. Which is great from a photograpy stance because glass
Is so reflective and resin is not. Good luck either way in sure it will be great!

[Tabetha]

We have a door table, & we covered it with a glass top to make the surface smooth & even-- just run a few boards around the edges of the table top to frame it. Make sure they are slightly taller than the side of the table, then the glass sets right in! {Easy to get glass/plastic cut to size at any warehouse home improvement store OR find a small business willing to do it on the cheap!}
Its also easy to pop up the glass to clean the table or use it for another project!

http://aclosetintellectual.blogspot.com/

[Rachel]

Would you get splinters from the table if you didn't apply a sealer? But such a neat table! Good job !!! :)

[robyn]

I've been meaning to buy some legs for a coffee table from that hairpinlegs site. This is a fun project. You might think about getting a piece of glass cut to fit over the top.

[Samantha Adam]

A great idea but not really functional. It would make a better garden or conservatory table for flower pots. I do like the look of it though.

Sam
http://liveandlove.typepad.com

[dawn]

You can use a power sander to even out the table top :) Great job!

[Arkky]

That is awesome! and power tool for a present is what i dream of.. so jealous haha

http://houseofkikies.wordpress.com/

[Marilyn Kate]

Wow, good idea! Nice table.