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

[Lara]

wow ,such an amazing idea and again, so easy to make! Definitely going to keep this idea in mind, for in the future.

http://bravebrunette.blogspot.com

[Mrs. Baker]

so creative!

[kendra genevieve rose.]

I LOVE that table!! it is so nice & different!!
{ps i also love those straws on the table! so cute!}

http://kendra-genevieve-rose.blogspot.com

[Irene's Closet]

super nice!

xx
www.ireneccloset.com

[Tianna]

I may use this idea to build a coffee table that I am desperately in need of. Great idea to make something that's neutral, but unique in texture and look.

- tianna :)

http://suffocatedbliss.blogspot.com

[Emma]

jennifer rizzo-thanks for the tip! I like all the ideas for a glass counter top too. Or maybe I could make it an outdoor table.... hmm....

Love all the ideas. :)

[Dulce]

this table is magical, wish i could make one for myself

[Sacha]

AWESOME!!

What if you were able to put a glass top (or plexi-glass?) on it? That might help with easier wipe downs and help with the uneven surface.

~Sacha

[Rose Eva]

I love that table! I like the other ideas people left, about sanding it down flat, then putting a glass top on it! But it's beautiful as is also. x

Rose Eva
Silhouetted ♥ Blog

[Charlie (forages & finds)]

I really love this, and can't wait 'til I have my own place and can make something similar! There's something so inviting about bare wooden boards :)

[Kristen]

Wow I am super impressed! I'm afraid of a saw as well! This looks great and actually pretty doable.

[Sarah]

I LOVE this table! A sealer would probably be a good idea to prevent microorganisms from growing in the wood grain. It just looks so cool, I'm in love.

xoxo Sarah
theantiquepearl.blogspot.com

[Ash]

Awesome...this will be my first DIY when I move into my new house...but I agree, a sealant would be good to keep clean and avoid stains from spilling...

[rachel]

Oh I love it! IT's perfect!

[Mandi of Making Nice in the Midwest]

Emma, the table looks great! I built our dining room table out of reclaimed barn siding, and sanded it down a bit at the top, but I rather like the uneven surface and slightly rustic feel. I wouldn't get rid of that entirely. :) I will warn you, though, that palette wood has been treated with lots of chemicals to withstand the elements, so it is not safe to eat off of the table. I would seal it with a coat of matte polyurethane to protect diners' health, and also to protect the table from water stains, berry stains, etc.

[Natalie]

I think the resin is a good idea that someone mentioned. I wouldn't recommend eating off a table of exposed treated wood like pallets. It looks neat though!

[beth-ann]

wonderful idea for a porch!

http://greenwhaleblog.blogspot.com/

[Abbey]

This is awesome! You did such a great job! I wish I had power tools. Where's my membership card?!

[Faye]

I love the rustic look of the tabletop combined with the vintage-style legs, so pretty!
faye x

[Joann@womaninreallife]

It looks great! And that club sounds awesome...not sure how soon (if ever) I will be joining though. I'm not that handy with a power tool. I love the different tones of wood in your table. It gives it a lot of character.