Prepping wood pallets

Tutorial Tuesday

Today I am starting a series of posts on wood pallets.  Making things out of wood pallets takes time and I also have like 5 other projects going on at the same time.  That's how I roll, multiple projects at a time.  So please be patient with some of my big projects.  They are worth the tutorial wait, I promise. 

I am very lucky to have access to wood pallets.  My husband grabs a few for me on the way home from work and I am set.  I have had many people say "wood pallets!? What on earth can you do with those?"  you can do an amazing amount with them my friends, trust me. Pinterest search pallets and you will see :o) If you are not as lucky as I am and do not have access to wood pallets, find a local business that you see them piled out behind and ask them what it would take to get a few.  If all else fails, email me. (if you live in northern Utah)

When I choose wood pallets, I look for many things.  I look for good wood...giggidy :o) and also condition and color.  There are some pallets that look literally look like crap but have some super sturdy wood.  Like this one....

This wood is thick and heavy.  It will work great for a bookshelf I am going to work on soon. Try and get as clean of pallets as possible.  You do not want to choose something that is too gross as it can harbor yucky bacteria.  Try and get the best ones, it will make your job much easier.

When I get the pallets, I start by reinforcing parts of the wood that need it.  I hammer in some sturdy nails to make sure when I start sanding I don't have a problem putting pressure on it. 

This is for a project that you keep the pallet fully intact, like for a coffee table, couch, or bed frame. You will then begin to prep the wood by sanding.  I use an electric hand sander.

and medium grit sand paper.

make sure that when you are sanding you go with the grain of the wood, it will make your life easier and the process faster.  I round the edges of the wood because I don't want anyone to hurt themselves on a hard edge.  This will be furniture after all. 

It takes some time and good hand pressure on your sander but it does wonders for the wood. Look here and see the difference in the wood.  Half of the pallet is sanded the other half is not.

and your sand paper will look like this very quickly :o)

Many people are very perfectionist about their projects.  I am not one of them.  The reason is that the little imperfections make some of the most unique and awesome things.  This pallet will be the top of my coffee table.  The reason I chose it is because the wood is sturdy, the boards are close together and it sands well.  I want it to look worn and a oldish. That is what makes it awesome.  So, this doesn't bother me at all...

Don't let things like that take you away from working with a great pallet.  When all is said and done, it will be fine and it will look excellent.  I promise.

I have more to come on pallets, I still have to finish this one and start other pieces.  I hope you like pallets as much as me cause you are going to get a few pallet tutorials.

Happy Palleting!