The foundation of many furniture projects—like crafty wine racks, whimsical swing chairs, and elegant daybeds—relies on old-fashioned elbow grease and a pile of shipping pallets. Durable, versatile, and affordable, pallets are a must-have in your workshop, should you need to know where to find them. While you can order shipping pallets online, plucky DIYers seeking a bargain may be more tempted to upcycle shipping pallets found in dumpsters or lumberyards.
Let me tell you, there’s something satisfying about turning a rough, weathered pallet into a chic piece of furniture—it’s like giving it a second life. But, not all pallets are created equal, and you’ll want to be smart about where you source them. I’ve spent enough time hunting for pallets to know that a little strategy goes a long way. For instance, did you know that the global pallet market is massive, with over 5 billion pallets in circulation worldwide? That means there’s no shortage of them, but finding the right ones takes some know-how. Check local recycling centers or small-scale manufacturers; they often have surplus pallets that are in good shape. Also, consider the type of wood—pine is common and sturdy, but oak pallets, if you can find them, are a dream for heavier projects like outdoor furniture. Just don’t get too excited and grab the first pallet you see—always inspect for damage or contamination first.
These innocent-looking pallets may seem like a DIY treasure trove, but they could be unsafe to bring into your home. To find the cleanest and cheapest pallets, consider these tips. Skip large commercial companies that may house contaminated pallets or have disposal practices already in place. Instead, frequent small businesses like nurseries or gardens, hardware and power equipment stores, furniture stores, and neighborhood construction zones. These sites regularly receive a steady supply of clean and safe pallets that they’re often willing to unload for free if you ask. If a new storefront has opened up in your town, consider swinging by and inquiring with them as well. Oftentimes their influx of product has arrived via shipping pallets, and they would be happy to donate some to your DIY cause. But remember, never take what seems to be a freebie without asking! Some companies are charged for unreturned pallets, so always check first.
I’ve had great luck chatting up the folks at my local garden center—they’re usually thrilled to offload a few pallets, especially after a big shipment of plants. Building a relationship with these smaller businesses can really pay off; sometimes they’ll even set aside their best pallets for you if you’re a regular. One thing I’ve learned is to bring a pair of gloves and maybe a small cart—those pallets can be heavier than they look! Also, consider the environmental angle: upcycling pallets keeps them out of landfills, where millions end up each year. If you’re polite and explain your project, most small business owners are happy to help out. Just make sure to ask about the pallet’s history—nobody wants a pallet that’s been sitting under a pile of fertilizer bags.
You can always scour Craigslist for users who are looking to get rid of their stash. If the places around town fail you, go online! Before you commit to a pickup, keep in mind that not all pallets are equal: Some may contain splinters or nails, be tainted by food or fungus, or have been treated with harmful chemicals. Always check for the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) logo, which certifies that a pallet has been heat-treated or fumigated to prevent the spread of insects or plant diseases. Unstamped pallets may or may not be safe to use; don’t risk it. Heat-treated pallets (marked “HT”) are safe to use, as are debarked pallets (marked “DB”). Ones marked “MB” have been treated with methyl bromide, a highly toxic pesticide—not something you want to use as your building supplies. Select the stamped pallets that appear sturdy enough to support your future DIY endeavors and, ideally, were made in the United States (an abbreviation indicating the country of origin should be on the IPPC stamp). Once you’ve confirmed that a pallet meets your standards, take it home and get to work!
I can’t stress enough how important that IPPC stamp is—last thing you want is to bring home a pallet crawling with bugs or soaked in who-knows-what. I once picked up a pallet from a Craigslist ad that looked perfect, only to find it was riddled with nails and smelled like old produce—not ideal for my coffee table project! A quick tip: if you’re unsure about a pallet’s condition, give it a good scrub with soap and water and sand it down to remove any surface gunk. Safety-wise, the “HT” and “DB” marks are your best friends, as they ensure the wood hasn’t been treated with nasty chemicals. If you’re planning something like a kid’s playhouse, stick to U.S.-made pallets when possible, as they’re more likely to meet stricter safety standards. And hey, if you’re feeling extra cautious, a local lumber expert once told me to bake pallet wood in a low oven (about 200°F) for a few hours to kill off any lingering pests—just don’t try this with treated wood!