How to make a pallet top table
Fall is on it’s way, and I am getting excited! The days are a little cooler, but still nice enough to sit out on the porch and enjoy the evenings. Which is something I love, especially when the kids are laughing and playing in the yard.
Which brings me to my post today, I just re-did a little bench into a Pallet Top Table, and I couldn’t be more pleased with how it turned out!
So cute, right?! Let’s look at a before…
This was another free find off of Craig’s List and it has been collecting dust on my back porch (surprise, surprise). I saw it the other day and realized it would make a perfect little table to go with my wicker furniture makeover for holding drinks or books.
It was pretty wobbly, which is why, I am assuming, someone gave it away for free. It took me a couple minutes to tighten the legs and it was rock solid sturdy. I then unscrewed the seat top.
There was NO WAY I was taking off the upholstery to reuse the wood, so instead I used some scrap plywood. I measured it to the seat and cut it with my Ryobi circular saw. It fit perfectly!
I had some pallets that I had broken apart, and the wood was just waiting for a project. I thought it would be fun to try a pattern of some sort and eventually decided on triangles. I set my saw to 30 degrees and started cutting. I lined up my triangles on the plywood and cut until it was all covered. Can you see my stack of pallet wood in the back? I still have some left! Now these pallet boards are warped and some are thicker than others, so I was not expecting perfection in my design.
With all the pieces cut, I took them inside, so I could sit down :), and used my Gorilla Wood glue to set them in place. Then I let the glue dry.
This is a front and back shot of what the pallet top looked like once the glue was dry. Next, I just cut off the edges….
I started with my jigsaw and realized it was going to take for-ev-er, so I busted out the circular saw and it went really quick.
To cover up my edges I used this scrap wood that happened to be the perfect thickness, love it when that happens. I had gotten it free from a cabinet maker years ago, in fact I still have a ton of wood from that score! I mitered the corners at 45 degrees and glued and nailed the edges on, then sanded the whole thing down to make it smooth.
I almost forgot the base! I sanded it down, wiped it clean, and sprayed it with a half empty can of Rustoleum’s Aqua.
Here she is…my cute little pallet top table!
It is perfectly…Imperfect!
Loaded with color and character. Oh, and I did do a clear coat to protect it, which brought out the richness in the wood. Mmmmm 🙂
It makes the perfect serving table, nestled between my wicker furniture, now I can sip away at my water while I watch the kids play.
I am happy I tried the pattern with the pallet wood. It makes me happy and it really wasn’t hard at all.
Have you ever done a project with pallet wood? I would love to hear about it!
Hugs!
Mindi
Click Here for more information about dismantling pallets.
see more of Mindi’s posts on MRL below:
Hi Gail, Love all your projects I’ve read so far. I’m always needing something that I can’t find easily… Like small tables in a certain size! Wish around sites let you search by dimensions more easily. Anyway, I need a side table just large enough for 2 plates and drinks, for outdoors where it rains alot. About 16 x 22-24″ and 26-26″ H. Would you have any links for such a thing or some tips for a newbie trying to custom size? It’s takes so long to find the right base … Prefer one that won’t get in the way of legs/feet swinging around in the adjacent swivel chair. Thx! Keep on makin’!
Laura,
I think these are perfect for what you’re looking for. I have made a table for in between the chairs in my backyard. We use these all the time. They’re perfect for a drink, phone, etc.
https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/pallet-top-side-tables-for-outdoors/
If you can find a metal base at a thrift store, I highly recommend using pallet wood. These are holding up really well.
This is a link to all the tables on the site. Maybe you can find something to inspire you here: https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/tag/table/
gail
It’s Perfect 👍🏻 love this and now I want one 😉
So cool! Love the color combo!
Amazing, as always, Mindi!
I love your table, geat idea. I Have made a couple of tables and wine racks. Very simple stuff and easy to sell. I would like to try thid one.
A very cool twist on a pallet project! I was not expecting a mosaic or inlaid look from pallets. Hmm, you got me thinking…
I love quilting with wood. Bravo on your table reclamation! Mindi, in your next career change, you need to inspire kids in wood=shop.
La Verne@hopeandsalvage
Could not be prettier. Love it.
THAT was totally awesome!
Catherine
Can I add—here’s my stab at using pallet wood in a project! : )
http://freddyandpetunia.wordpress.com/2012/08/14/little-guys-bedroom/
This is a beautiful table top, Mindi. I’d love to try my hand at this!
Love the pattern and the texture it creates! Very creative idea!
holy crap what a job! Looks absolutely fantastic!
wow! Look at all those projects that come up under your profile now! So much inspiration!
I love your pallet top table Mindi…. the way you finished it off with the scrap wood is what really makes it beautiful!
great job!
gail
That turned out great.