Funny thing is I didn't have to travel far for this wood. My next-door neighbor actually had a few of these strewn about over a year's time so they got nice and weathered. I was running low on project wood, so I offered to buy them from her. She actually gave them to me for free, so you know I couldn't pass them up.
However, the trick is knowing what is good pallet wood and what's a leaverite (leave it right there). You don't want to work with chemically treated wood, so make sure to look for an HT mark meaning that it's heat treated. Also, I set my sights on hardwood pallets too. JC, my husband, finds me oak, cherry, and maple ones at his workplace. SCORE! You can see all my past pallet projects HERE.
What you see above is the remnant of the one I took apart. It had some damage and these are the boards I could save. As a result, there are two planks and two are the bottom supports from the pallet.
TIME TO BUILD
First, I want to build something with those shaggy planks. Don't you just love their texture? I cut the planks to length with my miter saw. What you see here is the dry assembly.
TERMS OF USE: when you build this upcycled pallet farmhouse decor you agree to the following: it cannot be shared or distributed for monetary gain in any way, it may not be modified in any way, and you may not claim the work as your own.
Once I have it as I like, I use my nailer to temporarily hold it in place so I can add these legs. Everyone should have a stash of furniture legs, just sayin'.
These are a set of oak legs that I found at the thrift store. I've been waiting for just the right time to use the rest of them. Initially, I had an odd set of five, and used one to create this fun Christmas decor SEEN HERE.
Then, to add the legs, I pre-drilled holes in each corner, then added screws to secure with my drill. After I make sure my wood is as square as it was going to get (pallet wood is wonky), I cut the bottom for my box table with my jigsaw. To attach it, I used my Kreg Pocket Hole Jig.
Since the legs were raw wood, I went with an Antique White Stain to add aged appeal. After that, a brown wax is seals and protects.
ALMOST DONE
Next, I wanted to add some drama with my junk stash. I had a leftover key drawer pull from this chest makeover, and these backplates from another upcoming chest project. I cut the center of the backplate where the teardrop pull used to hang and drilled a larger opening. Both need some dressing, so I painted them white.
Last, you know I just had to add some typography. I found this French floral graphic online and transferred it to a piece of twill fabric using a printable iron-on transfer paper.
I'll show you the end result in a bit...hang on!
NEXT UP
Now it's time for those two chunky support pieces for my upcycled pallet farmhouse decor. This time I'm keeping it simple with only one step to get it done. My goal is to create a farmhouse style candle centerpiece. First, I measure and mark on one side for 8 of these tapered beeswax candlesto go in.
Then, I whip out my drill again and use a forstner bit to drill in all the same depth.
TWO PROJECTS DONE
After my little DIY stent, I now how two project pieces from four pallet boards. Not bad, right? First, here's my upcycled pallet table with some ooh, la, la.
Those leggy legs make for a fun height to display my collection of dried flowers. Do you dry flowers too? This Ohio gal misses my garden blooms all winter, so I dry to enjoy longer.
In addition, I had fun adding these bits to the front for added whimsy. The graphic gives it character, while the key with escutcheon add that, "what's that there for?" effect (aka. a curiosity).
Next, there's my simple, yet rustic farmhouse candle centerpiece.
Some may say my style is too simple. I say, why, yes thank you. In this instance, I like to let the folk joining me at the table and the food presented take center stage. Notice I have more dried eucalyptus and baby's breath surrounding this centerpiece. The scent of those natural beeswax candles and the eucalyptus is blissful.
I want to see my loved ones faces and be able to savor the food prepared. The summer days are growing darker and this ambient lighting gives that super cozy feel. It's like being tucked in for a long winter's nap.
LAST THOUGHTS
When all is said and done, I'm a happy mama that helped a neighbor, created decor for my home, and so savor being able to share it with you.
Also, scripture verse comes to mind as I blow out the candles:
"And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever." Revelation 22:5
Just imagine...I crave the sun and the thought of not having a need for the sun blows my mind. Though I trust I won't miss it because I'll be basking in the light of the Lord one day. Ah, the glory of it all.
Last, my goal is to inspire you. Don't fall into the trap of not only having a home filled with box-store decor, but also that your home isn't up to par to all those squares on social media. It's your home...make it as you choose.
If you'd like to own the table or one of those centerpieces (I made extra), you can find them available in my online shop. (Centerpieces SOLD)
Do pin and share my upcycled pallet farmhouse decor. I'm sure there are others looking for ways to upcycle their pallet collection too. You know who you are...tee hee.
Up next, this old silverware box needs a new look and purpose. See the new look HERE.
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In addition, more projects like my upcycled pallet farmhouse decor:
