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DIY for Homeowners

How to Make a Basic Pallet Tray

3/21/2017

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​text by Vicki     ​Sign up to get Mother Daughter Projects updates in your email!
If you've followed us for some time, you know that we like our pallets! We have utilized pallet wood in a number of projects including shelves, a coffee station, sign and now we add a pallet wood tray to our inventory of posts!

For a presentation of Power Tools 101 this spring at the Tallahassee French Country Market, we created this tray out of pallet wood.  We used the build to demonstrate how to use various power tools in real time. 

As far as pallet projects go, this is more straight forward than most. We used a pallet we found at a motorcycle shop. It ended up being the exact width we needed for our tray so no trimming of the boards, with the exception of the end boards was needed! 
Learn how to use a few pallet slats to make a fun recycled tray.
Learn how to use a few pallet slats to make a fun recycled tray.
Materials:
  • Pallet slats (we used a motorcycle pallet we found at a mechanic's shop)
  • (2) Handles (Home Depot)
  • Speed Square (Amazon)
  • Rubber feet (Amazon)
  • Orbital sander
  • Wood glue (Amazon)
  • Brad nailer (Ryobi)
  • Drill/Driver (Ryobi)
  • Nail set (Amazon)
Learn how to use a few pallet slats to make a fun recycled tray.
We found pallets the same day we went to Home Depot for supplies--we really needed the Honda Pilot on this day!
Learn how to use a few pallet slats to make a fun recycled tray.
The three main boards were the size we needed without cutting, but the side pieces needed to be marked and cut. We used a speed square and marker to accurately mark the cut line.
Learn how to use a few pallet slats to make a fun recycled tray.
We cut the board with a miter saw...
Learn how to use a few pallet slats to make a fun recycled tray.
but a circular saw or hand saw can be used.
Learn how to use a few pallet slats to make a fun recycled tray.
Sand the boards starting with 60 grit ending with 220 grit. Wipe down with tack cloth.
Learn how to use a few pallet slats to make a fun recycled tray.
Nails remaining in the pallet wood can be removed using a nail set. Our boards covered the ends so these did not have to be removed.
Learn how to use a few pallet slats to make a fun recycled tray.
We used wood stain to finish the boards. The tray can be finished with paint or left natural.
Learn how to use a few pallet slats to make a fun recycled tray.
The stain really brought out the grain of the wood. We also lightly distressed once everything was dry with 220 grit sandpaper.
Learn how to use a few pallet slats to make a fun recycled tray.
Once dry, everything was turned upside down and positioned into place. Wood glue was applied and then nailed into place with the Ryobi AirStrike.
Learn how to use a few pallet slats to make a fun recycled tray.
The AirStrike was used from the back to secure the sides to the bottom.
Learn how to use a few pallet slats to make a fun recycled tray.
The AirStrike is an efficient tool to use in this application.
Learn how to use a few pallet slats to make a fun recycled tray.
The handles were screwed into place with the drill/driver.
Learn how to use a few pallet slats to make a fun recycled tray.
The pallet tray is now ready for home decor display, breakfast in bed, or even a laptop holder.
Learn how to use a few pallet slats to make a fun recycled tray.
Learn how to use a few pallet slats to make a fun recycled tray.
One thing we learned through this project is that all pallet wood is NOT created equal. The pallet we found was really good quality, very clean, and very uniform throughout the piece. Once sanded and stained it revealed very interesting grain. 

We also learned about the IPPC label that is found on all international and some USA made pallets. To be safe, it should have HT on the label which means it is heat treated rather than chemically treated. 

Although this project was made with power tools, the build could be adapted using hand tools only. Use what you have (and borrow the rest!)

How would you finish your tray--stain, paint, or left natural? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook. 

FYI: Affiliate links are being used on this page. Purchasing via these links help support MDP!

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