Make inexpensive pallet shelves with rustic style.
There are many ways to bring a rustic look and feel into a home. In recent years many DIY homeowners have discovered the natural beauty of free pallets to add a touch of industrial charm to any decor. One of the easiest pallet projects is pallet shelving, which is not only a decorative element but a functional one as well. With a few basic materials and easy steps, it is possible to create pallet shelving in a matter of a few hours. The outcome is a home accessory piece that is high on style and low in cost to accent any home with stylish flair. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Lay the pallet down flat, and using a hammer or crowbar, remove all the center slat pieces of wood, leaving two on the right hand side and two on the left hand side. The removed slats serve as bottom pieces of the DIY pallet shelves, so take them off slowly to avoid splitting the wood.
2. Lay the pallet on its side, and nail one removed center wood slat to either open end side of the pallet. The removed center pallet piece serves as a bottom to the shelves by simply nailing them to either pallet end.
3. Lay the pallet down flat, and measure 1/2 inch above the higher slat on the right and left-hand sides. Mark the measurement with a pencil. This notation will ultimately create two inexpensive pallet shelves when cut with the back of the shelves being the side with the two slats.
4. Cut the pallet on the pencil marks with a jigsaw. Carefully cut the left-hand pallet piece and then the right-hand pallet side, which results in two pallet shelves. Once cut, sand them with a medium-grit sandpaper and a power sander to remove any rough edges in preparation for the staining process.
5. Apply wood stain to the DIY pallet shelves with a large foam brush. Since pallet wood is very porous, the shelves often absorb stain thoroughly, so allow a few days to let the shelves dry completely.
6. Use self-drilling drywall anchors by marking the area on the wall where you want to locate the shelves. Screw the sharp edge of drywall anchors into those areas, and turn until the anchor is flush with the drywall surface. In addition, screw the mounting hardware into the shelves, and line up the hardware into the drywall anchors. Turn with a screwdriver until tight. Fill the two shelves with books or other items for a rustic accent to complement any style room.
Tags: pallet shelves, drywall anchors, shelves with, down flat, hand side
