Uses for Wooden Pallets

Wooden pallets are used to support boxes or products shipped for transport in many areas of the world. Most wooden pallets are designed to work in tandem with forklifts and other moving equipment when shipping goods. Wooden pallets often end up in landfills across the US. There are several uses for old pallets that can provide individuals with fun, income, heat or protection. Wooden pallets are constructed of several flat, roughly cut pieces of wood.

Pallet Wood Crafts

• Several crafts and woodworking projects can benefit from the reuse of pallet wood. Rick Brentliger with Backwoods Home Magazine recommends making rustic birdhouses out of pallet wood. Unfinished pallet wood also makes nice rabbit nesting boxes and rustic bookshelves. A small amount of trimming and sanding can even produce nice finished wood products out of recycled pallet wood. Pallet wood needs to be stored in a cool, dry place for woodworking use and nails will likely need to be removed.

Pallet Firewood

• Pallet wood is generally very dry wood and burns quite well. Many store owners and managers will allow those with permission to haul pallets away to lessen garbage fees. Homeowners should always stack wood in a way that allows air to circulate and dry moisture. D.A. Leatherman and W.S. Cranshaw with the Colorado State University Extension report that pallet wood users should beware of international pallets that may contain harmful wood-boring insects dangerous to local ecosystems.

Basement Dry Storage Pallets

• Pallets make excellent additions to basements. Basements are typically floored with damp concrete and many basements are prone to flooding. Using wooden pallets in basement storage facilities lifts possessions off the ground, safe from typical moist basement issues. Wet cardboard boxes and contents stored in damp basements can grow mold, fungus and bacteria that may pose health risks. Pallets allow air to circulate under even wet stored items and thus promote fast basement dry times.