How to Build Pallet Wall Art From Pallets

Josef Etheridge
3 min readNov 11, 2023

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Creating wall art from pallets is an inventive and customizable DIY project that can add a unique touch to any room. This project is ideal for beginners as it allows for a lot of creative freedom and can be as simple or complex as you like. Here’s how to get started:

Materials and Tools Needed:

  1. Pallets: Choose pallets that are in good condition. Heat-treated (marked with ‘HT’) pallets are preferable.
  2. Sandpaper or a sanding machine.
  3. Saw: A handsaw or a power saw for cutting the wood.
  4. Paints and brushes or stains for coloring (optional).
  5. Hammer and nails or a screwdriver and screws.
  6. Hanging hardware (like picture frame hooks).
  7. Varnish or sealant (optional, for protection).

Step 1: Prepare the Pallet

  • Inspect the pallet for any nails or rough spots.
  • Sand the pallet thoroughly to create a smooth surface. This step is crucial for safety and to prepare the wood for painting or staining.

Step 2: Dismantle and Cut the Pallet

  • Carefully dismantle the pallet. You can use a saw to cut the wood or a pry bar to gently remove the planks.
  • Decide on the shape and size of your wall art. You can keep the planks long for a large piece or cut them into smaller pieces for a mosaic or assembled art piece.

Step 3: Design Your Art

  • Arrange the pallet planks into the desired design or pattern. This could be a geometric pattern, a simple sign, or an abstract arrangement.
  • If you are creating a picture or specific design, sketch it out on the wood.

Step 4: Paint or Stain

  • Paint or stain your pallet planks as desired. This could involve detailed painting, a simple stain to enhance the wood’s natural beauty, or a solid color for a bold statement.
  • Allow the paint or stain to dry completely.

Step 5: Assemble the Art Piece

  • Once the paint is dry, assemble your art piece. Nail or screw the pieces together from the back to keep the front looking neat.
  • For a layered effect, you can attach smaller pieces on top of a base layer.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

  • Apply a coat of varnish or sealant, especially if the wall art will be hung in a moisture-prone area like a bathroom or kitchen. This step will protect the paint and the wood.

Step 7: Prepare for Hanging

  • Attach hanging hardware to the back of your art piece. Ensure that it is secure and can support the weight of the wood.

Step 8: Hang and Enjoy

  • Find the perfect spot on your wall for your new piece of art.
  • Hang it securely, making sure it’s level.

Tips:

  • Be creative and experiment with different techniques like wood burning, carving, or adding other materials (like metal or fabric) to your design.
  • If you prefer a rustic look, you might skip the paint and just sand and varnish the wood to highlight its natural grain.
  • Consider the overall décor of the room where you’ll hang your art to ensure it complements the space.

Pallet wall art is not only a great way to repurpose wood but also provides an opportunity to express your creativity and add a personal touch to your home decor.

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