10 Clever DIY Wood Pallet Projects for Home & Garden You Can Do This Weekend

When it comes to creative upcycling potential, it's hard to beat wood pallets. There are so many incredible things you can make out of this cheap material. Let these fun and easy DIY wood pallet projects inspire you to create something amazing.

Display a few favorite books for easy access (kind of ideal for kids' rooms) with this simple DIY wood pallet project. Just cut off the ends of the pallet where the wood frame creates a natural front for the shelf. Add a bottom and sand and stain to make it pretty.

Related: Everything You Need to Get Started With Upcycling

Turn a wood pallet into a coffee table by adding some hairpin legs (from any hardware store). You can cut the pallet down to a smaller size or use it as it is for a no-cut project. Sand off any rough areas and add shelves if you want. Stain the whole thing to give it a finished look.

Cut down a wood pallet to make a super simple all-weather doormat. The slats in the wood are perfect for catching that snow and mud before it makes its way into your house. Just cut off the top of a pallet and leave the wood raw for an easy DIY project.

Related: Pallets Not Your Thing? Try These T-Shirt Upcycling Projects Instead

Upcycle the wood from a pallet into a rustic planter for your deck or patio. Use a pry bar to remove the wood and then attach it to a pre-built planter box using nails. You can also make your own simple planter to a specific size and then use the pallet wood to give it that rustic charm. This is awesome for a unique container garden.

Want to add an awesome feature wall to your entertainment room or bedroom? Use pallet wood to get that awesome farmhouse look for very little money. You can stain the wood different shades for a mix-and-match look.

Upcycle an old pallet into a message board or photo backdrop for your event. You can use this simple DIY project at graduation parties or weddings to show off photos or hold messages. Just stain the pallet a weathered wood color and add a sign with a name or message. Then hang twine strings for notes or pictures and use clips to attach them.

Cut down an old pallet or use the wood to make a super simple serving tray that's a wonderful upcycled gift for anyone you know. Sand the wood to get rid of any splinters and make it nice and smooth. Use food-safe oil to finish the tray to avoid water stains, and add some handles from the hardware store to make it easy to carry.

A pallet can become the back of a rustic wood bookcase with a few simple additions. You'll need to use 2x10s or other cut lumber to add sides and shelves to the bookcase after you cut the pallet down to whatever size you'd like. Sand it and stain it any color you like, and then show off your favorite books or decorative items.

Dart boards are awesome, but they can really do a number on your walls (especially if your aim is like ours). Save your wall and show off your dart board at the same time by turning a wood pallet into a backdrop. Choose a pallet with slats that are close together so darts won't get lost between them. Stain the pallet a nice shade and hang it behind your dart board.

A coat rack makes a super easy DIY wood pallet project you can make in an afternoon. Just remove the boards from the pallet and cut them to random lengths. Attach them to a shelf out of pallet wood and stain or finish any color. When the stain is dry, add hooks from the hardware store and hang the rack in your mudroom or entryway.

When it comes to upcycling projects, the versatility and possibility of pallets is pretty incredible. You can really turn them into almost anything with a little imagination and a few simple tools and supplies. Have fun experimenting with lots of DIY ideas for wood pallets to create a ton of custom touches for your home and garden.