Pallet Crafts: Make a Tea Light Holder

Pallet Crafts: Tea Light Holder

Pallet crafts are such a fun way to keep waste out of the landfill, and this tea light holder is beautiful in its simplicity!

A lot of pallet crafts call for a lot of special materials, and what I love about this one from our friend David Quilty at The Good Human is that you really don't need special tools or woodworking skills to make this candle holder. The finished project has a rustic look, so even if you're using a hand saw, you'll end up with a very nice-looking candle holder when it's all said and done.

I know, I always talk about this when I talk about pallet crafts, but it's so important! When you're sourcing your pallet, you want to be sure that you're using one that's headed for the landfill. Don't just nab a pallet from behind the local big box store. Make sure you pop inside and ask. If they don't have any pallets that are being discarded, ask them to contact you when they do have one. You're saving them money on disposal fees, so don't be shy about asking!

craftRECYCLED logo

This simple project only requires a few simple tools and supplies. You will need:

  • A wood pallet
  • A way to cut the pallets to size - David used a miter saw, but you can also use a hand saw if you're patient
  • Wood glue
  • Spade or hole drill bits
  • Wood clamps
  • Sand paper
  • Tea lights

That's it! Just a few basic tools, and you're ready to get crafty. David has detailed instructions, including plenty of images to help you along the way over at The Good Human. Click here for the full tutorial!

5 Wood Pallet Crafts: Weekend Project Ideas!

wood pallet crafts: succulent table

Need a fun weekend project? How about some good ol' wood pallet crafts to keep you busy and revamp your decor or your garden!

Wood pallets are becoming popular as craft materials, and that's because we use (and discard) so darn many of them. The trick to wood pallet crafts is making sure that the pallets you choose are safe for crafting, and then disassembling them while preserving the wood planks.

Tracking down wood pallets for crafting doesn't have to be difficult, but you do want to make sure that the pallet you're using has outlived its usefulness in the shipping industry. Don't just grab a pallet that you see outside a shop - businesses reuse them! Instead, ask the store manager if they have any pallets that are past their prime. Big box stores are a good place to start, especially home improvement stores that get a lot of big shipments. Don't be shy about asking - if you take an old pallet or two off their hands, they don't have to bother with disposal. Most big businesses like that have to pay for trash disposal, so you're doing them a favor.

Wood Pallet Crafts

upcycled ottoman

1. Upcycled Ottoman

This plush, upcycled ottoman might not look like it's made from wood pallets, but that's part of the charm of this project.

2. Pallet Planter

Transform an old wooden pallet into a vertical planter for ornamentals or succulents. You can also use this method to create an herb planter, but you want to be 100% sure that the pallet you're using is made from untreated wood. Click here for details on how to tell if your pallet is made from treated wood.

wood pallet bookshelf

3. Wood Pallet Bookcase Makeover

Transform that an ugly, pressboard bookcase into an heirloom piece with some sweat equity and an old wood pallet.

4. DIY Succulent Table Planter

Pallet wood planks make a beautiful outdoor table with a planter embedded right in the center. Wouldn't this make a magical spot for entertaining?

5. Pallet Desk

Want to get in on the wood pallet crafts craze but aren't super good at wood working? This pallet desk is easy peasy and very fresh. No wood working skills required!

Have you done anything fun with old wood pallets? Tell us about your favorite wood pallet crafts in the comments!