Upcycling Pallet Wood into a Rustic Bookshelf

Article 30: Upcycling Pallet Wood into a Rustic Bookshelf

By: A Woodworker Who Sees Potential in the Unwanted

Turn rough, free pallet wood into a character-filled, functional bookshelf—perfect for the garage or rustic interiors.

Materials

• Pallet slats: at least 12 pieces ~36"x3"x1/2"

• 1x4 pine (for structure): 4 pieces @ 36", 3 @ 24"

• Wood screws or brads

• Sandpaper (coarse to fine)

• Wood stain and poly

Tools Needed

• Pry bar and hammer

• Saw (circular, jigsaw, or hand saw)

• Drill/driver

• Sander

• Clamps

Step-by-Step

1. Disassemble and Clean Pallets
   Use a pry bar and mallet. Remove nails. Sand down rough edges.

2. Build the Frame
   Assemble a rectangle from 1x4s (36"H x 24"W), add a center support and shelves spaced 10" apart.

3. Add Pallet Back and Sides
   Nail pallet slats horizontally for back and vertically on sides if desired.

4. Finish
   Apply a dark walnut stain and 2 coats of satin polyurethane.

Visual Layout

Front View:
 ______________________
|                      |
| [ Shelf 1 - 10" ]    |
|----------------------|
| [ Shelf 2 - 10" ]    |
|----------------------|
| [ Shelf 3 - 10" ]    |
|______________________|

Back: pallet slats