Pallet bookshelves are a popular DIY project that adds a touch of rustic charm to any room. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also budget-friendly and versatile, making them a great choice for those looking to decorate their homes on a budget.
I have myself used pallets for so many projects! I built a Man Cave Wood Pallet Bar for my friend. A Farmhouse Pallet Bed With Rolling Trundle for my son. Pallet Art.
Also made a bookshelf out of an old bench, lol.
Pallet Bookshelf DIY
Today we have Jenna from Jenna Burger Design showing us step-by-step how to make a simple but stylish and farmhouse looking pallet bookshelf.
Supplies Needed for 1 Shelf:
- One Pallet
- Hammer
- Nails
- Jigsaw
- Handsander
- Minwax Jacobean stain (optional)
How To Make A Pallet Bookshelf in 40 min
Depending on the pallet you find / pick up, you can get two bookshelves from one pallet. Each end of the pallet is one bookshelf.
Step 1
Remove / pry off the center wood strip(s) from the pallet (as shown in the above image), using the back of a hammer or crowbar. This wood strip(s) will be reused for the bottom of the bookshelf.
Note: Pallets come in a few difference sizes, so yours may have 1 or multiple center wood strips. My pallet only had one, so I had to use a wood strip from another pallet to create the bottom for my second bookshelf.
Step 2
Reuse the center wood strip and attach it to the side of the pallet, which will soon be the bottom of your bookshelf.
I reused the nails that were already in the wood strip, but you may need / want to use new nails.
It’s time to cut the wood to create the bookshelves!
Step 3
Measure about 1-2″ above the higher wood strip and make a mark for your cuts.
Step 4
Using a jigsaw, make your cuts.
Step 5
Once the cuts are done, your bookshelf is essentially complete.
Step 6
Sand down all the sharp edges using a hand sander or power sander.
Step 7
Stain. I used Minwax Jacobean stain for a dark look. The wood was quite porous, so it soaked it right up!
Step 8
Once completely dry (it took mine a few days to completely dry and not smell anymore), they were ready to hang.
To hang the pallet bookshelves, I used Self-Drilling Drywall Anchors which are great to use when you can’t find a stud (never my strong suit).
And they’re ready to fill with your child’s favorites books.
These pallet shelves are also great for tight spaces since they’re only about 4″ deep.
Imagine a whole wall of them?! They are perfect for schools! It looks so colorful 🙂
Thank you Jenna for this detailed and easy tutorial. Amazing! Considering you can get pallets for free sometimes, the cost of this shelves is next to nothing.
Creating a pallet bookshelf is a fun and budget-friendly DIY project that can add a touch of rustic charm to any room.
With these simple steps, you can easily make your own unique bookshelf that is both stylish and functional.
For more DIY Projects, click here.
If you feel adventurous enough and fancy making your own Bookshelves, see my tutorial here.
Check out as well my 5 Ways For Wood Pallet Recycling.
