Pallet Storage Boxes

Difficulty
Starter Projects
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Make decorative storage boxes out of pallets! Free tutorial from Ana-White.com

Last night, my hip started hurting, so I sat up, careful not to step on Grace who was snoring on the floor using my coat as a pillow, and looked out the window.

The northern lights were blazing across the sky, and the moon glimmered, reflecting off a light dusting of snow on mountain tops. For as far as I could see, there was not a single light, even on this clear night.

I looked closer, wondering if anyone lived down there. The window was cold and I knew we were close to home. I live here, I thought. This is my home.

30 minutes later, I was glad I packed a knee length down jacket around the country - even to places like Atlanta and Houston, as we found our bags, and climbed in a freezing cold car and made our way home in the dark night.

The temperature is -15 degrees below zero, and while we were gone on book tour, winter has come to stay up here in Alaska. We are so glad to be home.

On our book tour, we saw beautiful places and met amazing people. We learned so much, and know the trip was well worth it, and are grateful to have had an opportunity to tour the country and meet so many of you. A very special thank you to those of you who were able to come meet us at a book signing. We are most appreciative.

But there is no place like home. I was so glad to see our little DIY house. This is the longest I've ever left it. And so thankful to snuggle up in our Farmhouse bed and finally get a full night's rest. We are indeed happy to be home.

Living up here in remote Alaska definitely has it's drawbacks thought. It can be very difficult to find the right décor items for my home. That’s one of the big reasons I go the DIY route.

One of the great challenges of putting this book together is getting beautiful photos when I do not have local access to accessories and decor items. When I finished the Storage Shelf with Hooks, and also went to photograph the Lego Coffee Table for the book, I knew I needed something - baskets or boxes to fill up shelves and cubbies.

I can always count on DIY. I made these wood boxes with reclaimed pallet board faces, but are mostly made of new materials. If you don’t have a pallet board, don’t worry – you can use a new board too! I loved the character the house numbers brought to the boxes, but metal handles would be refreshing and useful too!

Customize the size to fit your requirements. For the Lego Coffee Table, I recommend using a 1x12 for the bottom and sides, and for the Storage Bench, a 1x6 works perfectly! I've put together a quick plan below.

For the purpose of these boxes, I just nailed and glued. But if you want a stronger box, definitely go the screw/glue route.

I actually used here 1 1/2" long nails because my pallet boards are only 5/8" thick, and I suspected 2" nails would split out the sides. Just a hunch!

You could use regular nails and a hammer too!

Here's my trick on getting the dark edges. I start with the darker stain first, and apply it very carefully to just the corners. I used Minwax Dark Walnut.

Then I took a lighter stain - Minwax Early American - and rubbed it over the darker stain and blended it into the wood. This made the edges have a more subtle contrast.

Handles would be cute, but we went the house number route.

These nails were a little long, so what I did was attach the numbers with the nails, and then go back on the inside and pound the protruding nail ends flat.

The house numbers were a buck each. The pallets were free. Can't beat that for a cute and functional storage box!

If you prefer diagrams, I put some together for you as well below.

Dimensions

Preparation

Shopping List

• 3 feet of pallet boards OR 1x6 boards
• 2 feet of 1x boards in desired width (1x6s used in plan)
• 1 1/2” finish nails
• Wood glue

Cut List

1 - 1x6 (or other board width) @ 12 1/2” (bottom)
2 - 1x6 (or same board width as bottom) @ 5 1/2” (sides)
2 - 5 1/2” wide pallet boards OR 1x6 boards 14” long (front/back)

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Hammer
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Circular Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

You can easily adapt this plan for a wider box by simply using a wider width board. Just make sure you use the same board for the bottom as the sides.
Attach sides to bottom with glue and 2” nails. You can alternatively use 3/4” pocket holes and 1 1/4” pocket hole screws on underside.

Step 2

Apply glue to exposed edges of front and back of box. Attach front and back with 2” finish nails and glue.

Step 3

For added charm, nail a house number or handles to front. Trying to stay low budget? Drill two holes and loop rope through to create beautiful rustic handles without much added cost!

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

dmcarwin

Wed, 10/24/2012 - 14:20

I am so glad you posted these, I had been admiring them in your book! I especially like the finish.

Jaime Costiglio (not verified)

Wed, 10/24/2012 - 14:31

Ana I bet you're sooooo happy to be home, a well deserved snuggle back in your own bed safe and sound. It was truly an honor to meet up in NYC and I'm looking forward to many, many future projects together.

TBENNE

Thu, 10/25/2012 - 08:49

So glad you posted this because I totally had box envy when I opened up to those projects!! I just finished building my 1st project (the closet organizer) and will be posting a brag once I finish paint. Next will be the living room storage project from the book (sorry I forget what is called) and the side table you posted just recently.

So excited!!

Jen @LM (not verified)

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 10:26

I love those boxes, what a great addition to your space!! My husband and I are inspired by your projects and want to start woodworking together, this would be a great beginner project!

Paula Vanduynhoven (not verified)

Wed, 11/14/2012 - 20:07

I love your idea, I have been collecting a few pallets from the curb of one of my neighbors. He gets huge deliveries for cell towers ...lol. I originally was going to do a few mailbox conversions but this storage ideal is going to be first on my list. We have 2 dogs with lots of accessories that come falling out of the closet every time we grab a leash or sweater. I think this would be so cute to open the door and see a couple of adorable recycled storage boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!