You just bought a new sawzall, and you are eager to start a DIY wood project. Well, today were going to show a step by step guide to building a cool rustic wall shelf out of pallets. Pallet projects are hot right now, and this pallet wall shelf in particular has a very rustic wall shelf look that will be sure to have your guests talking.
If you need some help finding free pallets and reclaimed wood for this pallet wall shelf project, check out our article on how to find free pallets.
Jake Schmanke created this tutorial. Here’s a glimpse at the final product.
WhatYoull Need:
- Four 91 cm pallet boards
- Two thicker pieces of reclaimed wood to use as rustic wall shelves
- One rustic/vintage hook
- To brace the pallet wall shelf’s back, one thin (3 cm) board
- Tape measure
- Compound miter saw. This is our top-rated miter saw.
- Pencil for marking measurements
- Eight 3 cm screws
- Four 6 cm screws
- 3/32 drill bit
Step By Step Guide:
Step 1: Cut 4 Pallet Boards To 91cm.
You may not want your boards exactly even, but you should start with a length of 91 cm. Simply mark the measurements with your pencil, then use your miter saw to make the cuts:
Step 2: Measure And Mark Shelves
For the bottom shelf, the design shown only used about 18 cm of shelf. So measure one of your shelves to 18 cm and then cut it. This design creates a 28 cm shelf for the rustic top wall shelf. Cut your second shelf to 28cm.
Step 3: Cut The Shelves
These shelves measure 18 cm and 28 cm respectively. However, you can make them as long as you like or as small as you want, depending on what you intend to hang.
Step 4: Mark And Cut The Braces
Mark your 1 inch scrapboard with a pencil to make 2 pieces. These 2 pieces will be placed on the back side of your pallet wall shelf. They will also serve as braces to help it stay in place. Simply mark the scrap board to be slightly smaller than your shelf’s width. Once youve marked it, cut your 3 cm board so you get 2 back braces out of it.
Step 5: Flip Your Pallet Boards Over AndAttachThe Braces
Once youve flipped the boards so you are now working on what will be the backside of your shelf, simply put your braces in place andattach them with one inch screws, using at least 3 screwsspaced throughoutyour brace. Note: Place your braces exactly where you intend to place your shelves. The braces will give you extra support and allow you to use more wood for the shelf attachments.
Step 6: Mark And Level Your Shelves
Use a pencil and a small level to place your shelves on the front of your shelving unit. To give your shelves extra support, make sure they are directly on top the braces that you have attached to the back. Mark a line on both sides, so you can see where your shelf will be attached.
Step 7: Pre-drill Your Holes
Flip the shelf on its side, and hold your shelf into place firmly using your pencil marks to make sure you are holding it level and in place. Then, use your drill bit to drill straight through your brace, the pallet wall shelf back, and the shelving board.Pre-drilling your holes will make putting the screws in a whole lot easier!
Step 8: Screw In One Side Of The Shelf
After youve drilled the pilot hole, put one of your 2
Step 9: Level The Shelf Before Putting In Your Second Screw
Once the shelf is level, drill a pilot hole for your second screw and repeat steps 8 until it’s confirmed.
Step 10: Repeat For Shelf #2
Attach your second shelf following the same steps that you used for the first one remember that drilling pilot holes will make putting your screws in much easier.
Step 11: Attach Your Rustic Hook
One reason for leaving the shelves a little more narrow in this design is so you can add a rustic looking hook to hang a hat, jacket, etc. next to your shelves. If you have one, find a vintage looking hook and simply attach it with a 3 cm screw.
Youre done!
To watch Jakes video tutorial to making this shelf, please see below:
