Crafty Genes: Pallet Coffee Table

Project: Pallet Coffee Table

1. Cut and sand
First, find a dry, wood moving pallet in relatively good condition (we found ours propped against a dumpster.) Cut the pallet to fit your space using a saw along supports (we chose 26 inches by 35 inches, but you could also choose 35 inches by 44 inches). Sand the pallet until all edges are smooth, and also sand along the top.

2. Tape
Select a decorative pattern (we chose chevron), measure for consistency, and tape off the design using painter’s tape. Although a stencil can be used, you’ll have better luck with a bigger pattern because the stained portions won’t muddle with the painted portions. Also, the contrast is more apparent using a simple pattern.

3. Paint
Paint your preferred color (we chose black). Any color you use will be slightly shadowed with stain.

4. Stain and seal
After the paint dries, put a coat of stain on the top of the table. Let the top dry before flipping it over to do the back and sides. Use a rag to wipe off any puddling stain. After the stain has dried, seal the table using a clear satin finish polyurethane.

5. Add the legs and an optional glass top
You can find four pre-built, pre-cut table legs at hardware and home-improvement stores. They will need to be stained to match the top. You’ll also need to purchase four table-leg plates to securely attach the legs to the table. We added a glass top. Although it adds an extra layer of protection for the wood, it also increases the project’s cost. If you choose to add glass, adhere four clear rubber bumpers on each corner to go between the glass and table.