pallet storage boxes woodworking plans
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.
Shopping List:
• 3 feet of pallet boards OR 1×6 boards
• 2 feet of 1x boards in desired width (1x6s used in plan)
• 1 1/2” finish nails
• Wood glue
Tools:
measuring tape
square
pencil
hammer
safety glasses
hearing protection
circular saw
nailer
sander
Cut List:
1 – 1×6 (or other board width) @ 12 1/2” (bottom)
2 – 1×6 (or same board width as bottom) @ 5 1/2” (sides)
2 – 5 1/2” wide pallet boards OR 1×6 boards 14” long (front/back)
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.
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!
