What Can I Do with Used Pallets?

Timber pallets are so durable they can be used again and again to transport goods safely and effectively. However, like all materials, timber pallets will eventually reach a stage where they are no longer suitable for their original purpose due to wear and tear or damage. But this doesn’t mean you need to throw them out – used timber pallets can be repaired, repurposed or recycled.

Repair and reuse

If you have pallets that have become damaged due to poor maintenance, improper storage or excessive wear and tear over the years, you might think they are no longer fit for purpose and need to be retired from use. While this may be true in some cases, in many cases pallets can be very effectively repaired, making them fit for their original use once again. In fact, repairing old pallets is almost always a smart business move that can save you a lot of money in the long run. Pallet repair can involve replacing damaged slats, sanding down splinters, removing protruding or rusting nails and realigning slats, transforming damaged unusable pallets into a sturdy and safe finished product which is almost as good as new. Even if you no longer require your pallets, it can be worth repairing them for resale as there is still considerable value in second-hand pallets. Not only is this the most financially savvy, it is also great for the environment, cutting down on the resources and energy required to produce more brand-new pallets.

Repurpose

Timber pallets are incredibly versatile and there are almost endless ways you can repurpose them in the home and garden. Some popular ideas include:

• Bed base – attaching multiple pallets together and adding legs can create a funky, cheap bed base
• Bookshelf – bolt the slats together to create the framework and add plain wooden shelves
• Box – remove the slats from the pallets and use them to create a durable box with a rustic finish
• Planter boxes – simply attach weed matting to the bottom of a pallet and use it as a planter box, or dissemble the box and reuse the slats to build a custom planter box
• Vertical garden – rest or attach your pallet vertically to your fence or garden wall and attach pot holders to the slats to create a vertical garden
• Stools or tables – simply adding legs to a pallet or stack of joined pallets can create a low table, while cutting down a small section of the pallet and adding legs will create a rustic-looking stool

These are just a few ideas, but when it comes to repurposing pallets, the sky really is the limit. The durable, treated timber is endlessly versatile and can be used to make almost any kind of furniture or garden structure, while also being quite visually appealing.

Before repurposing a pallet, ensure it is safe to use by sanding down any sharp areas, replacing any protruding nails and, if using for furniture or bearing weight, ensure there are no broken or damaged boards.

Recycle

If repairing or repurposing your pallets is not an option, recycling offers the chance for the materials to be reused in different ways. Wooden pallets that are sent for recycling are dismantled and non-wooden elements (nails) are removed, while the wood is then processed to be reused to create other products such as chipboard, woodchips, mulch, biofilters and even biomass, a source of renewable energy.

Timber pallets are one of the most useful and versatile items you will ever come across. Due to the way they are designed, they can very often be repaired and reused for their original purpose by dismantling them and replacing any damaged elements. They are also incredibly popular and useful in interior design, gardening and the creation of cheap but durable furniture. Finally, even pallets that have reached the end of their life can be useful again once they are recycled into new forms.

If you have used timber pallets you can no longer use, talk to Cooperage Pallets about our pallet repair service, or alternatively we can purchase your pallets off you to sell as second-hand pallets. Contact us today to give your used pallets a new lease on life.