Monday, June 10, 2013

There Are Many Uses For The Wood Pallet Rack

By Grace Daniels


Many people are conscious of the environment and there is a movement towards reuse and re-purposing many items. An example is the many ideas for recycling a pallet rack. In the past this item was most often dismantled and used for firewood. While that is one way to reuse the wood, there are an unlimited number of items that can be built from the material. Most are unique and all are functional.

The pallets are made from plywood, particleboard or softwood such as poplar or ash. The ones built for supporting heavy loads are made of hardwood such as oak. They come in sizes that range from small, which is 31.5 inches x 47.24 inches or large which is 40 inches x 48 inches. Their dimensions and the variety of wood used make them perfect for constructing different household and outdoor items.

Do not use for firewood or reuse for building projects unless you know it has not been treated with wood preservatives, pesticides or fungicides. Also use caution when recycling due to imported goods having been routinely fumigated with highly toxic pesticides which may spill onto the pallet.

A person can buy their pallets from the source. Most urban areas will have a company nearby that makes pallets for sale. Also many businesses such as feed stores, grocery stores and most retail stores have pallets stacked in the back. Ask if you can have or purchase them. Most often the business will be happy if you take them. However, do not just drive up and make off with several.

There are many ideas posted on the internet for use of this material. None of the projects will take much time and require little if any additional money. Some of the items people are building are cages for small animals such as rabbits. Also, raised beds for flowers and vegetables, fences, potting sheds, tables, barns, fire wood shelters, are being built with pallets.

Floor covering has been constructed in unique designs using the wood slats. Ceiling and walls have also been covered with the wood. Home furnishings such as coffee tables, sofas, chairs, shelves, bookcases, and desks have been built using the pallets. There are also small cabins and homes being built using this same resource.

Business are also getting into the act and using them for functional office furniture that includes work desks, tables and chairs. A few restaurants and bars are covering parts of their wall with the slats. They make chandeliers that have Mason jar lights hanging from them. Also, several drinking establishments have used the wood slats for the construction of their bar top and floor covering.

When wanting to build something unique for the home, consider these ideas for recycling a pallet rack. The internet is a rich source of information, directions, and photographs of completed projects. These are projects perfect for the do it yourself person or those who want to reduce their footprint on the environment.




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