Grab An Old Wood Pallet To DIY A Unique TV Stand On A Budget

Wood shipping pallets are an often overlooked source of scrap wood and creative upcycling possibilities. They are an excellent source of solid wood planks that can be used for all sorts of DIY building adventures, including backyard decks, bed frames, and decorative wooden decor. These great projects include a recent game system unit built by Instructables contributor klo_olson14, who uses these pallets to create a custom-designed entertainment center that perfectly fits all necessary tech and accessories. By disassembling the pallets and reconstructing them into a simple shelving unit, the DIY-er creates a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought or expensive custom-built consoles with great results.

Wood shipping pallets can usually be found in abundance behind stores and other businesses free for the taking. You can also ask at many grocery stores or markets if they have some available. While not always in great condition when you find them, for this project, you will be taking them apart for the individual boards. While loose or broken boards are okay, before taking your pallets home, be sure to check for any signs of pests and rot. 

To create a custom entertainment console, begin by disassembling the pallets into individual boards. klo_olson14 suggests staining the boards before beginning construction to make the job easier. You will want to measure the desired height and width of your planned shelves, taking into account the thickness of the boards (typically ½ inch) and the exterior frame. klo_olson14 plans out a unit with nine segments 14 inches across and nine inches deep. 

The unit is held together by cleats created from scrap wood that are the same length as the depth of each shelf. The sides of the unit are constructed of four boards from the palettes screwed together along their length with the cleats where the shelves will be, a process repeated for the other side and the two interior vertical dividers. The top and bottom are also created from longer lengths of four pallet boards screwed into the cleats that join them to the sides and dividers. Once the framework has been created, create the shelves themselves by laying boards between the cleats on each level and fastening them down with nails. 

While klo_olson14 creates a unit with nine compartments for gaming consoles, you can use pallets to create your own custom system of shelves. You can even create a mix of shelf heights to accommodate technology and other objects using the same system of boards and cleats as seen in a video by TikTok user @mou_jie21, whose project includes a large compartment on one side and smaller ones on the other. The Instructables version also includes a kickplate at the bottom created by pallet boards, but you can also use additional cleats to raise the shelves (as seen in @mou_jie21's version) or add other kinds of screw-in legs (like these VISKAFOR ones from Ikea.) 

Since pallets are a great source for unfinished wood, you can also stain the unit to your desired stain, or prime and paint it any color. A solid set of sturdy shelving, these upcycled units also work great for bookshelves, office storage, or a great place for storing clothing and other hidden items in baskets or bins. Because the pallets are usually free, the only cost is the hardware and stain/paint for the project, making it a great way to create inexpensive shelving for all your needs.