This easy Pallet Book Shelf for Kids is the perfect space saving DIY project!
Are you running a little short on storage space? This is never more true than in a little ones room! There never seem to be enough baskets, bins or shelves to organize everything properly. This Pallet Book Shelf is the perfect solution! Not only does it have a rack to organize books, but a shelf on top perfect for smaller toys!
This is the perfect solution for a little ones room because traditional bookshelves have the spin facing outward. This option allows for the covers to be on display, making it perfect for kids who haven’t learned to read yet! This can be hung on the wall or placed on a table to maximize storage options.
How do you make a shelf from pallet wood?
You’ll find a detailed guide below, but this is the general overview:
- Begin by building a box as the frame for the shelf. The dimensions of the box are 30 inches wide, 12 inches high and 4 inches deep.
- Once the box has been built add the center divider and drill in place.
- Add the two horizontal slats across the front, secure in place.
- Lastly, sand and finish the shelf in any way you please.
How do you break down pallets?
Pallets are a great source for your DIY projects. If you look the right places they are readily available, and usually free! Check your local grocery, hardware, or big box stores, they probably have loads of pallets in the back they would love for you to take off their hands.
Breaking down pallets can seem daunting, but it is easier than you think! I wrote an entire post about this that includes step by step photos and video to guide you through the process.
Tips and Tricks
- Straight Boards: make sure your boards are not bowed.
- Square: check your work with a square to make sure everything is perfectly aligned.
- Consider your space: This can be done on a smaller scale to accommodate different areas, for example a narrow section on each side of a window. Just consider the area you need and adjust the measurements accordingly.
- Finishes: If you want to naturally age your wood for a barn wood look, this homemade stain is perfect.
- Get Creative: You can easily add stenciled designs to reflect your child’s unique personality. This is a guide to get a perfect stencil on wood without any bleeding.
Other Easy DIY Projects
Pallet Book Shelf for Kids
Instructions
- The dimensions of the shelf is 30 inches wide, 12 inches high and 4 inches deep. Each slat is one inch high.
- Before getting too far into the project you should check to see if any of the boards are bowed. Above you see that I have a bowed board that can be easily corrected with a
little glue and some clamps. It’s necessary to double check your work with a square.
- 1. Build out the box making sure that everything is square. The dimensions of the shelf is 30 inches wide, 12 inches high and 4 inches deep.
- 2. Next, sand out any of the ruff spots that might cause a sprinter after you have put it into use. Once the box is ready it’s time to add the center divider and the two bottom slats.
- 3. Now it’s time to add the center divider. Be sure it’s square and use a drill for the nail hole there is less chance of making a mistake than when using a hammer to start the nails. The slats are 1 ½ inches tall with a ½ separation between them.
- 4. Now it’s time to finish. I have chosen to age the shelf then paint it with a white paint. Once everything is dry I will rub the piece down to give it a rustic well used look.
