What is a Free-Standing Pallet Wall? As evident from the name, free-standing pallet walls do not require any support. Generally constructed with repurposed wooden planks, they can stand upright on the ground under all circumstances.
Before you go through the step-by-step guide to building a DIY free standing pallet wall, you must try to learn what this structure is used for. Free standing pallet walls can act as partition or temporary walls providing privacy in tiny apartments. They can also be utilized to display photographs, notices, restaurant menus, etc. Brightening up remote areas is another benefit you should not overlook.
Steps on how to build a Free-Standing Pallet wall
1. Collect the Supplies
To start this home renovation project, you should collect the correct supplies. Purchase a saw, nails, screws, bolts, 80-grit sandpaper, pine wood, protective sheet, screwdriver, power drill, wood glue, shelving feet, pallets, and wood finish from the local hardware store.
If you have all the tools and materials stated above, you can successfully avoid the undesirable speedbumps. The most annoying part about installing a new feature in your house is to stop because you forgot about a particular tool or material.
2. Figure Out the Wall’s Dimensions
If you wish to build a freestanding pallet wall, you must first figure out the dimensions. How big do you want the wall to be? That’s the question you need to ask yourself. Almost all such projects have different breadths and a height that is a bit under any door’s usual height.
After you are sure about the dimensions, go ahead and cut the pine boards. They will act as the bottom and top plates of the free-standing pallet wall. If the wall is larger than the breadth of one plate, you have to get another plate. You will be using the third plate to connect the first and second plates.
3. Install the Studs and Sand the Edges
Studs will incorporate structure to the wall. You have to lay the pine plates and install the studs on top of them. Make sure each stud is around 15 inches away from the other. Count and make cuts.
Time to smooth the wood using sandpaper. Sand the edges and corners as you would not be able to work on them later.
4. Power Drill
Grab the power drill and switch the normal drill bit with a 1/16 inch one. Flip the pine plates so you can see the wider portion. Create two holes in the similar area you have installed the studs. Attach screw tips to each hole.
Add glue to every stud and stud mark. Or else, you have to go back and fix the studs later.
5. Add Paneling
How to build a free-standing pallet backdrop? Well, the fifth step is to incorporate paneling to the pine plates. The plates must be breadth-side up. Always add paneling on the bottom and top plates. Do not forget to cut the excess. Fix the paneling with screws and nails. You will have the base of your pallet wall and an adorable background. The plates should be noticeable when you look at the wall from the front.
6. Fix the Pallets
To put the pallets together, you have to first keep the pallets on the ground face down. Now use 3-inch bolts to fix the pallets on the plates. If the pallets are a bit long, please cut them using a saw. With a spare wood, your pallet board will be properly fixed and your wall will look even.
Next, you must find out whether you want a hangable wall or a wall that is completely covered with wood. The two options include –
- You can fill the pallet gaps with long boards. This will ensure a uniform look. You have to sand the reclaimed portions to acquire the exact color.
- You can use pallet gaps to hang trendy lights or artworks. This is easy as it does not involve any additional steps.’
7. Finish the Texture
The experts providing the best free standing pallet wall ideas said after everything is assembled, you have to add a layer of wood finish to the pallet. If you wish to opt for a smoother look, you must use sandpaper to get rid of the splinters. Even if you do not remove the splinters, you have to sand the sides of the wall so that it looks even.
Another amazing way to make sure the splinters have been sanded away is by rubbing a washcloth or a cotton shirt against the pallet. Keep sanding until the area looks cent per cent smooth. This particular trick helps ensure no slivers down the road.
Additional Steps
Two more steps that can escalate the quality of your pallet wall are as follows –
Stain the Wood
Staining the wood is equally necessary as the seven steps stated above although many people forget about it. Please try not to make this mistake.
Use a protective sheet to cover the paneling that is beneath the pallet’s wood. Add lots of varnish to the plates and pallet wood in the color you like. Adhere to the instructions specified on the container. Allow the stain to fully dry. This will provide your free-standing pallet wall a polished appearance.
Do not move the wall anywhere until the stain has dried or else you will end up hampering its shine. You will have to re-sand the whole wall and re-stain it again.
Add an Extra Feet
Lastly, get metal feet and attach them to the corners of the wall. This enhances the stability and also lets you maneuver the wall more efficiently. Use metal feel that can be bolted to the plates and that extend in both directions.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning on building a free standing pallet wall, please implement the above-mentioned steps as diligently as possible. Also, do not buy pallets as there are several places where you will get them for free. Call the various stores in your locality and ask if they want to give away old pallets. A few may be painted but you can always sand the color away.
