Pallet Wood Box

My initial thought was to make a pallet wood tray with rope handles. That idea evolved into first a box, then a box with a lid. I showed some sketches to my husband and he built a prototype out of rough mahogany without me even knowing about it. How sweet! I was really excited then, but I wanted to make it from weathered pallet boards, so we got to work.

We cut the boards as we were fitting it together like a puzzle.

One of the end pieces is shorter to allow for the lid to close.

We drilled 3/16" holes 1/4" deep in the sides of the lid for 1/2" long wooden dowels 5/8" from the end of the lid.

We drilled 3/16" holes 1/4" deep on each side piece 1 1/4" from the end if using 1/2" thick boards.

We glued the pieces together with wood glue and used a brad gun to secure it. On the fresh cut ends like the end of the lid shown in this picture I applied a mixture of a little black, grey and brown acrylic paint and wiped it off with a paper towel. You have to experiment to get it right.

The dimensions of the box are 9 1/4" long x 4 3/4" deep x 3 1/2" tall. The boards used are 1/2" thick x 3 1/2" wide. It's not absolutely perfect but that's ok. It's rustic!

There are many ways to decorate and use this box. Decorate it for the holidays.

Add a flameless candle, greenery and a bow, or potpourri.

Tie a bow around it and put a surprise inside for a great gift.

My original plan for the box was attaching rusty tiny horseshoes to the sides as shown here. The box could be painted or you could use wooden adornments, nails and tacks, or bling. Use the décor scheme that suits you.