Bookcase with Pallet Backing: Tutorial

So, one morning I got a call from a family friend letting me know that there was some free furniture on the side of the road near her house. So, when I was headed to the store later that day, I swung by to take a look.

 There was a gem of a book shelf, it had cute detailing along the top and was in good condition except that there was no back. 

But that was okay, since I had seen this idea on pinterest awhile back.

So, I loaded it into the back of my vehicle, by myself, which I am getting rather good at doing!

It was just one of those cheapy bookcases with the movable shelfs, like from Ikea.

When I finally got around to doing it, it didn't take too long and was well worth the work to turn something plain and boring into something way cute!

First, you want to prime and paint the bookcase. 

Next, I had a bunch of pallets sitting around so (I see those things on the side of the road daily and can't hardly pass them up!) using a jigsaw I started cutting the boards off. 

The jigsaw will go right through the nails. 

It's a bit scary, but when you have your sister there holding the pallet steady for you while snapping pictures it really sets your mind at ease. 

 It's kind of hard to see where I am making the cuts here, since you don't have a shot of the full pallet, but you will understand where to saw in order to get the full size boards off your pallets. 

Then, using a circular saw, I cut the boards to the fit the back of the case.

I did start taking the nails that I had cut through (they were level with the board, not sharp sticking out) out of the boards, but my sister and I agreed that it looked better with the nails left it.

 Then nail the boards to the back. 

Use a nail gun, it is way faster then hammering. 

There you have it, a plain, cheap old bookcase turned into something better.

Plus the pallets really make the case more sturdy.

I loved the way it looks!