Pallet Christmas Decor: 14 Free Wood Projects That Look Straight Out of a Farmhouse Boutique

Pallet Christmas decor is the best kind of holiday magic: it starts as free wood stacked behind a store and ends up as the piece everyone asks about. Rustic farmhouse signs, trees and porch pieces sell for fifty to two hundred dollars in boutiques, yet a single pallet can give you enough boards for two or three projects. One of the most liked DIY videos on MSN this season is a simple pallet idea, and people keep sharing stories of free pallets turned into projects worth real money. Before you start, a quick safety note: use only pallets stamped HT, which means heat treated, and skip any stamped MB. Wear gloves, pull every nail and sand rough edges. After that, all you need is paint, a few ribbons and a cozy afternoon. Here are fourteen easy ideas for every corner of your home..

A Leaning Pallet Christmas Tree for the Porch

This is the project that makes people slow down when they walk past your house. Cut pallet boards into shorter and shorter lengths, screw them onto two upright slats and you have a tall tree shape that leans against a wall. Paint it or leave the wood raw, then add red bows, small ornaments and a burlap star at the top. It takes up almost no floor space, so it works on small porches, balconies and entryways. It is the hero piece of any pallet Christmas decor collection. Where would your leaning tree stand?..

You will need: One heat treated (HT) pallet, a pry bar, a saw (adult only), a drill and wood screws, sandpaper, red ribbon, small ornaments, a burlap star, work gloves.

How to make it: 1. Take the pallet apart with a pry bar, pull every nail and sand the boards. 2. Lay two long slats upright and screw short boards across them, longest at the bottom, shortest at the top. 3. Add a star cut from a scrap board or burlap at the top. 4. Tie red bows and hang small ornaments, then lean the tree against a wall.

Pallet Christmas Decor Tabletop Trees in Three Sizes

Not every home has room for a big tree, but a trio of little pallet trees fits on any table, shelf or windowsill. Stack short slat pieces on a dowel or a center board and you get a modern, Scandinavian looking tree in minutes. Make three sizes and paint one white, leave one natural and stain one dark for a set that looks like it came from a pricey home store. They also make great gifts for neighbors and teachers. Which finish would you choose for your trio?

You will need: Pallet slat scraps, a wooden base block, a wooden dowel, a drill, wood glue, white paint, wood stain, small star cutouts.

How to make it: 1. Cut slats into pieces from 10 inches down to 2 inches. 2. Drill a hole in the center of each piece and in the base block. 3. Glue the dowel in the base and slide the pieces on, largest at the bottom, turning each one a little. 4. Paint or stain each tree and top it with a small wooden star.

A Painted Pallet Porch Sign

A tall porch sign is the first piece of pallet Christmas decor guests see, and you can make one from three pallet boards and a little paint. Paint a simple evergreen tree, a star or a row of snowflakes, or use a stencil to write a short holiday greeting your family loves. Paint pens make neat lines, even if you are nervous about freehand. Set it next to the door with a little greenery and a lantern holding battery lights, and the porch looks styled by a pro. What would your porch sign say?

You will need: Three pallet boards cut to the same length, two short braces, wood screws, white or cream paint, green and red paint, stencils or paint pens, clear outdoor sealer.

How to make it: 1. Lay the boards side by side and screw the two braces across the back. 2. Paint the front white or cream and let it dry. 3. Stencil or paint a tree, a star or your greeting. 4. Seal it with clear outdoor sealer and lean it beside the door.

A Pallet Wood Sled for the Front Step

Vintage sleds are expensive and hard to find, which makes this pallet Christmas decor idea so smart, but a decorative pallet sled looks just as charming on a front step. Two curved runners cut from thick boards and a few slats across the top are all it takes. Tuck a bundle of pine branches, pine cones and a plaid bow on top and it becomes a warm winter welcome that can stay up into January. You can also lean it against a wall indoors as a festive piece of art. Did you ride a wooden sled as a kid?

You will need: Pallet slats, two thicker boards for the runners, a jigsaw (adult only), wood screws, sandpaper, dark stain, pine branches, pine cones, plaid ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Draw a curved runner shape on each thick board and cut them with a jigsaw. 2. Screw four or five slats across the runners. 3. Sand all edges and wipe on a dark stain. 4. Decorate the top with pine, pine cones and a big plaid bow.

Pallet Christmas Decor Slat Star Wall Hanging

Five slats and a few screws make a big rustic star that looks like barn decor from a country store. Hang it above a bed, a sofa or a mantel, or put it outside on a fence. This pallet Christmas decor piece is great for beginners because there are no fancy angles to measure, the slats simply overlap. Wrap it with battery fairy lights or a little greenery to make it feel extra festive. Once the holidays are over, it still looks great as everyday farmhouse decor. Where would your star shine?

You will need: Five pallet slats of equal length, wood screws, a drill, sandpaper, white wash or stain, battery fairy lights (optional), a sawtooth hanger.

How to make it: 1. Sand the slats and paint or stain them. 2. Lay them out in a star shape so each slat overlaps the next. 3. Screw the slats together at each overlap. 4. Add a sawtooth hanger on the back and wrap with battery fairy lights if you like.

A Pallet Wood Advent Calendar With Hooks

A pallet Christmas decor advent calendar that you can use every single year is a smart investment, and this one is made from free wood. Screw a few pallet boards together, add small cup hooks in rows and hang little kraft bags or tiny stockings for each day. Fill them with treats, notes or small activities for the family. When December is over, the board can hold keys, mail or kids’ art. Kids love counting down, and grownups love how pretty it looks on the wall. What would you tuck in the first bag?

You will need: Three or four pallet boards, two braces, wood screws, 24 small cup hooks, 24 mini kraft bags or stockings, number stickers or a marker, twine.

How to make it: 1. Screw the boards together with braces on the back. 2. Mark four rows of six evenly spaced dots and twist in the cup hooks. 3. Number each bag and tie a twine loop on top. 4. Fill the bags and hang one on each hook.

A Rustic Pallet Crate Tree Collar

Tree collars are one of the most popular farmhouse trends, and a perfect job for pallet Christmas decor, and store versions can cost a lot. A simple box made from pallet slats does the same job: it hides the ugly tree stand and makes the tree look taller and more finished. You can build it as four separate panels that hook together, so it stores flat after the holidays. Leave the wood raw or give it a light white wash. Pile wrapped gifts around it and your living room looks like a holiday catalog. Is your tree stand begging to be hidden?

You will need: Pallet slats, wood screws, a drill, sandpaper, white wash paint (optional), small hook and eye latches.

How to make it: 1. Measure your tree stand and cut slats a few inches wider. 2. Build four square panels by screwing slats onto two short braces each. 3. Join the panels at the corners with hook and eye latches. 4. Set the box around the tree stand before you add the gifts.

A Pallet Gingerbread Man for the Yard

A big pallet Christmas decor gingerbread man standing in the yard or by the front door makes every child who walks past smile. Join a few pallet boards, trace a simple gingerbread shape and cut it out with adult help. Paint it a warm cookie brown, then add white icing squiggles, button dots and a red bow. The wood grain shows through the paint and makes it look like a real cookie. You can make a whole gingerbread family in different sizes for the porch. Will yours have a bow tie or a scarf?

You will need: Three pallet boards, two braces, a jigsaw (adult only), light brown outdoor paint, white and red paint, a stake or a wooden stand.

How to make it: 1. Screw the boards together with two braces on the back. 2. Trace a large gingerbread shape and cut it out with a jigsaw. 3. Paint it brown and add white icing lines, buttons and a red bow. 4. Attach a stake to the back and push it into the yard.

A Pallet Board Mantel Shelf for Garland

No fireplace? No problem. A thick pallet board mounted on the wall becomes a faux mantel, the perfect place for garland, stockings and a few framed photos. It gives the room a focal point for the holidays, and it stays useful all year as a rustic shelf. Sand it well, stain it in a warm tone and use sturdy brackets so it holds a heavy garland. Add a few battery candles in lanterns and the corner feels as cozy as a cabin. What would you put on your new mantel?

You will need: One thick pallet board or two boards glued together, wood stain, sandpaper, two strong shelf brackets, wall anchors, a level, garland.

How to make it: 1. Sand the board smooth and wipe on stain. 2. Use a level to mark the bracket spots on the wall and install them with proper anchors. 3. Screw the board onto the brackets. 4. Drape garland across the top and add stockings on hooks underneath.

Pallet Christmas Decor Reindeer From Wood Scraps

Leftover pieces from your other projects can become a sweet little reindeer family. A thick block for the body, four slats for legs, a smaller block for the head and real twigs for antlers are all you need. Add a red bow or a tiny scarf and set them on the porch or by the tree. This pallet Christmas decor idea uses up every last scrap, so nothing goes to waste. Kids love naming them, too. What would you call your reindeer?

You will need: Pallet scraps and thicker blocks, small twigs, wood screws, a drill, wood glue, a red ribbon, sandpaper.

How to make it: 1. Cut a body block about 10 inches long and a head block about 5 inches long. 2. Screw four slat legs to the body. 3. Attach the head with a short slat neck and glue in two twigs as antlers. 4. Tie a red ribbon around the neck.

Pallet Wood Ornament Rounds

Small wood ornaments are a lovely way to use the thickest pallet pieces. Cut short rounds or squares, sand them smooth and paint simple trees, snowflakes or initials on the front. They look like the handmade ornaments sold at holiday markets, and they cost almost nothing. If you want to make extra money, see our wood crafts to sell. Make a set for every family member, or tie them onto gifts as name tags. A clear coat keeps them looking good for years. This is a perfect cozy night project at the kitchen table with a cup of cocoa. Whose name goes on the first one?

You will need: Thick pallet pieces or small wood blocks, a saw (adult only), sandpaper, acrylic paint, paint pens, a small drill bit, twine, clear varnish.

How to make it: 1. Cut small squares or rounds about 3 inches wide and sand them well. 2. Drill a small hole near the top of each piece. 3. Paint a tree, star, snowflake or name on the front. 4. Seal with varnish and thread twine through the hole.

Pallet Christmas Decor Stocking Holder Board

Stocking holders can be heavy, expensive and easy to knock over. A pallet board with a row of hooks solves all of that. Mount it on a wall in the living room or the hallway, add one hook for each family member and hang the stockings. Paint names above each hook if you like. This pallet Christmas decor piece is sturdy enough to hold stockings full of goodies, and after the holidays it works as a coat or towel rack. How many hooks does your family need?

You will need: One long pallet board, sandpaper, stain or paint, black metal hooks with screws, wall anchors, a level, paint pens (optional).

How to make it: 1. Sand and stain the board. 2. Mark evenly spaced spots for the hooks and screw them in. 3. Paint each family name above a hook with a paint pen. 4. Mount the board on the wall with anchors and hang the stockings.

A Pallet Snowman Trio for the Porch

These pallet Christmas decor snowmen will never melt. Cut pallet boards into three different heights, paint them white and add simple faces, buttons and carrot noses with paint. Old socks make perfect hats, and fabric scraps become cozy scarves. Lined up by the door, they look like a happy little family greeting your guests. They can stay out all winter long, well after the Christmas tree comes down. Make them as a group project with kids or grandkids on a weekend afternoon. Which one will be the tallest in your family?

You will need: Three pallet boards (or double boards), white outdoor paint, black and orange paint, old socks or knit hats, fabric scraps for scarves, a hot glue gun (adult help).

How to make it: 1. Cut the boards to three heights, such as 3 feet, 2.5 feet and 2 feet. 2. Paint them white and let them dry. 3. Paint eyes, smiles, buttons and carrot noses. 4. Glue a sock hat on top of each and tie a fabric scarf around the neck.

A Pallet Christmas Decor Tree With Mini Lights

End your pallet Christmas decor with a glow. A flat pallet tree on the wall becomes something magical once you wrap it with mini lights. Simply build the tree shape, then zigzag a strand of battery or UL listed LED lights across the boards. It looks beautiful in a dark hallway, a kid’s room or on a covered porch, and it gives a soft cozy light all evening. Use a timer so it switches on by itself every night. It is the perfect finishing touch to all your other projects. Will your tree glow white or colorful?

You will need: A finished flat pallet tree, a strand of battery or UL listed LED mini lights, small cup hooks or clear clips, a timer (optional).

How to make it: 1. Screw small cup hooks along both sides of the tree, about 4 inches apart. 2. Starting at the top, zigzag the lights from side to side over the hooks. 3. Tuck the battery pack or plug behind the tree. 4. Set a timer so the lights turn on each evening.