Skip to Content

DIY Pallet Table with Reclaimed Wood Legs

Sharing is caring!

This is the story of four table legs that were found out in the road. These poor legs were filthy and covered in mud.  But they were curvaceous and full of rugged personality and that is what my husband saw when he spotted them out there by themselves.  Little did he know, the can of worms he’d be opening up by bringing them home and trying to transform them into a DIY pallet table

The Drunken Table and a Fall Vignette www.theboondocksblog.com

Making a DIY Pallet Table

Here are the beauties my hubby brought home.  They were cracked and in some places even rotting. But he could not resist their lovely imperfections. I guess I must be rubbing off on him. ​

The Legs Before, The Drunken Table and a Fall Vignette www.theboondocksblog.com

We sanded the pallet down to get it ready. ​(Have you seen our collection of 20+ pallet projects to make?)

The pallet after sanding, The Drunken Table and a Fall Vignette www.theboondocksblog.com

Of course, for some reason when we nailed the legs on our DIY pallet table would not stand straight. So I took to calling it the drunken table. ​

Attaching the legs, The Drunken Table and a Fall Vignette www.theboondocksblog.com

Now my husband was determined to make sure those legs were not wobbly.  So he came up with this idea of adding a piece of wood and then using brackets to secure the legs onto the pallet.  Here is where things went crazy.  The bits we used with the drill were worn out, in fact they were useless.  It took us days to find the right bits in order to put the screws through the brackets. ​

Brackets used to attach legs, The Drunken Table and a Fall Vignette www.theboondocksblog.com

At this point you might think we were a little drunk to try it like this, being that we are amateur carpenters.  But in fact, it worked and the table didn’t look as drunk on its feet any more. ​

The standing table, The Drunken Table and a Fall Vignette www.theboondocksblog.com

This whole pallet table looked a little blah to me. I wanted to add some color to it but not use stain.  I had seen that Marie of The Interior Frugalista had made a natural wood stain using vinegar and steel wool and I really liked the idea.  You can see it here.  It gives a rich earthy color to the pallet. ​

The

The only problem was I couldn’t get a hold of the #0000 steel wool. Living here in the boondocks has its disadvantages.  I used the wool I had and improvised by adding a few rusty nails in the mixture instead. After a few days it was ready. ​

Applying the natural wood stain solution, The Drunken Table and a Fall Vignette www.theboondocksblog.com

I applied it straight from the jar, using the steel wool I had.  Be sure to wear gloves here as it can get a bit messy. Here it is all dry after one coat. ​

After one coat of natural wood stain solution, The Drunken Table and a Fall Vignette www.theboondocksblog.com

This is the pallet wood color after three coats of the vinegar cocktail, or as Marie calls it “Giggle Juice”. I love those rich earthy tones. ​

Picture

The next step was to take care of those legs. I had sanded them down earlier.​

The sanded legs, The Drunken Table and a Fall Vignette www.theboondocksblog.com

I chose to paint them white in contrast to the deep earthy tones of the pallet.  Here you can see that the cracks are still present. And I let some of the darker color peek through. ​

legs painted white, The Drunken Table and a Fall Vignette www.theboondocksblog.com

You must be wondering what I’m going to be doing with my drunken table.  I have placed it outside on the balcony and will be using it to photograph on. The light out here is so much better and I am quite the eyeful with my camera and my pajamas.  I’ve added another pallet  behind and lifted it up on two pieces of wood to give it height. That will be the backdrop. ​

The finished table, The Drunken Table and a Fall Vignette www.theboondocksblog.com

   ​
​Here you can see it in action.  This is a vignette I’ve photographed on the table with the lighter colored pallet as a backdrop. 

The fall vignette, The Drunken Table and a Fall Vignette www.theboondocksblog.com
Pinecones in the fall vignette, The Drunken Table and a Fall Vignette www.theboondocksblog.com

No matter how cold it may get, the light is still better out here so it’s important for me to have this space in order to take good photos.​

 Glass pitcher with rosemary, The Drunken Table and a Fall Vignette www.theboondocksblog.com

My repurposed rustic wood slices are so versatile. I use them all year long. ​

Repurposed rustic wood slices, The Drunken Table and a Fall Vignette www.theboondocksblog.com
The backdrop of the vignette, another pallet, The Drunken Table and a Fall Vignette www.theboondocksblog.com
Details of the vignette, The Drunken Table and a Fall Vignette www.theboondocksblog.com
The pallet table with pumpkins, The Drunken Table and a Fall Vignette www.theboondocksblog.com

And that is the tale of the drunken DIY pallet table. It took a while to get those legs attached to the pallet. But in the end I think it was worth all the trouble. Thanks to my friend Marie of The Interior Frugalista and her “Giggle Juice”, I am loving my deep dark wood pallet table now.

Of course, you will be seeing a lot more of my drunken table now that it is finally standing tall. Have you ever made any furniture using pallets? Our DIY pallet couch was super easy to make and we enjoy it all season long. 

What do you think, should I continue to call it the drunken table or should we come up with a better name for it?​

Collage of before and after images of a DIY pallet table.
  1. Nam says:

    Great post.

  2. KELLIE says:

    This is super cool!!! love this project & thank you for linking up to Waste not Wednesday link party we post our favs tomorrow and I chose yours!

  3. I just love that your hubby brought those amazing legs home!! Your table turned out great 🙂 Thank you for sharing at TaDa Thursday!!! I love all of your posts!!

    • Mary says:

      Thank you Susanne. I love sharing my blogging with him and he is happy to contribute whenever he has the time.

  4. Diana says:

    LOL–drunken table! I think it has great rustic charm, Mary. You and your husband do good work together 🙂 Thanks for linking up your posts with us at Vintage Charm.

  5. Lynn Spencer says:

    Hey Mary, love your drunken table and it’s so important to have that ‘perfect’ photography spot. And i’d imagine, with your weather, you’ll be able to use it year-round.
    And I love a piece with history, with a story, and your little table has it in spades!
    Thanks for the story of the drunken table…it’s a good one.
    Hugs, Lynn

    • Mary says:

      Lynn, if you don’t have a good spot for photos you can waste hours on editing and it still won’t look good. This was such a blessing in disquise for me.

  6. Good Morning, Mary,
    Did you get a new blog design? Something looks different. It’s brighter and very pretty.
    Your table is adorable. You are so creative with all your re-designs.
    I’m not sure if you joined Thursday Favorite Things with this but if so, thank you for sharing and if not, get your bootie over there. I enjoy seeing your posts in the mix.
    Happy Sunday, but it might be Monday in your neck of the woods. So have a good week, my friend.
    Olivia

    • Mary says:

      Thank yo.u Olivia for that sweet message. I gave the blog a makeover after all I makeover everythng else.
      I always try to join up to your wonderful party. I don’t t hink I’ve missed it in a year. Happy Sunday to you.

  7. Hi Mary! I love that table and the contrast of the darker wood and white legs. What a marvelous idea to have a table outside to photograph on. I could put one right on the back porch! Great job!

    • Mary says:

      Cathy I have gotten so much use out of this table, it has been a life saver. And the light is perfect for the photos. Put one on the porch and you will not regret it.

  8. Your husband is the best for picking these up! Don’t you love it when they find something and know that you could turn it into something cool? I find that more special than flowers! It means they are listening and they believe in you, that is the coolest!
    I really love the table, the stain color is perfect, not too light and not too dark, and I can’t believe you made it yourself! Talk about giggle juice? It would make me happy enough to giggle too!
    And the contrast between the legs and the top is stunning! I’m not surprised that you repurposed this into something so lovely, I need to find some curvy legs of my own!

    • Mary says:

      I have to agree with you Nikki. These legs are way more special than flowers. And he is in tune with me when it comes to my blog. That really makes me happy.
      Now that the table is done, I love photographing using the other pallet as backdrop.

  9. Ilka says:

    Mary – such a great DIY idea! I love the nature inspired squash decorations as well! Happy Fall!

    • Mary says:

      They are so pretty the real ones and when we are done with decorating, we can make pumpkin pie, which is what my girls are looking forward to.

  10. Mary, nobody could pass by this post with that name!! You amaze me with your redos.
    Thank you so much for sharing at Thoughts of Home on Thursday. 🙂

  11. Marjan says:

    Love the color of the Giggle juice! And I can almost smell the Rosemary…

  12. What a clever and cute table.

  13. Debbie says:

    HiMary, I think the drunken table is the perfect name for it. Who wants a perfectly straight table anyway? It will make the perfect place for your photographs.
    We don’t see those pallets as much as we used to, but when my husband sees one he’ll always pick it up. He actually made the picket type fencing that goes along the top of our wall out of pallet wood.
    xx

    • Mary says:

      Exactly Debbie, I think perfection is overrated!! These things are so versatile and lately I’ve been collecting them for future use.

  14. I’ve read a lot about the vinegar stain but haven’t had the chance to try it. Mary, I love the way it turned out on the pallettes and those legs are gorgeous. It looks like the perfect spot to do your photography! I love it! xo

    • Mary says:

      Carla, I had seen it around in some blogs, and then when Marie did it, well I just had to try it. Needless to say it has exceeded my expectations. The color is so warm and beautiful.

  15. You and your hubby make the perfect pair…he finds the stuff and you put it to good use.
    Love this table and the juice was just the right touch.
    xxx

    • Mary says:

      That juice was the best. I need to make some more one of these days and find something else to put it on. Hope you are well Doreen

  16. Michele says:

    You have to love something from nothing! I love the story of the drunken table. It will be nice to have a place to stage the things you photograph. The light in Greece is always stunning!

    • Mary says:

      That table has been a life saver for me. It is in the perfect spot so that I get the light and not the rain.

  17. Deborah says:

    Absolutely LOVE!!!!!

  18. I love your “drunken table”! It turned out so cute, and you and your husband sound like the perfect match! Thanks so much for sharing at Celebrate It!

  19. I don’t have the vision for projects like this #inspirememonday@_karendennis

  20. Very interesting project and I’m so glad you were able to build a space to take your photos. Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty

  21. Kippi says:

    I love a good DIY and up-cycle and this project is both! Great project I want one too. Happy Fall, Kippi

  22. What a neat idea and a fun story to go along with it! Your table came out grate, an awesome place to take pictures. I need to set up my own outdoor photo space, it’s just so dang dark in the house and artificial lighting is not cutting it for me!

  23. I very much enjoyed reading the tale of the drunken table and the fall vignette, Mary! It turned out beautifully. Pinning. Thank you for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party.

  24. Kim says:

    Awesome table, awesome fall decor, awesome tale, Mary! You know me, I love a good story! I have to go check out Marie’s giggle juice. I hate the smell of stain and your results are beautiful. 😊

  25. I think it’s an interesting table! Came out great. Love those legs! 
Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Hope to see ya next week!
    Kim

  26. Kathy A says:

    Give your husband a hug from all of us who struggle with our DIY by ourselves. My significant other bought a wire brush drill bit to sand a project for me recently and I thought I would have to have my jaw relocated professionally! Although he lugs stuff unendingly for me to and from my booths, it is not something he is interested in although he listens patiently. Your table is awesome, perfect for outdoors. Greece is my dream vacation; I’ve always heard that the light is SOOO bright. Yes, that’s true from your pictures!

    • Mary says:

      Kathy it really is too bright here. That’s why we have the siesta hour and everything closes between 2 and 6 in the summertime. I think most of the masses crawl out in the evening. Thank you for your sweet comment. I hope you make it to Greece one day.

  27. What a project! Those legs are really cool on that table. I love finding unique stuff like that that is being thrown away but has a different value….a new creation. Great idea for a backyard table for your camera shots!

    • Mary says:

      Would you believe me if I told you it is on the balcony. We get great light there and a blogger’s gotta do what she’s gotta do! 😉

  28. Jelica says:

    Loved this DIY, Mary! You have an amazing way of seeing beauty in things that others don’t. Your hubby seems to be picking up the ‘treasure-from-trash’ gene, too. Those table legs are so lovely now and look great against the pallet table top. That table has so much charm and character. A real rustic beauty.

    • Mary says:

      I was so excited when he bought them home Jelica! Yes he has caught the bug from me we are partners in crime!

  29. Julie says:

    I love the story of the drunken table, a perfect name.
    What a lovely place to take your photos, I think we all struggle with getting good light, especially in winter. I now visualise you out on the balcony in your PJ’s and maybe a dressing gown, blanket or onesie getting those precious pics!

    • Mary says:

      You got it Julie. Me and my jammies. Thank goodness I live high up so that the people walking on the street don;t see me

  30. Brenda Young says:

    Love the rustic pallet table Mary, the vinegar steel wool concoction is one of my favorites for finishing pallets! Thanks for sharing your project at #fridaysfurniturefix.

  31. Nikki Gwin says:

    Mary I not only love the drunken table, but that vignette is awesome! Great job. I love when my Mr. brings home good junk.
    🙂 gwingal

  32. I love what you done with these finds, and how determined you were to make the table work / sober up 😛 The table looks great!

    • Mary says:

      I am was so determined and so was the hubby. We spent days looking for the pieces to the drill and so forth. Sometimes you wonder if it would not get done faster if it was manual instead of with all those power tools. Thanks Jade.

    • Cheryl says:

      I love your ideas and projects. You kept me on the end of my seat with that trunk, thinking all the time it was going to be a catastrophe, right to the end when it turned out fabulous. ‘]
      And I love the drunken table, name and story, it is quite unique and makes a wonderful spot to take vignette photos. Your photos are wonderful.

      • Mary says:

        Thank you so much Cheryl. I believe that a blog is for entertainment above all else and if I can give you a good story along with lots of mistakes then I have done my job. Anyway the journey there is always much more interesting than just the end result.

  33. What could be more fitting than a drunken table from absorbing a large pint of giggle juice. A perfect match I’d say! Looking forward to seeing future projects photographed on your fabulous new backdrop! Thanks a bunch for the mentions and links to my giggle juice recipe, much appreciated girlfriend. 🙂 xo

    • Mary says:

      So I’m thinking that maybe you should copyright that name, “The Giggle Juice”. Eveyone is talking abou it now, you’re becoming a regular celebrity Marie. Thanks for the recipe.

  34. You go Mary! Looks really good and a fabulous backdrop! What a great find by hubby! Nothing like working together to achieve this beauty! Wish mine would pick up stuff for me – but that would be asking too much. Lol! You sure do have a winner there!

    • Mary says:

      Hubby has developed quite the eye for these diy projects Gail I was absolutely thrilled when he bought these babies home. He is a keeper for sure.

  35. Katrin says:

    Hahaha, that is so sweet to call it the drunken table, it got some giggly juice and couldn’t stand straight lol! How sweet of your husband and also wow, that he found those beautiful legs out on the streets and took them for you! It makes for a beautiful photo table Mary, but I’m sure you could eat on it too and have a family dinner, I love how rustic it looks! So unique!

    • Mary says:

      We really got lucky with these beauties Katrin. I am so happy with how it turned out. And now it will be my special table just for my crafts. We could also eat out there weather permitting.

  36. Baba says:

    Well Mary you’ve done it again. What a fantastic idea. I have one pallet sitting on a shelf way up, doing nothing. I am going to do the same thing with it. I’ll use it as a back drop or a table for my food blog. I’m patiently waiting to use my shed (studio) in which this would be a great place for it for I also have a work table there too which would be ideal for this.
    You have such terrific ideas. Things I would never think of. Keep them comming.

  37. You have a special husband to bring you lovely legs like that. What does that say about us. we would rather have roadside legs then roses. But the table is fantastic and now you will remember your wonderful husband when you are doing your photography.

    • Mary says:

      Absolutely Debra. He is a keeper, he really understands me and puts up with my madness. The nice part is that he is now seeing the beauty in the roadside rejects.

  38. Hello Mary,
    I cannot but wonder about the things you are able to find at the side of the road. And I cannot but marvel about what you make out of these things. Drunken or not: that table ist lovely!
    Have a nice evening,
    Marjan

    • Mary says:

      Marjan this one was all my husbands doing, And thank goodness for that otherwise I would not have this lovely space to photograph.

  39. Daphne says:

    Good Afternoon Mary, Thank heavens your husband rescued those lovely table legs.
    I do understand how difficult it is to get good lighting for photographs, because I suffer with the same problem during the darker winter nights, so the fact you have solved this problem….. and have somewhere to display the items you are going to photograph is brilliant.
    Now as far as the drunken table is concerned, brilliant a name as it is, I think it should be renamed the ‘Giggle Table’ becasue you will always smile…. and maybe giggle a little when you use this table.
    Have a lovely day.
    Best Wishes
    Daphne

    • Mary says:

      We really lucked out Daphne. When he came home with them I was so happy. I guess your suggestion is fitting since every time I look at that table it does make me giggle.
      The problem with the darkness in the winter months is real. I have gone out into the balcony in freezing weather just to get a decent photo.

  40. Your table has a beautiful rustic flair! The paint really adds to the overall character. Love it and you did a fabulous job!

    • Mary says:

      Thank you Robin. It was all Marie’s doing and her Giggle Juice which gave it that beauiful warm tone.

  41. Your table turned out great Mary. The legs are little beauties! I use the vinegar and steel wool solution all the time, but have never tried using rusty nails but I can see how that would work just as well. I love that you stained the top and painted the legs white leaving some of the aged wood showing through.
    Looks great and will be a great place to take your photos.

    • Mary says:

      I had to use the rusty nails Linda. The steel wool I had was not #0000 and apparently that makes a difference because the vinegar was not changin color at all. Once I added the rusty nails the color changed within a matter of hours.

  42. I really loved the tale of the drunken table! It turned out pretty good and it has the positive message of never giving up!

    • Mary says:

      That’s right. We were determined to get it on it’s feet no matter what ! Never mind the fact that we spent a small fortune on bit pieces for the electric drill.

  43. What a clever idea to use a pallet as table top, Mary. Your project turned out great. It’s nice to have a hubby who looks out for junk that can be turned into something wonderful, isn’t it?
    Thank you so much for your kind comment! 🙂 I’m sure I blushed when I read it.
    xo Julia

    • Mary says:

      Julia you are one in a million. Your creativity is so unique and we need artists like you who can inspire us. Thank you for the sweet comment.

  44. Michelle says:

    What a perfect combination, giggle juice and a drunken table. I love it Mary, stunning!!

    • Mary says:

      It is the perfect combination Michelle. Thank goodness this turned out ok otherwise my husband would never have bought another thing home. haha.

  45. Uwe says:

    Mary, that looks great! Very rustic!
    Happy Fall and best wishes!
    Uwe

  46. krista says:

    It turned out great. The photos look fabulous. I will have to try the “giggle juice”. I have never heard of making a stain like that. Interesting.

    • Mary says:

      This was my first time, and I’ll admit I was sceptical before I treid it but once I applied that stuff I was amazed. The addition of the rusty nails gave the wood a warm tone that I was not expecting.

  47. I love your home and all is charm! Love the drunken table, what a fabulous idea.
    Maria

  48. Laurie says:

    Mary,
    I enjoyed the tale of the drunken table! What a great table for setting up your photo shoots! I’ve been after my husband to make me a few backdrops . . . I’m still waiting. Great job and I’m glad it all worked out in the end! Pinned to share too.
    Laurie

    • Mary says:

      Laurie your husband is busy with that masterful canoe. When he is done with his art he will be able to make your backdrops. I had this idea in my head for months so don’t think it happened overnight.

  49. Botanic Bleu says:

    Mary,
    Who in the blog world could pass up turned wooden table legs? You now have a wonderful table for all kinds of projects, not just photography…. I can see potting plants on it.
    Thanks for sharing at Monday Social.
    Judith

    • Mary says:

      Judith I am already getting lots of use out of it as a backdrop for my projects. The sunlight is perfect for picture taking out there.

  50. Cute idea and I love all those natural elements. Love it when you can create wonderful with a few pieces of this and that.

  51. Hi Mary, I love love love this piece, and the way you decorated it is awesome!! PINNING!!!

  52. I dunno…the name you’ve picked is pretty apt. I love the table though…especially those legs. Sounds like you’ve got your hubby trained well. I like the finished results with the Giggle Juice, & now you have a nice light to take your photos. Nothing beats outside light.

    • Mary says:

      No Florence, not trained. But we do share a love for fixing up things. and it was natural for him to want to salvage these beauties. The light is perfect. I get lots of light where the table is positioned.

  53. Keri says:

    Mary, what a fun tale of how this table came to be! I like the color you gave it with Marie’s giggle juice. I can’t believe someone threw out those legs, glad you were able to make a table with them. You and your husband make a great team. Yay for having a place to stage your beautiful projects!

    • Mary says:

      What a combination the giggle juice and the drunk table. I didn’t realize how funny that sounded till after I wrote the post. You can tell I’m going to be getting lots of use out of it.

  54. You amaze me every time I turn around. Great find and the finished look is lovely. Wonder what you’re gonna make next 🙂

    • Mary says:

      Thanks Jas. It took a while but it finally got finished and now I can use it as my photography backdrop!

  55. Pili says:

    Mary, you made me laugh with the can of worms your husband opened bringing the legs home, but now he must be proud of your new table, it doesn’t matter if it’s drunk or not. It is beautiful indeed with such rich color on the top, and will be perfect for you to capture beautiful shots.
    Well done for you both!

    • Mary says:

      I am over the moon happy with this one Pili. Even with the can of worms. It is perfect and I’m already using it.

  56. I love that your hubby brought these home for you! Clearly, he’s thinking about you and not only supports your endeavors but contributes to them. Great guy you got there!
    How cool that you are going to use this for a backdrop. Great idea!
    My vote is to keep the name. Let’s be honest…it’s gonna stick anyway lol.
    XXX

    • Mary says:

      Doreen he is my treasure and my secret weapon in this blog. He has been supportive from day one and even sits and listens to all of my blogging tales. As for the drunken table, I’ve already started using it as backdrop for the photos.

  57. Love your new table – I’ve been thinking about setting up a photography table outside too, for exactly the same reasons – Will definitely try out the giggle juice – love the colour it has turned the wood 🙂

    • Mary says:

      Sarah, I think the secret ingredient that gave it that really warm tone was the rusty nails I threw into the mixture at the end. I want to see your table on the blog. You are going to love it and use it so much.

  58. Tania says:

    Love those legs with the pallet top… I would have picked them up too!
    Tania

  59. Lisa says:

    Oh Mary, we’ve had some table legs like that. It’s so frustrating but rewarding when you finally win. I love your table and your fall touches.
    Well done!

Comments are closed.