Watch how to build a rustic DIY bench out of old pallets

It's easy to get a high-end look without spending high-end money. Free fits anyone's budget, and pallet furniture is well within most beginner woodworking skills. All you need are a few basic cutting tools and a willing DIY spirit. You'll soon be the proud owner of custom, handmade furniture that's very on-trend.
As you get into this project, don't forget to always measure twice, cut once. This ensures you utilize all of your reclaimed wood most efficiently. Watch the video below for the step-by-step tutorial to get the job done right.
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How to build a rustic DIY bench out of old pallets
Directions
1. Pull all the slats off the pallet using either a hammer and a pry bar or a power saw. Remove the nails and staples, and make sure all metal has been pulled out of the wood.
2. Cut each slat in half lengthwise using a table saw. You can measure each strip to be more exact, or just eyeball it as the slats don't have to be perfect. Save four full-size boards to attach to the sides of the bench at the end of the project. 
3. Measure sections from the original braces of the pallet to the length you want your legs. The legs are 17 inches in this project. While you are measuring and cutting the legs, double-check that there aren't any stray nails for your saw to hit. As always, wear your safety gear, especially your eyewear.
4. Line the cut slats all up on a flat surface, like a table or a bench — from tallest to shortest (if you didn't measure each one perfectly) and be sure to pay attention to the colors. Pallet wood varies slightly in color, so you want to make it look varied throughout in a natural way.
5. Once you have your desired bench width and color order, squirt a healthy dose of wood glue on each side of the wood. For a more sturdy result, squirt the glue in a wavy pattern, so it spreads more evenly across each piece when you press them together. Be sure you are facing the thinnest parts up.
6. Break out your clamps. You want to tighten the boards together uniformly. Make sure there aren't any buckles or parts that look like they are bowing due to uneven clamping. One way to do this is to adjust the clamps as you go and retighten ones that aren't the same width as others. Use a measuring tape to check the width every few inches and adjust the clamps accordingly.
7. After your clamps are on, flip the wood over and wipe off the excess glue that squished out during the clamping process. Use a damp rag or towel, and be sure to do it before your glue is completely dry. 
8. Let the glue dry for several hours.
9. Once everything is nice and dry, start measuring notches for your legs. This will be on each corner of the bench, and you'll want to use a jigsaw to make cuts. After cutting, you can use a pry bar to remove the excess wood you couldn't get with the saw.
10. Attach the legs using screws and a power drill. Use 3-inch deck screws that can withstand the weather if you plan to use the bench outdoors. Use a nail gun to attach larger planks from the wood pallet to the sides of your bench. Sand everything to a smooth finish with a power sander.
Pro tip: Predrill all screw holes for the legs. This helps prevent the wood from splitting when you drive the screws in with your power drill. Be sure to use the correct-size bit for the screws you are using. When your table is complete, coat everything with polyurethane for added durability.
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