How to make a backsplash from reclaimed wood pallets (video)

Most homes have That Wall -- That Wall through which unsightly pipes, electrical cords or damage is clearly visible. If rebuilding the wall is impossible, a cover-up method may be a cheaper, easier and far more beautiful remedy than you think.
Glen had That Wall in his laundry room, with hoses and outlets above an otherwise beautiful and useful shelf. Fortunately, he's also a handy guy with a home improvement channel on YouTube called DIY Creators. He fixed the problem of That Wall by building a backsplash from reclaimed wood pallets; the backsplash pops out to cover the unsightly mess with a stunning fixture of wood art.
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This piece can be created to pop out, like Glen's does, or to simply lie flat and be admired. Use wood from many different pallets to get as much variety as possible. Watch Glen's video for detailed visual instructions, including the use of power tools -- they are useful, but not necessary, for building this backsplash.
How to make a backsplash from reclaimed wood pallets
Directions
1. Cut plywood to size of backsplash area. Attach sides with wood glue, if creating a pop out.
2. Cut boards from deconstructed pallets to equal width and lengths of three sizes; be sure to have a lot of a long size and a few each of a medium and a short size. A good rule of thumb is for the "medium" to be 2/3 the length of the long size, and for the "short" to be 1/3 the length of the long size.
The required quantity and actual dimensions of the boards will vary according to the area of your backsplash. Glen's measurements were boards of 1.25 inches (3.2 centimeters) wide, and 9, 6 or 3 inches (22.9, 15.25 or 7.6 centimeters) long, with about 80 percent of them 9 inches long.
Allow the depth (height) of the boards to remain varied.
3. Prepare boards by sanding them smooth, first with 220 grit sandpaper then with 60 grit sandpaper. This can be done by hand or by using a sander.
4. Arrange cut pieces on plywood. Begin on the left side of the plywood, placing a long board horizontally in the upper left corner; place a medium-length board just below it, and a short board just below that. Repeat the long-medium-short pattern until the first "column" has been completed. Boards should be flush against each other and against the far left side of the backsplash.
5. Use large boards across the width of the backsplash, then medium or short boards at the far right side as needed to reach the edge. If your backsplash pops out, like the one in the video, cover the sides with boards cut to size (for a professional touch, use mitered corners).
Throughout the piece, try not to place boards with the same color, depth or wood grain right next to each other -- the beauty of this backsplash is in its variety!
6. When you have an arrangement that is pleasing to you, glue the boards into place with strong wood glue. Sand any rough edges.
7. Following the instructions on its container, apply clear or stained oil.
When the oil is thoroughly absorbed the backsplash is complete. Mounting methods vary according to weight of the backsplash and whether it will need to be removed in the future. The video demonstrates how Glen created a sliding track to secure one side of his backsplash, for easy access to the washing machine hoses.
Would you use reclaimed wood pallets to cover That Wall? Please SHARE this DIY project and tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
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Resources DIY Creators