Getting Started

Once you have got your hands on some pallets, check them over for damage. Separate the damaged pallets from those that are intact. The pallets in good shape will get you more, but damaged pallets will also have quite a few goods slats and rails.

Next, you want to orient a pallet so the slats run horizontally. The rails are the thicker boards and the thinner boards are used for the surface of the pallet. Some pallets have slats on the top and bottom, and these will give you more wood to work with. Next you can pull out all the staples with needle-nose pliers. Mark any nail heads you find on the pallet with a paint pen.

Now it is time to cut the pallets to free the slats and rails. Start by snapping a chalk on the left side of the right rail. Before you start cutting yourself protective eyewear, ear plugs and a dust mask.

Follow the chalk line with your cut, carefully sawing through one salt at a time. Repeat the chalk line down the right side of the left rail. Make the second cut with the chainsaw, again one slat at a time.

Once you have finished your cuts, stand the pallet up and knock the slats with a rubber mallet near the center rail. If the mall does not cut it, use it to finish the job. When you're done you should have nice clean slats that are around three feet in length.

The pallet slats and rails make a great outline for a garden, walkway or flower bed. Simply cut your slats down to the desired size Place the sections in place, ensuring that they are aligned and are all placed to the same depth.