It never fails, every attempt to carefully plot my next DIY project ends in scrambling to make changes. Like last month when Hubs agreed to let me repaint our kitchen. I was set on a self-leveling paint from Sherwin Williams only to find out the ends of our cabinets and three sides of our kitchen island are laminate and apparently self-leveling paint is for real wood only.
No matter that the cabinets were taped off, doors unhinged, and plastic covered our new flooring, the paint problem was a serious issue. Several friends suggested chalk paint, which I’ve tried a DIY version before and ruined my daughter’s beautiful cherry bed, but they claim chalk paint sticks to every surface including laminate so we bought the expensive, coveted Annie Sloan chalk paint to transform our kitchen.
Only it didn’t work exactly like they said and now I’m searching for wall décor to cover the blemished cabinet ends. Thankfully I hadn’t begun the island yet or that would’ve been a tremendous mess. Hubs suggested using our endless supply of pallets from the farm to cover the three laminated sides so we did.
Rustic. Simple. Affordable. Kid-friendly.
Win-win.
If you’re looking to transform your kitchen island with a rustic look, try this!
Supplies:
4 disassembled pallets* (free!)
6-8 bottles of craft paint (those cheap little .75 bottles from Hobby Lobby)
150 grit sandpaper
small paintbrush
*Our local Home Depot will give away free pallets upon request.
Directions:
Clean the island well with soap and water or TSP (Tri-sodium phosphate available from Home Depot). Measure the distance from under the lip of the counter to the floor and cut the pallet boards to fit.
Apparently our kitchen floor is uneven or the island is tilted because we had to cut our boards different lengths from the front to the back.
You can sand the boards before or after you screw them in but I did them afterward. I wanted it to look like a giant crate with a trim board around the bottom and the pallet boards weren’t long enough, so we used a piece left over from a previous project and cut it to fit. Once the boards were all screwed in and sanded, I carelessly painted each board a different color, then roughed it up with some sandpaper. I did not event think to lay the plastic back down while I was painting these and I had to scrape little flecks of paint off the floor later so be sure to completely cover your work area.
With six kids in the house, I wanted a lived-in, rustic look. I think we achieved that and I don’t have to worry about the boys kicking it and ruining it while they’re eating breakfast on the stools.
Overall, this was a simple project and we finished it in one evening. Pallets can be pretty nasty though so I recommend a thorough cleaning before you attempt any pallet project. What did you think of this pallet DIY project? Do you have any home improvements you’re working on this summer? I’d love to hear about them!
Oh my! I never would have thought this was going to be so easy. We have a small section in our kitchen that would look so awesome with a bit of a wood makeover. Thanks for the inspiration.
Super easy and quick! I’d love to see a picture if you update yours!
Such a fun way to update your kitchen. It gives the space a new look. Love the idea!
Thanks, Adree! I love it too! 🙂
I LOVE THIS! Cannot wait til I have a home of my own to renovate!
Thanks! That’s the best part is making your home your own. 🙂
What an simple but high impact update to your kitchen. I love the end result!
Thank you so much, Stacy!
What a nice island. I love the boards.
Thank you so much, Sophia! I love them too, especially how hardy they stand against the boys kicking their legs while they eat! 😉
Wow I wish I had your creative eye! I love the rustic look and also have that going on in the house. A livable home is a must with kids.
Thank you so much, Jessica!
Great job! It looks so so good!! Wish I was more handy!
Thank you, Jee! I’m thankful for my husband who was able to do the most difficult part! 🙂
Amanda, your island is beautiful. I’m thinking about doing a pallet floor. Any suggestions?
Thank you so much! A pallet floor sounds rustic and nice! Pallets are crazy hard to get apart but I’d love to hear how your end project turns out! 🙂 I don’t have any suggestions for a floor, I’m sorry.