Pulp Fiction Pallet Table

 “Besides, isn’t it more exciting when you don’t have permission?” -Mia Wallace, Pulp Fiction. Thankfully, you DO have permission to try this Pulp Fiction Pallet Table.

Ok, so I get lots of pallets that normally carry radiators. I get many of those 1×3″ deck boards, mostly in pine. To start, I sorted the deck boards and set aside some of the nicer 3×3″ and 1×3″ boards. I ran them all through a thicknesser/planer to get the boards to an even thickness.

First, I mitered the edges of the 1×3″ boards to 45°, then glued and screwed to a nice square frame. Next, I glued the legs to the table frame but cut into the 3×3″ boards to create a shallow rabbet joint. This makes the fit very tight and keeps the table square. There was an “oops” moment. My square fell, and one leg ended up a bit lopsided, but it didn’t bother me too much. I knew I could fix it later!

I glued the smallest deck boards together to make the tabletop, measured to the size of my frame. Be sure to clamp the table tightly to get a solid, reliable glue wood joint. Next, I glued it to the table frame. Then I used a router to angle the edges of the tabletop. I sanded everything very smooth (but you could leave it a bit more rustic if you chose). It was important that it was very smooth, so I could easily apply a decal to the top.

Finishing this Pulp Fiction Pallet Table:

I dyed the top with pine wood dye, as this product doesn’t run up the grain or get into crevices. Pick the drawing you want, and cut out your stencil. I happen to have a vinyl cutter, but if you have a steady hand, you can use an Exacto knife or craft blade and hand-cut it.  Then I applied the stencil onto the surface of the dried table top and rubbed it very hard to get maximum adhesion.

I stained it all with antique oak and applied three layers over a couple of days, allowing time to dry between each coat. After I pulled off the stencil, I used a clear matte varnish. I applied a few coats, sanding between each coat of varnish, according to the container directions.

I’m new to pallet crafting, but my father-in-law was delighted with this Pulp Fiction Pallet Table! I hope you like it too!

Editor’s note: NICE JOB for being new to pallet crafts. This rocks! :-)