If you are like many people, you probably browse the internet to find a DIY pallet project. When it comes to this kind of project, you must do a bit of preparation on pallet wood before you begin it. This includes investing in Spec Wood pallet components. Although you can easily find wood suppliers, you must know beforehand how to transform this sturdy wood into something that you need. Here are tips you must consider to make the most of your materials. 

Look for the Perfect One

Usually, big sawmills build pallets using low-quality wood. While stock in lumber yards, pallets go through significant wear and tear. Thus, you must find quality pallets from a reputable supplier for your needs. Broken or warped wood does not have much use to you, so take your time to make your choices.

Check the Stamp

Each new pallet goes through a treatment to eliminate pests like fungi and insects. Depending on the kind of treatment, the pallets come with marks or stamps that have different meanings:

  • MB- This mark means the wood has been chemically treated with bromide. Pallets treated with this chemical are toxic and cannot be used for a DIY project. 
  • HT. This means the wood was heat-treated to get rid of parasites. This wood is safe to handle even if you do not use any protective gear.
  • KD. This means the pallets have been kiln-dried to prevent the growth of fungus. These pallets are also safe to handle without using protective gear.

Clean and Prepare the Pallets

As pallets spend the majority of their time in warehouses, ships, trucks, and trains, they tend to accumulate plenty of dust and grime. Thus, you should clean the grime off first before working on the pallets. Get rid of the surface grime by using warm, soapy water. Then, use an orbital sander for the most stubborn stains and spills. Just ensure you do not over-sand the wood, so you can retain some of its character and texture. 

Disassemble the Pallets

If you will use a pallet buster or a deck wrecker, you can get the disassembly process done easily. But you can also use a hammer and a pry bar for removing the nails and securing boards of wood if you don’t have this specialised equipment. No matter the method you prefer, ensure you wear heavy-duty gloves and safety goggles while you work.