Turning a Profit on Wood Pallet Furniture
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Wood pallets as raw lumber may not spring to mind when among seasoned furniture builders, but consumers love it, as a search for "pallet furniture" or a trip through Pinterest and Instagram will quickly reveal. 

Pallet furniture first gained momentum among crafters and co-it-yourselfers, but now the style has caught on among a broader swath of furniture consumers. Because the wood is rough and inexpensive, it has become a natural for outdoor furniture like Adirondack chairs, or as an alternative to wicker for patio furniture. 

Some buyer find its rustic quality appealing, while others choose it for its green credentials - repurposed and upcycled lumber that avoids the landfill. 

Ken Garbisch

Ken Garbisch Custom Woodwork in Rosendale, WI is cashing in on the craze, opening Pallet Crazy to built the furniture for those less handy consumers who simply like the look. Hardware is often sourced through shopping flea markets and resale shops, while the pallets are available in abundance. There is an endless font of pallet creations online among enthusiasts around the world who post pallet furniture projects. 

“I quit a full time job to do this,” Garbisch told the local news media. “I Just took a leap of faith that I was going to be able to succeed with this.” He connects to customers through his Facebook page, which is also packed with example of his work, some shared here. 

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About the author
Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.