Is pallet wood / reclaimed lumber safe? Plus more safety tips!
To see more: http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2011/04/all-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about.html
19 Comments
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Thanks Donna for bringing up this topic. I've seen a ton of projects using pallet wood and wouldn't want anyone to get hurt. You provide a ton of great tips in your blog post and I encourage anyone who's thinking of using pallet wood to click on your link and read the article. I've seen firsthand the types of chemicals pallets can be exposed to and they're not anything you'd want in your house :( -
Donna, thank you for sharing this information. I have two sources for pallets - I never thought about the wood absorbing chemicals and bacteria, but I most definitely will now! -
thanks, Donna - it especially makes me nervous when i hear that folks are using pallets to make raised garden beds. .. -
The main dilemma I have with pallets are the hidden nails. Can dull a bald real fast, and even worse, make the wood "jump" opening me up to injury. I tend to only use new pallets, so do not think the ick is as much a problem. Heck, for $3? Great buy! -
Thanks Donna, I was raiding some wood scraps this weekend and was wondering about this myself. Great post! -
Thanks guys! I'm glad you're reaping something from the post! -
Great info Donna! I hadn't really thought of the chemical aspect that pallets might contain!! The HT is excellent to know about!! Any of us who have ever worked w/wood probably exercise caution w/removing nails, wearing gloves & goggles but now with so many NEWBIES starting to use the wood pallets this was a very timely reminder to not just go jumping in!! A smart DIYer is a SAFE DIYer!! Thanks for sharing!! -
The heat treatment allows the pallets to be shipped internationally without spreading insects or disease across international or state borders. This is far different than "treated lumber" that is pressure treated with copper compounds to prevent wood decay fungi from destroying the wood. Pallets are seldom "pressure treated" with chemicals since pallets have a short life cycle, so decay of the wood is typically not a concern... they wear out before they can rot out. The heat treatment is ...» -
Thanks Brian! Awesome extended info!
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Thanks Donna... Really, I know ridiculous things about wood. :-p
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Great post! I don't think everyone is aware of the risks when using pallets, so it's a good reminder. I used pallets to build a compost bin and made certain mine were safe to use. -
great convo...lots to think about -
YES! THANK YOU DONNA! I've been saying this forever! Also it would make me nervous seeing people who make kids' beds/rooms up with pallets! i mean think about how many pallets you see being transported in the pouring rain!? mold! Not to mention the chemicals!! I LOVE using reclaimed wood but yes, it's truly important to know all of this! xoxo -
pallets also make pretty fences -
thanks for the info - especially the part about removing the nails ASAP. My husband just recently had a nail from a pallet he was tearing apart go through his finger :( -
So glad I stumbled onto this today. Good information to have, to be sure. -
What if you paint, stain, or otherwise seal the wood? is it safe then? -
Sarah Lucas , the likely hood that some kind of protectant on the wood will make the wood safer is a good call. But there are no guarantees it can't outgas if the wood is treated with chemicals. A 'bonding primer' would probably be a good way to go if you were thinking of painting.
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Hi Sarah. You have a great blog here. I was wondering about fire safety - Does the wood and end product need to be tested for home use. I want to make some stuff for other people, but I am unsure about the fire safety laws regarding this. Thanks in advance for any advice.
