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Pallet Wood

ByBruce Sharp

Pallet wood has challenges.
If patina tells a story, this is a saga of neglect.
The milling process was rushed, the drying stage left twists and warps, and nails fixed the stigma of an abusive past with rusty stains.
With such baggage, construction needed to compensate by accepting skewed realities. 
All timber in this table was rescued from dumping bins, its pallet life was over.  

Wood is a generous material with a beautiful heart. Saw cuts exposed the end grain revealing the annual growth history.
It also emphasised one of the compromises imposed by pallet wood. Good construction alternates the direction of the growth rings, but to keep the printing on the table top that rule had to be broken.

Even though the raw material created problems, the final piece of work could be traditionally made.
Large corner blocks impart great strength to the legs and wooden buttons allow the top to expand and contract with the seasons.
Recycled wood used recycled skills.

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