Making a manger out of used pallets gives the impression that it was hand-built. Most people picture a dilapidated barn when they think of the manger where Jesus was born. Exactly in that regard do the pallets excel.
The planks are in place and the pallets have weathered without any effort on your part. With no effort at all, it makes you look stunning. Someone you know who has a nativity scene would be overjoyed if you could construct a stable and manger out of pallets to surround it.
Preventing Snow and Wind from Destroying the Nativity Scene with a Pallet-Manger. The aesthetic value of a pallet-built manger isn’t the only consideration. How often do you see a whole nativity set up in someone’s garden? Sadly, it is not uncommon for the first snow to bury the infant Jesus or for one of the wise men to stumble and fall.
All of this becomes obsolete when you construct a manger using pallets. No longer will December be occupied with rescuing Mary from the snow or cleaning Joseph of snow. Ingenious Use of Pallets in Making a Manager
A creative and eco-friendly alternative to traditional mangers made of wood is to use pallets. It’s a wonderful illustration of how our trash cans aren’t always useless.
Supplies for Building Your Manger
| Amount | Material |
|---|---|
| 5 | 1” x 6” x 8’ |
| 4 | 1” x 6” x 6’ |
| 2 | 1” x 4” x 8’ |
| 2 | 1” x 4” x 6’ |
| 2 | packages of 4” heavy-duty tee hinges (total of four hinges needed) |
| 1 | box of 1 ¼” screws |
| wood glue | |
| Based on surface area. | paint, stain, etc. |
🛠️ Materials & Tools
- Palettes: Choose heat‑treated (HT), solid, and undamaged wood
- Fasteners: Screws (e.g. Marcopol wood screws), wood glue optional
- Finishes: Sandpaper (80–240 grit), stain or paint, outdoor sealer/varnish
- Tools: Saw, drill/screwdriver, sander, pry bar, measuring tape, level, safety gear
🧱 Step 1: Disassemble Pallets
Use a crowbar or saw to take pallets apart carefully. Sort wood into planks and supports. Remove damaged pieces.
🧹 Step 2: Prep & Sand Wood
- Start with 80-grit sandpaper, then move to 180–240 grit for smoothness
- Smooth edges and surfaces to avoid splinters—essential before applying paint or stain.
📐 Step 3: Design & Cut
- Sketch your piece (e.g., bench, coffee table, sofa) and measure accurately
- Use saws to cut planks to fit your design
🔧 Step 4: Assemble
- Use pilot holes and screws for strong joints; apply glue if desired
- Example: Building a bench—the Remodelaholic guide uses 2 full pallets + 2×4 framing
🎨 Step 5: Finish & Seal
- Apply stain or paint; outdoor-grade sealer boosts durability
- Ensure full coverage and let dry thoroughly before use.
✅ Step 6: Inspect & Enjoy
- Check stability and fasteners
- Add cushions or décor to personalize
💡 Helpful Tips
- Use HT pallets only to avoid chemical exposure
- Sort wood before building: separate planks and stringers
- Family Handyman suggests both building while preserving pallet shape or using individual planks
- UV- and moisture-resistant paint/sealant for outdoor durability
📂 Resources & Plans
- Instructables features dozens of pallet furniture ideas—from chairs to compost bins
- Free plans (benches, sofas, shelves) available at DIY‑Pallet‑Furniture.com
- Remodelaholic’s bench tutorial is beginner-friendly and doable in a weekend
Project Materials List
The list of materials needed to construct your manger is brief and tidy. Select only the straightest boards available. Just a friendly reminder, board lengths are actually shorter than their names suggest. A 1″ x 6″ board, for instance, is actually ¾” x 5 ½” in actuality.
While pine worked fine for my manger, cedar or green-treated wood would be better options. It is necessary to apply a protective coating to pine before using it. A basic outdoor paint, stain, or waterproofing solution will do the trick.
🔄 Project Ideas
- Coffee table from just 1–3 pallets
- Garden bench: 2 pallets + 2×4 framing
- Pallet sofas or loveseat bases—add cushions!
- Shelving units or planters for garden and home
🧾 Quick Checklist
- Acquire heat‑treated pallets
- Disassemble and sort wood
- Sand planks smooth
- Plan cuts and design
- Assemble with screws and glue
- Paint or stain, then seal
- Inspect, level, and add finishing touches
By following these steps, you’ll turn reclaimed pallets into functional, cost‑effective furniture—while helping the environment and saving money.