If you're a DIY enthusiast like me, and you regularly visit your local hardware store, then my guess is you already know how much a few pieces of timber can cost. In fact, many DIY enthusiasts have long since given up making their own items of furniture simply because readymade furniture usually costs less.

Even so, as many of us know, most store bought furniture simply cannot be compared to homemade furniture when it comes to quality. Sure, store bought furniture might sometimes look more professionally made, but that is all you get - looks. One of the biggest downfalls of most store bought furniture is its inability to tolerate even a small amount of water.

In the past, when I've recommended second hand timber pallets to friends who are DIY enthusiasts, they always tend to be skeptical. Yes, it would be wonderful if pallets were made from some type of exotic timber, but then again, if that were the case, used pallets would cost a small fortune.

With a bit of imagination and a collection of basic tools, any old pallet can become a masterpiece. Depending on how serious you are, you can usually get by with only a minimal collection of tools as well. As far has hand tools are concerned.......a saw; screwdrivers, hammer and a set square should be more than enough. It's always best to break up the pallets as soon as you get them because not only will they take up less space, but then you'll also have your timber ready for when you start your next DIY project.

Personally, I don't like making something just for the sake of it. Instead, I wait until I see an item of furniture which I really like, and one which I know could be made from the wood I've salvaged from the pallets. For instance, I recently saw a very unusual look pair of bedside pedestals. Once I got back home, I immediately set about taking measurements in order to see whether or not I could make similar pedestals with the wood I had. I don't want to blow my own trumpet, but the two pedestals which are now in our master bedroom look fantastic.

Our dining room table is also made from second hand timber pallets, as is our coffee table, and also out TV cabinet. You would never guess they've all been made from used pallets, and the best part of all is that they will all still be standing many years from now. To date, I've only had compliments when people see some of the things I've made, and they can't believe it's all made from old pallets.

This is great, but where can you find second hand timber pallets? A lot of business won't reuse pallets because of safety concerns, which in turn means you can often get them for free. other times you might have to buy them, but even then, they offer excellent value for your money. however, because timber merchants are often willing to buy old pallets, find some for free is not as easy as it once was.

In fact, you could even collect and sell pallets yourself, but in my opinion it's better to use them for making furniture. The wood used for making pallets is as good as any other wood in its class, so why not put it to good use.

When you make things from used pallets you save money, but more importantly, you add a very personal touch to your home.