How to Separate Pallets with A Hammer and Crowbar

The bar tops are drying! Our maps are one with the wood, waiting for the final layer of polyurethane, In the meantime, we complete the final steps.

The design we planned involved breaking off the boards from one side of each pallet, then sanding and staining the rest. To start you'll need a hammer and an extra-strength crowbar.

Depending on your angle-- hammer the short or long end of the crowbar between the two wood planks. As soon as you find a secure angle, push the crowbar down with good effort; this should yank the plank up and pull out the nails

I pulled apart the first pallet within an hour. By the end, I was dripping sweat in the Florida summer and planning to avoid the garage for at least 24 hours recovery. But before that, I finished sanding and painted the first layer of fruitwood stain. The dark contrasting color went charmingly with the pecan bar top.

Checking back the next day, the stain had taken better to the pallet wood than I thought. After reading some things online I was unsure, but the first layer set well and only needed a few touch-ups. I’d say I used about ¾’s of a can per pallet. Remember, the pallets you are using don’t need to be perfect or completely undamaged. Sanding, staining, and building the pallet bar will give imperfections the rustic look they are meant for.

Next time we’ll go over how to properly pour each layer of polyurethane to conserve your personalized bar top.