how to hang a pallet.

If you're anything like me, you can probably only commit to a DIY project that takes 2 days or less. I'd like to say it's because I don't have the time, but truly it's because I'm lazy and ADHD. I was so excited when I came across the perfect pallet in the alley behind my house and thought, "Gee, I'll make one of those pallet frames on Pinterest. It'll be so easy!"

The final product!

It was fairly easy and after just an hour or two I had the pallet sitting in my living room. Well, that was February 8th and it's now April 21st. In my defense, I started a new job and as I mentioned in my original post about the infamous pallet, this thing is HEAVY! I attempted to hang it with three nails and it ripped them straight out of the drywall... Sorry about that, landlord.

After many Google searches on "how to hang a pallet" I decided to consult professionals. Bottom line? Call your dad. Get a boyfriend. Or ask the facilities guys at work.

• After many opinions, I came to this: the "Cleat Z Bar." I can't really explain why it works, but it does. Remember, I'm a copywriter, not an engineer. Click on the link to see an example. Long story short, a coworker cut two pieces of wood to simulate the picture in the link above, but a similar model can be purchased at any hardware store.
• Match the pieces up like they would be assembled on the wall. Screw one piece to the pallet (evenly).

• Use a stud finder ($10 at Home Depot) to find the studs in your wall, remember this thing is HEAVY!

• Screw the other piece into the studs and make sure it's level. I used a FREE level app on my iPhone. Then put the "puzzle pieces" together. It's that easy!

• Add your photos, save-the-dates, etc. This project has always been a work in progress and I fully intend to keep in that way. I'll slowly be adding more pictures, and maybe this project will actually force me to sit down and download all those old pictures off Facebook!

Final product without pictures