The rustic look is in style whether you live in a cabin, a condo, or a house in the suburbs. People everywhere are finding more ways to incorporate wood and natural products into their interior design. DIYers in particular enjoy finding ways to use recycled wood in their home improvement projects. They use old window frames as picture frames, fences for headboards, and pallets as material for end tables, coffee tables, and outdoor benches.

Elmer’s Glue wood pallet warnings

Using recycled wood can save a lot of money on home decor projects, but it can also be dangerous and introduce potentially hazardous chemicals into your home. That’s why Julie Washington, a writer for Cleveland’s Home & Garden News, recently reported the results of a study conducted by Elmer’s Glue, which warned consumers of the risks of using old pallets in home decor.

Where to get pallets

Pallets are often used for shipping purposes and once they’re unloaded, many businesses have no further use for them so they throw them away. That’s why DIYers are so fond of using them—businesses will give them away if that means they don’t take up more space in their dumpster. However, according to Elmer’s Glue, “Many pallets are treated with toxic chemicals, such as pesticides and fungicides,” especially if they were used to transport fresh produce.

Hazards to look for

Some hazards will be clearly visible. Pallets that have been outdoors for a while could have obvious insect infestations or mold beginning to grow. Chemical or oil spills can be clearly identified by a dark stain that doesn’t disappear after drying or which has an oily appearance. If they are stamped “MG” they shouldn’t be used for anything, including firewood. This stamp signifies a toxic chemical treatment performed most often on international pallets. Colored pallets have also been chemically treated.

Cleaning the pallet

Once you’ve thoroughly checked a pallet for visible damage or toxins, you should also prep it. Elmer’s Glue suggests, “Prep your pallet by scrubbing it with bleach and warm water outdoors. Allow it to dry completely.” They also warned, “Always wear gloves, dust masks, and safety glasses while sanding pallet wood.” It isn’t safe to inhale potentially chemical-laden saw dust, so be sure to remove all fine dust from your product before bringing it indoors.

You can also buy new pallets from certain companies, which could be your best bet for decor or furnishings that will be near or touched by children, pets, or food.

Interior Decorating and Remodeling News Brought to You by BaseBoardRadiatorCover.com

Source: cleveland.com/insideout/index.ssf/2014/10/william_shatner_renovates_his.html


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