Safe projects from pallets

I discovered an app on my phone, DIY Pallet Craft Projects, that has some very interesting projects.

Essentially, the app isn't much, in the sense that it doesn't teach you how to execute projects (or I haven't figured that out). Instead, for inspiration, the photos are very interesting and can give you ideas for decorating your own home and beyond. The source of material is inexhaustible as long as almost every truck carries palletized cargo.

For some technical tips you can use DIY Pallet Projects, which also has this kind of information. If that's not enough for you, do a "search" like "pallet projects" and you're sure to find interesting ideas. There are real online communities where you are invited to show off your creativity and skill with the projects you have made. There are even apps that present you with project ideas based on a few pieces of information you enter, such as the amount of pallets you have and plan to use, the skills you possess, the time you want to spend on the project and the budget you would be willing to allocate.

But before starting any project that includes pallets, attention should be paid to one important aspect. There are however industrial packaging exposed to various environments, moisture and bacteria. In addition to the quality of the wood and the degree of wear, we should also be concerned about whether it has been treated with chemicals.

According to international standards all wooden packaging moving internationally must be heat treated. For some, however, chemical treatment is also required. These should be removed from any project, regardless of its purpose and usefulness.

The markings on the pallets are quality certifications that indicate the origin and treatment process of the wood and make it easier to choose the safest ones.

Markings to consider:

• logo IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) certifying that pallets are produced from natural materials from safe sources and are treated using one of the methods authorised by an approved institution
• information on how to handle pallets:HT - Heat Treatment, MB - Methyl Bromide (pesticide treatment), DB - Debarked, KD - Kiln Dried.

These are also important details to keep in mind when pallets are to be finished with coatings. Finishing products may not be compatible with substances already impregnated into the wood of the pallets.

As simple as Sunday projects are, care must be taken with the quality of the pallets, more than we think, to avoid the risk of having furniture "protected" with hazardous substances.