How to start a workshop creating upcycled furniture from discarded wooden pallets?
Workshop plan — from pallets to productsI run a small upcycling workshop — pallets are versatile and cheap raw material.- Sourcing pallets: contact warehouses, grocery distributors, and construction sites. Offer small payment or free pickup.- Tools & safety: - Basic tools: circular saw, sander, drill, clamps, measuring tools. - Safety gear: gloves, masks, eye protection.- Design & prototyping: - Start with simple items: coffee tables, benches, shelves, planters. - Create 6–8 repeatable designs so production is faster.- Finishing: - Properly de-nail, sand, treat for pests, and finish with non-toxic varnish or paint.- Pricing & margins: - Factor in labor for deconstruction and finishing, which is the main cost. - Offer bespoke customizations as higher-end orders.- Sales channels: - Local craft fairs, Instagram, boutique furniture stores, and B2B (cafes and co-working spaces).- Sustainability story: highlight the environmental benefit — it resonates with eco-conscious buyers.Pro tip: Photograph process shots — customers love the “before & after” story.