I refuse to let a good pallet go to waste, so when this one was starring at me in the driveway I had to create something. I built this simple cityscape wall art, and I honestly think it might be my son’s favorite thing we’ve built thus far. And we have built him some awesome stuff…DIY LEGO Table, Airplane Play Structure, Toddler Bed Rail, Vintage Parsons Play Table, Bulk Bins | Pottery Barn Knock-off, Bookcase with Toy Storage, Chalkboard Town. You get the point! Enjoy!

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How to build a Cityscape

Step 1: Cut and Assemble Backboard

Cut two 1x12s to 4ft. Then, drill 3 pockets hole in the back of the boards and assemble with 1-1/4″ screws… or make things a lot easier and use a 2’x4′ sheet of plywood!

You will want to finish the backboard before you assemble the project, I painted mine using Rust-Oleum Chalked spray paint in Charcoal.

Step 2: Cut and Assemble Cityscape

Here is where you can get creative, I picked different size pallet pieces to create my cityscape. Once I arrange my boards to fit on my 2×4′ surface, I traced out my city.

I really just did whatever, my outlines weren’t perfect, but that is kinda what made this project so fun! Im sure my free spirit on this project was slowly killing my engineer of a husband! But once you have your building outlined cut out your design using a scroll saw or a jig saw.

Once I had the cityscape cut out I trimmed the bottoms to make them straight, also so I could change up the heights of the buildings a bit.

Once again having all our tools at the job site, we ended up using the table saw but a miter saw would work just as well.

I roughly sanded my building and coated them with danish oil.

Attach building to your backboard using wood glue and allow to dry.

Step 3: Cut and Assemble Frame

Measure and cut 1x2s to size. Once cut I satined my using Kona wood stain. Allow to dry.

Once dry, apply wood glue on inside edge and nail into place with brad nailer.

My son loved it so much that he insisted we hang it in his bedroom! Not only did I make good use out of an old pallet but I also made one 5 year old boys day! And that is what I call a job well done!

Questions? Comments?

As always, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to comment below and especially don’t forget to post pictures of your finished products in the comments! ENJOY!