I've used pallet wood for a few projects, especially when I see a real heavy duty pallet made with 1 inch rough sawn oak.

Takes more work but since most times it's swamp oak there can be some great figure in them.

Usually pallets made from contaminated wood ( food, dirt) will stink and you will see it or smell it.

 

I've also torn down barns and seen beautiful bookmatched full trees laid out for the floor, completely useless because of urine in the wood ( no planing or coating would ever kill/cover the smell.)

 I also pick up wood from demos an discarded furniture. 

If you keep your eyes open you can get a few board feet that can be used if you use your nose.

5 minutes ago, DRAGON1 said:

I've used pallet wood for a few projects, especially when I see a real heavy duty pallet made with 1 inch rough sawn oak.

Takes more work but since most times it's swamp oak there can be some great figure in them.

Usually pallets made from contaminated wood ( food, dirt) will stink and you will see it or smell it.

 

I've also torn down barns and seen beautiful bookmatched full trees laid out for the floor, completely useless because of urine in the wood ( no planing or coating would ever kill/cover the smell.)

 I also pick up wood from demos an discarded furniture. 

If you keep your eyes open you can get a few board feet that can be used if you use your nose.

Great suggestions Mike! Thanks!

 

Where I worked we got forklift attachments from a place in Washington state.  They were heavy duty single use pallets and I scavenged plenty of wood from them if it was something to keep like Walnut or Cherry.