
Upcycling pallets into furniture is a creative way to give old materials a new life. Pallets are made of wood and can be easily disassembled to create unique pieces of furniture.
With a little creativity, you can turn a pallet into a functional coffee table. For example, a pallet coffee table can be made using just a few tools and some basic woodworking skills.
You can also use pallets to create a headboard for your bed. Simply attach the pallet boards to a sturdy frame, and you'll have a one-of-a-kind headboard that adds a touch of rustic charm to your bedroom.
Pallet furniture is not only eco-friendly, but it's also budget-friendly. You can find pallets for free or at a low cost, and then use them to create functional furniture pieces.
Explore further: Using Pallets for Raised Beds
Types of Pallet Furniture
Pallet furniture is incredibly versatile, and one of the most exciting things about it is the variety of styles and designs you can create.
You can make a simple pallet coffee table by arranging pallets in a rectangular shape and adding a glass top for a sleek, modern look.
Pallet headboards are a great way to add some rustic charm to your bedroom, and they can be made using reclaimed pallet wood.
A pallet daybed is a fantastic way to create a cozy reading nook or a relaxing spot for lounging, and it's surprisingly easy to build using pallets and some basic tools.
Pallet shelves are a great storage solution for any room in the house, and they can be customized to fit your specific needs and decor.
You can also use pallets to create a pallet desk, perfect for a home office or study area, and add a touch of industrial chic to your space.
Pallet benches are a great way to add some extra seating to your outdoor living area, and they can be made using pallets and some simple woodworking skills.
Related reading: Pallets for a Garden
Pallet Furniture Projects
Pallet Furniture Projects are perfect for a fun DIY weekend. You can build a wood pallet chair with your bare hands over the weekend.
Pallet furniture is incredibly easy to make and can be extremely rewarding. With a little hard work, you can create beautiful furniture pieces in a relatively short amount of time.
Pallets are often made with pine or oak wood, which absorb paint well and are easy to work with when it comes to jobs like drilling, gluing, and sawing.
Here are some ideas for pallet furniture projects:
- Wood Pallet Chair
- Wood Pallet Loveseat
- Wood Pallet Pet Bed
- Two-seater bench
Dining
You can totally build a wood pallet loveseat with your bare hands over the weekend. This unique piece of furniture is made from a wood pallet and can be a great DIY project for anyone looking to get creative.
The wood pallet loveseat is a versatile piece of furniture that can be used indoors or outdoors. It's made from reclaimed wood, which is not only eco-friendly but also adds a touch of rustic charm to any room.
If you're looking to create a more substantial piece of furniture, consider building a wood pallet dining table. This can be a great way to upcycle old pallets and create a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture that's perfect for any dining area.
One way to create a beautiful dining table is to use steam bending techniques, as demonstrated by @morleykert in one of the tutorials. This advanced woodworking technique can be used to create a stunning tabletop border that adds a touch of elegance to any room.
Here are some popular wood pallet dining table ideas:
- Use a wood pallet to create a round top dining table
- Use the runners from a pallet to create the legs of your dining table
With a little creativity and some basic woodworking skills, you can create a beautiful and functional piece of furniture that's perfect for any dining area.
How to Build
Pallets are often made with pine or oak, which absorb paint well and are easy to work with when it comes to jobs like drilling, gluing, and sawing.
To get started, you'll need to gather your materials, including a pallet, some wood screws, a drill, and a saw. You can find pallets at most hardware stores or online.
You might enjoy: Pallets Vertical Garden Ideas
Pallet furniture is incredibly easy to build, and the results are extremely rewarding. A little bit of hard work can result in some beautiful furniture pieces in a relatively short amount of time.
Choose a pallet that's sturdy and has a good solid surface to work with. You can also disassemble the pallet if it's already broken down into smaller pieces.
The freedom to choose the right size, shape, and colour to suit your exact needs is one of the best things about building your own furniture. By creating your own furniture, you can tailor it to your specific needs and preferences.
Before you start building, take a moment to visualize what you want your finished project to look like. This will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the process.
Design and Decor
You can add a touch of green to your apartment with wood pallet planters, which make for an impressive gardening tool. They keep your plants in their natural habitat, perfect for small backyards or balconies.
Wood pallet planters are conversation-sparking and easy to create. They're a great way to add some personality to your space without breaking the bank.
If you're looking for more ideas, consider using pallets to create a DIY pallet décor and home accessories, such as a wood pallet cooler or a wood pallet towel rack shelf. These projects are perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy balcony setup.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Wood Pallet Planter Tower
- Wood Pallet Towel Rack Shelf
- Wood Pallet Jewelry Holder
- Dress your pallet bench for comfort with special pallet furniture cushions
- Make a corner sofa using a cluster of pallets and a bespoke wooden framework
Coffee
Coffee tables can be a beautiful addition to any living room, and you don't have to break the bank to get one. This elegant hardwood coffee table with a modern flair was built with wood from a couple of hardwood shipping pallets.
A table saw, circular saw, and drill press are just a few of the tools you'll need to tackle a project like this. If you're up for the challenge, it's definitely worth it, as the resulting table is a stunning piece of furniture.
You can repurpose materials from shipping pallets to create a unique and eco-friendly coffee table.
Frame It

I love repurposing old pallets to create unique and functional pieces for my home. For a beautiful and rustic frame, you can use pallet wood to create a picture frame for your garden. Cut down your pallets to the desired size and use the wooden slats to form a frame.
To ensure a smooth finish, it's essential to prep your pallets before starting your project. Check the condition of the pallets, remove any nails, and sand down the surfaces to prevent splinters. As DIY Expert Michael Rolland suggests, always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid leaving scratches.
A frame made from pallet wood can be a great way to add some personality to your garden. You can hang an external mirror or frame a particular feature, like a plant growing in a wall. I've seen this done in many gardens, and it always adds a touch of charm.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when working with pallet wood:
- Sand down rough edges and surfaces to prevent splinters and create a smooth finish.
- Use a crowbar or pallet buster to gently take apart the pallets if your project requires individual boards.
- Treat the wood with a sealant or varnish to protect it from moisture, pests, and wear, especially for outdoor use.
By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and functional frame using pallet wood. It's a great way to upcycle old materials and add some personality to your garden.
Kids' Set
Kids love furniture sized just for them, and using pallet wood can save money. However, pallet wood can harbor chemicals, mold, and more, so it's not recommended for dining tables.
If you seal and protect the table with a finish specifically for outdoor wood, it should be safe for kids to play cards and board games or create crafts.
Parquetry Circle
I've always loved adding a personal touch to my outdoor spaces, and one of the best ways to do that is with parquetry circle ideas inspired by DIY pallet decor.
You can create a beautiful and functional wood pallet planter tower to bring some greenery to your balcony or backyard.

A wood pallet towel rack shelf is a great way to add some rustic charm to your bathroom or entryway, and it's also super practical for keeping towels within easy reach.
If you're looking for a unique way to display your jewelry, consider repurposing a wood pallet into a one-of-a-kind jewelry holder.
Here are some ideas for incorporating parquetry circle elements into your DIY pallet decor:
Dress the Bench for Comfort
Dress the bench for comfort by adding special pallet furniture cushions that fit perfectly on top of the pallets. These cushions can be found at Homebase and many other retailers.
Adding colour to your pallet bench is as simple as throwing on some scatter cushions and pot plants. You can also consider placing two benches side by side to accommodate more people.
A corner sofa made from pallets is a great way to create a unique seating area, and it's surprisingly easy to build. Just collect a cluster of pallets, deconstruct them, and nail them to a bespoke wooden framework.
To complete the look, fashion a matching coffee table using the same method as your pallet sofa.
Living Room
In the living room, you can repurpose six wooden pallets to create a cozy wood pallet corner sofa by stacking them two levels high and adding soft pillows on top. This unique seating option provides ample storage space for books, magazines, and devices like iPads or Kindles.
One creative way to utilize the pallets is to turn them into a pallet wardrobe organizer. This can be a great space-saving solution for storing clothes, accessories, or other household items.
If you're looking for more ideas, consider using pallets to create a functional and stylish piece of furniture that adds character to your living room.
Decor & Accessories
As you start to design your outdoor space, think about adding a wood pallet cooler to keep your drinks chilled and add some industrial chic to your balcony decor. You can find metal storage tubs to complement your pallet cooler and keep your "empties" organized.
A wood pallet planter tower is a great way to bring some greenery into your apartment, especially if you have a small balcony or backyard. This unique gardening tool is conversation-starting and perfect for plant lovers.

You can repurpose wood pallets to create a picture frame for your garden, adding a personal touch to your outdoor space. This idea is mentioned in the article as a way to frame a particular feature in your garden, such as a plant growing in a wall.
Adding comfort to your pallet bench is easy with the right cushions. You can find special pallet furniture cushions at retailers like Homebase, which fit perfectly on top of the pallets. Don't forget to add some color with scatter cushions and pot plants to make your space feel cozy.
Here are some ideas to enhance your pallet bench:
- Use pallet furniture cushions for comfort
- Add scatter cushions and pot plants for color
- Consider placing two benches side by side for more seating
- Make a corner sofa using a cluster of pallets and a bespoke wooden framework
Outdoor and Garden
If you're looking to give your outdoor space a fresh new look, consider upcycling pallets into garden furniture. You can add a back to your garden pallet sofa with a little bit of carpentry, stacking pallets and fixing another lengthways on its edge.
Cutting pallets in half lengthways and attaching rope or a chain can create a ready-made garden swing, perfect for lounging in the sun. Alternatively, you can turn pallets into a natural garden screen by standing them up on end, leaving them natural or painting them green for added appeal.
If you're feeling creative, consider building a wood pallet loveseat, a chair that's sure to make a statement in your outdoor space.
Outdoor Furniture
You can create a cozy outdoor space with some creative DIY projects. One great way to do this is by building outdoor furniture using wood pallets.
A simple pallet wood sofa can be made by sanding pallets, stacking them to form the base, and attaching pallets to the rear for back support.
You can also add a back to your garden pallet sofa with a little bit of carpentry. This involves standing another lengthways pallet on its edge to act as the back of the sofa and fixing it on.
Wood pallets can be used to create a variety of outdoor furniture pieces, including chairs and loveseats.
For example, a wood pallet loveseat can be built with your bare hands over the weekend, and it can be a great addition to your outdoor space.
Here are some outdoor furniture ideas you can make using wood pallets:
- Wood Pallet Chair
- Wood Pallet Loveseat
- Pallet Wood Sofa
With a little creativity and some basic tools, you can create a unique and functional outdoor space that's perfect for relaxing and entertaining.
Raised Planter Bed
You can create a raised planter bed using pallets, which is a great way to add some greenery to your outdoor space. Just cut the pallets down to size and use them as a base for your planter.
The pallets can be cut into long rectangular shapes to form a planter, and you could even use them as a rustic window box. This is a great way to add some visual interest to your garden or patio.
You can place the pallet planters on the ground or stack them to create a raised bed. This will give you more space to plant a variety of flowers, herbs, or vegetables.
Storage and Organization
You can turn your pallets into functional storage solutions that will make your life easier. For example, a wood pallet towel rack can hang two bath towels and store all your bathroom essentials.
A pallet can also be repurposed as a shelving unit, perfect for storing items in your shed or attaching to a garden wall for decoration. You can even use the wooden slats to create wooden garden shelves.
If you're short on time, a wood pallet jewelry holder can display your necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, saving you from scrambling to find that perfect accessory. A pallet wardrobe organizer is another great option, providing hooks for hanging clothes and shelves for folded items, shoes, and accessories.
5. Storage Solutions
Storage solutions are a must-have for any home or office. You can create your own pallet storage solutions to save space and add a touch of rustic charm.
A wood pallet towel rack is a great way to store your bathroom essentials and hang your bath towels. It's inexpensive and easy to make.
For your jewelry, consider a wood pallet jewelry holder to keep your necklaces, earrings, and bracelets organized and in clear view. This is especially helpful when you're in a hurry to get ready.
A pallet wardrobe organizer is a fantastic way to maximize storage space in your bedroom. Add hooks for hanging clothes and shelves for folded items, shoes, and accessories.
Here are some ideas for pallet storage solutions:
- Wood Pallet Pet Bed
- Wood Pallet Swing
To create a secure base for your pallet storage solution, stack the pallets to the right height and screw them in place with metal or wooden panels. Make sure to use four screws per corner to ensure stability.
Get Prepped
Before you start building or repurposing your pallets, it's essential to get them prepped. This involves checking the condition of the pallets, which may have nails that need removing, and sanding down the surfaces if they're uneven.
Inspect the pallets for cracks, splinters, or broken boards to ensure they are safe and suitable for your project. This is a crucial step to prevent accidents and ensure a smooth finish.
To clean the pallets, scrub them with warm, soapy water to remove dirt, grime, or any potential chemicals that may have been absorbed during transport. This will help prevent any unwanted residues from affecting your project.

Sanding down the pallets is a must, especially if you're planning to paint or stain them. Use a sanding tool, such as an electric sander or sandpaper, to smooth out the surfaces and edges. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid leaving scratches.
Here's a quick checklist to help you get started:
- Inspect the pallets for damage
- Clean the pallets thoroughly
- Sand the surfaces and edges
- Remove any nails or debris
By following these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a smooth and safe surface for your pallet project.
Creative Ideas and Tips
You can turn a pallet into a unique piece of garden art by hanging it on a wall and painting it, just like a work of art.
There are an estimated 2 billion pallets in use, which is a staggering number, and many more lying around unloved.
Consider making a wood pallet barn door to conceal a private area or divide a room, it's a great way to add some rustic charm to your home.
LED Upcycled Wine Rack
LED lights can be repurposed into a unique wine rack, giving old fixtures new life.
You can use a wooden crate or a vintage ladder as the base for your upcycled wine rack, adding a touch of rustic charm to your home decor.
LED lights can be easily disassembled and rearranged to fit your desired design, making it a flexible and adaptable project.
This project is perfect for those who want to reduce waste and get creative with their DIY endeavors.
By using LED lights, you can create a modern and sleek design that will add a touch of sophistication to your home bar or wine cellar.
Make Your Own!
You can give your apartment a rustic makeover with a wood pallet barn door.
There are many creative ways to repurpose pallets, including building a wood pallet barn door that conceals your roommate.
With just 2 pallets, you can create a simple Pallet Wine Bar for your next summer barbecue.

You can also turn a pallet into a cute pet bed for your furry friend.
There are an estimated 2 billion pallets in use and many more lying around unloved, waiting to be transformed into unique garden furniture and art.
You can hang a pallet on a wall and paint it to create a one-of-a-kind piece of garden art, just like a Picasso or abstract design.
Pallets are a simple, easy, and fun way to make your garden unique and create fantastic garden furniture and ideas.
You can build a pallet sun lounger or a pallet bed in a single or double design, depending on how many pallets you have to spare.
Make the most of those forgotten pallets and get creative with your garden!
Pick Your
Picking the right materials is crucial for any DIY project. You can often find free pallets at supermarkets, construction sites, and hardware shops.
Sourcing pallets from online selling sites like eBay can also be a good option. You can find wooden pallets for £1 or less.
Just be sure to inspect the pallets for any cracks, splintering, or rot before using them.
Benefits and Considerations
Pallets can be a great material for furniture, but it's essential to consider a few things before getting started. Look out for suspect stains, such as mold, bird droppings, chemical stains, or signs of a pest infestation, as these can be a sign of a problem.
If you do decide to use a pallet, make sure it's been properly treated. Check for the ISPM stamps MB or EUR, which indicate the potentially harmful fumigant Methyl Bromide (MB). While there's no proof that MB-treated pallets offgas, many DIYers prefer to avoid it, to be safe.
Some benefits of using pallets include their affordability and accessibility, as well as their eco-friendly nature. Reusing pallets in projects helps reduce waste and promotes sustainability, giving these materials a second life.
Things to Consider When Choosing:
Inspect pallets carefully for suspect stains, such as mold, bird dropping, chemical stains, or signs of a pest infestation. These can be deal-breakers.

The International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) stamp MB or EUR, both of which indicate the use of potentially harmful fumigant Methyl Bromide. Many DIYers prefer to avoid MB-treated pallets to be safe.
It's worth noting that the EUR stamp is an old one, used in the past when MB treatment was more common in Europe.
Making It Safe
You may be able to treat a pallet to make it safe, but it depends on what it was contaminated with. Sanding and using bleach may eradicate e.coli from produce or bird droppings, but pest infestations or chemicals are potentially deeper in the wood.
Pest infestations or chemicals can be a major concern, as they may be difficult to fully remove from the wood. An impermeable finish like epoxy may help, but it's no guarantee.
In some cases, it's better to err on the side of caution and skip using the pallet altogether. Better safe than sorry, as Brindley says.
5 Benefits

Wood pallets are a fantastic DIY material, and here are five benefits that make them a popular choice.
They're affordable and accessible, often free or low-cost, making them a budget-friendly option for DIY enthusiasts.
The eco-friendly aspect of reusing pallets is a major plus, as it helps reduce waste and promotes sustainability.
Wood pallets are incredibly versatile, and can be transformed into a wide range of items, from furniture to garden planters.
The rustic appeal of pallets is undeniable, adding a charming, weathered look to any project.
Here are the five benefits of DIYing with wood pallets in a concise list:
- Affordable and Accessible
- Eco-Friendly
- Versatile
- Rustic Appeal
- Durable and Sturdy
Frequently Asked Questions
Are used pallets worth money?
Yes, used pallets can be worth money, especially if they're in good condition. Repairable pallets can be resold for reuse, making them valuable to recycling companies.
Is it safe to use pallets for furniture?
Yes, heat-treated pallets are safe to use in furniture projects, but those treated with methyl bromide are not. Learn more about the safe and safe-to-avoid options for pallets in furniture making
Is it legal to take pallets from behind stores?
Taking pallets from behind stores without permission may not be allowed, as businesses may be financially responsible for them. Always ask the business owner for permission before removing pallets
Is it illegal to pick up pallets?
Taking pallets without permission is generally not allowed and may be considered theft. Check with the business first to ensure you have permission to take pallets
How long will pallet furniture last?
Pallet furniture typically lasts 3 to 5 years, depending on usage and maintenance. With proper care, it can provide years of comfortable and eco-friendly seating and decor.
Sources
- https://www.instructables.com/Pallet-Furniture/
- https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/pallet-furniture-ideas/
- https://www.lovethegarden.com/uk-en/article/15-outdoor-pallet-furniture-ideas
- https://www.clutter.com/blog/posts/diy-wood-pallet-ideas-furniture-storage/
- https://www.idealhome.co.uk/diy-and-decorating/pallet-garden-furniture-204763
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