Rustic pallet wood furniture is a budget-friendly way to enhance any space. Reclaimed materials add natural charm and character to your home.
Creative Pallet Furniture Ideas to Upcycle Wood Stylishly
You can make lots of cool things with upcycled pallets, saving money and resources, too. But take care when choosing and using them, as pallets can be contaminated by what was stored on them, where they were used or how they were treated, editor and publisher of Pallet Enterprise magazine Chaille Brindley says. Read on for elegant DIY pallet furniture ideas and keep up your eco-friendly lifestyle.
What does safe pallet wood look like?
Opt for non-marked, plain, untreated wood pallets, or those with the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) stamps DB (debarked), HT (heat treated), KD (kiln dried) or EPAL (European pallets that have been heat treated). And be sure to break your pallet down safely, too.
Look out for these things when choosing pallets:
- Suspect stains. Mold, bird droppings, chemical stains and signs of a pest infestation are all reasons to think twice.
- The ISPM stamps MB or EUR. Both indicate the potentially harmful fumigant Methyl Bromide (MB), commonly used to treat pallets. (EUR is an old stamp meaning Europe, used at a time when MB treatment was common.) While there’s no proof MB-treated pallets offgas, Brindley says, many DIYers prefer to avoid it, to be safe.
Can I treat a pallet to make it safe?
Maybe. 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. Then, an impermeable finish like epoxy may—or may not—help.
Use is another consideration. You may feel more comfortable using pallet wood you’re unsure of to make a bike rack, but less so for a kitchen table.
When in doubt for any reason, skip, says Brindley. Better safe than sorry.
DIY Pallet Furniture Ideas
Pallets are incredible for their versatility. In recent years, reclaimed pallet wood furniture has gained popularity due to its resilience and beauty. Try out your unique ideas and craft your own DIY table, chair, bed, fence, kiosk, planter and whatnot. Use your creativity and build your own table, chair, bed, fence, kiosk, planter, and much more.
1
/
10
Cabinet
When building pallet furniture, you can preserve the shape of the pallet (if it fits your design) or disassemble it and use the wood. Cabinets can feature a modern design that contrasts with the natural texture of reclaimed wood, often finished with a clear coat for durability and preservation. Clear varnish protects the wood.
2
/
10
Kids’ table set
A kids’ table and chair set can be made entirely of pallet wood. Kids love furniture sized just for them, and using pallet wood saves money. However, we don’t recommend pallet wood for dining tables because it can harbor chemicals, mold and more.
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.
3
/
10
Coffee table
Although it doesn’t look like it, an elegant hardwood coffee table with a modern flair can be built with wood from a couple of hardwood shipping pallets.
This isn’t a beginner project. It requires a table saw, circular saw and drill press, among other tools and materials. But the resulting table is a beauty!
4
/
10
@nursewhogolfs Why spend $1000+ on patio furniture when you can build your own fo free?! #homeproject #lifeathome #quarentine #diy #palletproject ♬ Roses (Imanbek Remix) – SAINt JHN
DIY pallet sofa for your patio
An outdoor sofa is easy enough for a pallet wood beginner. Simply sand pallets, stack to form the base and attach pallets to the rear for back support. Seal and protect the wood with a clear outdoor finish, add no-fade cushions and voila — get an instant outdoor DIY pallet sofa for your patio.
5
/
10
@charlotte.r.b_ #fyp #foryou #bar #palletbar #diy #renovationchallenge #renovation #palletfurniture ♬ Escape (The Pina Colada Song) – The Hitters
Upcycled pallet bar for your backyard
Transform two wooden pallets into an outdoor bar. One full pallet forms the front piece and the two halves of the second pallet make up the sides.
A bar can be a great permanent fixture in your outdoor space or pulled out for events and parties. Take it a step further and attach a shelf on the interior to hold bottles, glasses and ice.
6
/
10
Reclaimed pallet wood headboard
Although most wood pallets aren’t up for grabs, chances are local businesses in your area have some they’d like to dispose of for free or a reasonable price. Just be sure to ask permission before stocking up.
Here’s how to turn ugly shipping pallets into a beautiful, refined reclaimed pallet wood headboard for your bedroom decor. You’ll need three pallets for this advanced project.
7
/
10
Outdoor coffee table
An outdoor coffee table project is ideal for beginners. Simply secure two pallets stacked together, sand and paint.
Use colors and raw wood to create a modern geometric design. Create your custom pattern with painter’s tape, then seal with outdoor polyurethane.
8
/
10
Swing for your balcony
Need a cozy place to enjoy your morning coffee? Turn your wooden pallet into a swing for your balcony.
Be sure to securely fasten the porch swing to solid framing in the porch ceiling. Use an oversize chain (3/16- or 1/4-in. thick) with welded links for good looks and safety.
9
/
10
@morleykert Free pallet 👉 modern dining table #DIY #woodworking #upcycling ♬ original sound – Morley Kert
Pallet dining table
You can transform random wooden pallets into a gorgeous designer-level modern dining table.
After disassembling the pallet, use the boards to form the round top and the runners to create the legs. You can also use advanced woodworking techniques, including steam bending a piece of oak to form the tabletop border.
Note: Here’s more on steam bending.
10
/
10
@tea.at.shilohno tools needed 🦢♬ original sound – s h i l o h
No-tools bed
Make a pallet bed entirely without tools!
It is one of the simplest pallet furniture ideas. Lay four pallets on the ground and layer on pieces of plywood to support the mattress. Add the mattress, bedding and pillows and you’re ready for a good night’s sleep.
Install strip lighting inside the pallets for a cozy ambiance.
Tips for Pallet Furniture Durability
Better maintenance enhances durability. Follow these tips for pallet furniture durability:
- Pay attention to sealing and waterproofing outdoor pallets.
- Choose ideal finishes for indoor use.
- Protect pallets from high humidity and extreme sun conditions.
- Periodic pest control enhances longevity.
FAQ’s
Are pallets safe to use indoors?
Yes, pallets can be safe for indoor use, but it’s important to ensure they are clean and have been sourced responsibly. Always verify that the pallets are free from contamination and have not been treated with dangerous substances. When cleaned properly and prepared, they might be excellent for designing house decor and interior furniture.
What tools do I need to work with pallets?
Hammer, saw, wood chisel, measuring tape, nails and screw, screwdriver, drilling machine, sander are common woodworking tools for shaping pallets into your craft ideas. Do not forget about safety tools, goggles and hand gloves.
About the Expert
- Chaille Brindley is a journalist who has covered the pallet industry and business for more than 25 years. He is the editor and publisher of Pallet Enterprise magazine.
Sources:
- IPPC: “Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade”
- Autodesk Instructables: “Simple DIY Modern Garden Beds”
- National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA): “A Whopping Ninety-Five Percent of Wooden Pallets are Recycled, Studies Show”
- Premier Handling Solutions: “Wood Pallets”
- Pallet Enterprise: “About Chaille Brindley”
