Author: Andra DelMonico

Wouldn’t it be cool if you could build your own furniture? It’s easier than you think. All it takes is gathering up some pallets. These pallet furniture ideas will get you inspired to build your own pallet furniture.

Perhaps you have a large backyard patio, and you haven’t found the right furniture for the space. Build a large lounging sofa that encircles the outer edge. Then there’s plenty of room for everyone.

Continue the look inside with a pallet wood table in your kitchen, tv stand in your living room, and nightstand in your bedroom.

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1. Build An Outdoor Wet Bar with Pallets

Pallet furniture is a great way to upcycle and repurpose the materials around us. With a little creativity and determination, we can construct outdoor wet bars with built-in shelves for our balconies or backyards.

Keep it fun and inviting by adding colorful buntings as decoration – a sure way to welcome your friends and family! Don’t be afraid to DIY your own outdoor paradise – pallet furniture provides plenty of opportunities to build something useful while keeping things stylish.

If you’re handy, you can take the pallets apart and build a custom bar from scratch. This method is nice because you have more control over the size of the bar.

You can build it to fit your patio or deck space perfectly. Distribute the planks by color and quality so that you have a visually appealing look to the front of the bar.

2. Transform Your Bedroom with Custom Pallet Bed

Get rid of your old store-bought bed frame and replace it with a custom-designed pallet bed. The simplest solution is to let the pallets down and stack them to your desired bed height. Most people use two or three pallets stacked for a low to the ground look.

You’ll want to lay a solid piece of plywood over the pallets to give you a smooth surface to place your mattress on. Otherwise, it’ll begin to fall through the slats and feel uncomfortable.

You don’t have to commit to a pallet board bed to have a rustic look. Keep your traditional bed frame and use pallet slats to create a headboard. Or build a pallet wall at the head of your bed.

3. Elevate Your Outdoor Space with Pallet Seating

Build your own outdoor furniture out of pallets. The simplest DIY pallet chair is to stack pallets until you get to your desired seat height. Then use three standing on their sides to build the armrests and chair back.

You’ll want to put a cushion over the seat and back to make the chair comfortable to sit in.

Another option is to take the pallets apart and build a fancier custom chair, like a pallet Adirondack chair.

These are more comfortable because they are closer in size to a traditional chair. They also have a slightly reclined back and smooth seating area.

4. Craft a Compact Pallet Desk for Your Workspace

Need a small desk area? Use two pallets for the sides and one for the top. You’ll have a pallet desk that’s just big enough to sit at and work on your laptop or paperwork.

You can thread the wires and cable through the pallets to help hide them for a cleaner look.

One drawback of pallet wood is that it’s rough. It was never designed for indoor desk use. You’ll want to sand it smooth, especially on the desktop.

Otherwise, your writing will be a mess. Another option is to place a sheet of glass over the wood. This will give you a perfectly smooth and hard surface for writing on.

5. Pallet Outdoor Seating Creations and Sofas

DIY pallet furniture ideas are beginner-friendly and perfect for the person who wants to build their own outdoor furniture but doesn’t know where to start. The precut pieces are uniform in size, making it easier to build a symmetrical and balanced piece of furniture.

Some are simple, requiring you to stack and attach whole pallets together. Others are more complicated, requiring you to take the pallet apart and then use the pieces to build something new.

If you have a large living room, recreate the large DIY pallet sofas that you see on social media. Stack several pallets on the floor and use planks to fill in the gaps. Then place large cushions to make the seating soft. Go further than this and place several throw pillows of varying shapes and sizes on your sofa. This will create a plush lounging area that’s perfect for watching a game or good movie.

You can create seating that’s similar to a pallet couch but smaller. A pallet bench will look quaint and welcoming in your entryway or hallway. A pallet swing is a unique take on the traditional porch swing. Hang one in your backyard or on your porch.

6. Design Space-Saving Pallet Nightstands

This is not the place to use a whole pallet in its original form. Nightstands are small tables that sit next to your bed, so a whole pallet would be way too big. Because of this, you’ll find this wooden pallet project requires a bit of skill.

Take the pallet apart and build a box. The simplest option is an open box with four legs and a tabletop. Something more complicated would require you to enclose the nightstand and attach a door on the front with hinges. If you’re experienced with woodworking, you can build drawers.

7. Maximize Storage with Pallet Racks and Shelving

Build more than just furniture with your pallet wood. Try your hand at pallet crafts and create custom home decor for every room in your home. Hang a pallet wine rack in your kitchen or dining room for a rustic display of your vino collection.

Don’t like wine? Turn it into a mini bar display with your favorite spirits. Add a glassware rack to the bottom and hang your glasses for an all-in-one station.

Hang a pallet planter in your kitchen for holding your fresh herbs. Put one in your bathroom for holding succulents for a mini living wall. Another could be outside on your deck or patio for a modern greenery display.

8. Custom Pallet Tables for Your Kitchen and Living Room

Build a perfectly sized country-style pallet table for your kitchen. Pair it with a pallet bench for plenty of seating. The tabletop could be pallets supported by wood or metal legs. Or you can take the pallets apart to construct your table from scratch.

Sand all of the pieces to give you a smooth tabletop and sides. You could even stain or paint it for a more elegant looking pallet dining table.

Skip the long legs and use short ones instead for a perfectly matched pallet coffee table. Try this approach if you have an open floor plan where you can easily see from the living room to the kitchen.

9. Build a Pallet TV Stand

Give your living room a rustic feel by building a TV stand out of recycled pallet wood. This is one of the more intricate and advanced wood pallet furniture ideas.

Small living rooms can get away with using two pallets stacked on top of each other. However, you’ll need to add planks to make them a smooth service. You’ll also want to paint the pallets to hide their gross look or look for nice like-new pallets.

A better option is to break the pallets down and build your own TV stand. Build one that’s large enough to support the size of your TV. It should also be scaled to fit comfortably in your living room.

Give your stand an industrial look by building it on a metal frame. This balances the look of rustic wood and metal perfectly.

You don’t need to have a huge budget to have beautiful flooring in your home. If you have a limited budget, focus on finding the best flooring that fits within that budget.

Look for something that’s durable, easy to maintain, and capable of DIY installation. Consider the room you plan to install your floor in to ensure the material you pick will last.

These cheap flooring ideas will get you inspired to update the look of your home’s floors. Perhaps you replace your old worn out carpet with laminate or vinyl planks. Or you could stain and seal your concrete subfloor and create an ultra-modern look.

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1. Vinyl Flooring

This type of flooring is not only affordable, but also durable and resistant to stains and water. It comes in a variety of designs, including styles that mimic the look of more expensive materials like hardwood or stone. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) or Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) are higher-end options that are still affordable compared to hardwood or stone.

Sheet vinyl is the most inexpensive. Simply unroll and adhere to your floor. On the opposite end, there’s luxury vinyl tile. These can look hyper-realistic and fool people into thinking you have wood flooring. Choose the color, type of wood, texture, and finish.

On average, vinyl flooring materials can range from $2 to $8 per square foot. Luxury vinyl planks and tiles, which offer more realistic designs and textures, are on the higher end of this price range. The cost of professional installation can add $1 to $3 per square foot.

2. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is an affordable option that mimics the look of wood, stone, or tile using a photographic layer under a clear protective one. Its tongue-and-groove system makes it easy for DIY installations, saving costs. It’s durable, resistant to scratches, stains, and easy to clean.

However, it’s less suitable for wet areas like bathrooms or kitchens due to its limited moisture resistance. Despite its cost-effectiveness and practicality, it may lack the feel and sound of natural materials, which could be a drawback for some homeowners.

Laminate flooring materials may range from $1 to $5 per square foot, with high-end versions costing more. Professional installation can add $2 to $5 per square foot.

3. Linoleum

Linoleum is an eco-friendly flooring option, crafted from renewable materials like linseed oil and cork. Its durability surpasses that of vinyl, standing up well to heavy traffic and spills. Available in a broad range of colors and patterns, linoleum offers high customization.

With proper care, including regular sweeping, occasional mopping, and periodic sealing, it can last up to 40 years. While it requires a bit more upkeep than vinyl, its longevity, versatility, and environmental benefits make it an attractive choice for homeowners.

On average, you can expect linoleum material costs to range from around $2 to $5 per square foot for sheet linoleum, and up to $4 to $8 per square foot for linoleum tile. Professional installation can add an additional $3 to $7 per square foot.

4. Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is a sustainable choice as it’s made from the bark of the cork oak tree, which regrows over time. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it also provides a comfortable, cushioned feel underfoot and serves as a natural insulator, aiding in temperature regulation and noise reduction.

Despite its benefits, cork does have some downsides. It’s softer than many other materials, making it more susceptible to scratches, dents, and damage from heavy furniture. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause cork to fade, and it may require frequent sealing to maintain its look and durability.

The material cost for cork flooring can range from $2 to $6 per square foot. High-quality or specialty cork products can cost more. The cost for professional installation can add an additional $1 to $3 per square foot.

5. Carpet

Carpeting is a popular flooring option due to its comfort and warmth. Its soft texture provides a cushioned surface underfoot, making it especially comfortable for walking or standing. It also comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures, allowing for extensive customization to fit any home decor.

However, carpet isn’t as durable as some hard flooring options and can show wear and tear over time, especially in high-traffic areas. Cleaning can also be a challenge, as it can trap dust, stains, and allergens more easily than hard surfaces. While professional cleaning can help, it is an additional expense to consider.

Carpet materials can range from $1 to $5 per square foot for synthetic fibers, with wool and other natural materials often costing more, sometimes upwards of $10 per square foot. Professional installation costs can add $0.50 to $2 per square foot.

6. Tile

Ceramic or porcelain tiles are versatile flooring options known for their durability and water resistance, making them excellent choices for areas like kitchens and bathrooms. These tiles come in a wide range of styles, colors, and finishes, allowing for significant customization. They can also mimic the look of natural stone or wood at a lower cost, with the final price largely depending on the type and quality of tile chosen.

Tile flooring can be challenging and time-consuming to install, often requiring a professional, which can add to the overall cost. It’s also harder underfoot and can be cold, which might not suit all homeowners’ preferences. Despite these potential drawbacks, tile’s longevity, water resistance, and affordability make it a popular choice in many households.

On average, ceramic and porcelain tile materials can range from $1 to $20 per square foot. Natural stone tiles like marble, granite, or slate can be more expensive, sometimes exceeding $20 per square foot. Professional installation costs can add an additional $5 to $10 per square foot, depending on your location and the complexity of the installation.

7. Engineered Wood

Engineered wood flooring is composed of a thin veneer of real wood on top of several layers of less expensive, high-quality plywood. This construction provides the same aesthetically pleasing look as solid hardwood but at a more affordable price. Its layered design also makes it more stable and less susceptible to warping from humidity or temperature changes than solid hardwood.

However, its lifespan may not be as long as solid hardwood, mainly due to its thin top layer. This layer allows for limited refinishing—typically only once or twice—before the veneer is worn through. So, while engineered wood can be an excellent choice for those seeking the hardwood look without the hefty price tag, its longevity can be somewhat less than that of solid hardwood.

The materials for engineered wood flooring can range from $3 to $13 per square foot. Higher-end versions or exotic wood species can cost more. Professional installation can add an additional $3 to $10 per square foot.

8. Peel-and-Stick Tile

Peel-and-stick tiles are an inexpensive and convenient option for quick home makeovers. They’re designed with adhesive backings, making them extremely easy to install without requiring professional help—simply peel off the backing and stick the tile to a clean, flat surface. These tiles come in an array of styles, mimicking materials such as wood, stone, or ceramic, and offering significant room for design flexibility.

However, their durability and longevity may not match traditional tile or wood flooring. They may not adhere well in areas with high moisture or on uneven surfaces, and their wear layer is typically thinner, making them more susceptible to damage over time.

Peel-and-stick vinyl tiles may cost anywhere from $1 to $4 per square foot. Some high-end options or tiles that mimic the look of materials like stone or wood could cost more. One of the main advantages of peel-and-stick tile is that you can often install it yourself, saving on professional installation costs. However, if you do hire a professional, it’s typically less expensive than installing traditional tiles because the process is faster and easier.

9. Plywood

Plywood flooring is a creative, budget-friendly alternative to traditional flooring materials. By painting or staining it, homeowners can achieve a variety of looks that can complement their interior decor. It’s also relatively easy to install, particularly compared to some other types of flooring, making it appealing for DIY enthusiasts. The process involves cutting the plywood into planks, squares, or other shapes, installing them onto the subfloor, and then applying the desired finish.

With a bit of effort and creativity, such as using different colors or creating patterns, it can result in an aesthetically pleasing floor. It’s essential to note that plywood may not have the same durability or longevity as more traditional flooring options and may require more maintenance, like sealing to protect against moisture and wear.

The cost can depend on the thickness and quality of the plywood, but generally, you can expect to pay between $0.50 to $2 per square foot for the plywood sheets themselves. If you choose to finish the plywood with a stain, paint, or sealant, you will need to factor in these additional costs. This could add another $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on the type of finish you choose and whether you apply it yourself or hire a professional.

“It is better for you to be free of fear lying upon a pallet, than to have a golden couch and a rich table and be full of trouble.” –  Epicurus

Recycling and upcycling is a trend that will never go away as we become more aware of our environment and our effect on it. One of the easiest and most popular ways to embrace this trend in your home is by using wood pallets. The wood is already cut into planks, so you can immediately get to work assembling them into something new.

Check out these wood pallet ideas and get inspired to tackle some projects around your home. Don’t make the mistake of thinking the pallet projects are all rustic or farmhouse appropriate. Several pallet ideas will look beautiful in a contemporary, American traditional, or modern home.

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1. Build Your Own Pallet Desk

While you could build a desk completely out of pallets, it won’t look sophisticated, and it’ll feel clunky. Instead, give your pallet desk an upgrade by starting with a metal frame. Then use the pallet wood to create the shelves and desktop.

If you have your heart set on a rustic pallet desk, start with two sawhorses for the legs. Then place pallets on top to create the desk surface. Finish the desk with a piece of glass on top of the pallets. This gives you a smooth surface for working on.

2. Create a Unique Pallet Fence

Using reclaimed pallets to build a fence can be a simple solution. All you have to do is mount the fence posts in the ground and then slide the pallets down between the posts. The plank hangover will wrap around either side of the post and hold it in place.

For more style, paint the wood so that your fence is one color. Otherwise, you may find that the pallets are all different colors based on the type of wood they’re made from and the pallet’s age.

3. Design Custom Tables from Pallets

Build a rustic table out of your pallet wood. The easiest table to build is a pallet coffee table for your living room. These are smaller and low to the ground. You can build it to the exact size and shape that works with your living room.

For a more adventurous project, you could build a console table. This is a narrow table that you place behind your sofa, in a hallway, or at your entryway. Complete the upcycled pallet look with mason jars that have candles or flowers in them.

Elevate the look of your upcycled wood table by adding metal legs. This gives it an industrial look. Or place a sheet of glass over the top of the table for a smooth and stable surface.

4. Home Bar Using Pallets

Build a simple fold-out bar by mounting a pallet on the wall. Then add a hinged door that closes the bar in and hides what’s stored inside. This is one of the most popular recycled pallet ideas because you can try it both inside and outside of your home. It’s a simple way to create an entertainment space on your backyard patio or deck.

For a more advanced project, try building an entire bar. Start with a solid front. Then build shelves, worktop, and bar counter. Keep it simple by standing the pallets on their side. Or get more creative by taking the pallets apart and custom building a bar that fits your space.

5. Shelves Made from Pallets

Add a rustic look to your room by mounting a pallet shelf or two on the wall. You could make them floating or purchase shelf brackets. This creates a minimalist look and lets you add small accents to small spaces.

Another option is to build a bigger unit, such as a pallet bookshelf. Take apart one of your old wooden pallets and line the planks up next to each other to create a solid board. Then mount smaller pieces of the wood planks to create the shelves. You could have several evenly spades shelves for a traditional look. Or you could have sporadic smaller shelves for a creative feel.

6. Craft Stylish Pallet Chair

Build an oversized chair or small loveseat by stacking two pallets on top of each other. Then use another for the backrest and sides for armrests.

Place your pallet chairs on wheels to make them easier to move about. Keep in mind that pallets are solid wood, and your completed chair can get quite heavy.

If you have patio space, hang your pallet loveseat from chains. Now you have a pallet swing made from reclaimed wood. To make your chair, loveseat, or swing more comfortable, slant the back of the chair. If it’s straight up and down at a 90-degree angle, you won’t want to sit in it long. A slight recline will let you sit back and relax into the chair.

7. Make a Pallet Wine Rack

If you have leftover wood from your other pallet projects, you can use it to build a wine rack. You can build the rack to be as small or large as you need for the amount of wine you want to display. Most racks hold three to ten bottles.

The easiest approach to building your rack is to cut an old pallet in half and place the top flat against the wall. Then add a piece to the new front to create a shelf that holds the bottles in place. You now have a flat surface on top to set smaller bottles and a rack long enough to hold several bottles of wine.

A slightly more complicated project is to dismantle the pallet and use the wood to create a custom-sized rack. Always add a front to the shelf so that the bottles are held in place.

You could also cut small pieces of wood that are cut at an angle. Then attach them to the bottom of the rack by the narrow side. You can then slide the base of wine glasses into the voids. The wider portion of the woodblocks will hold the glasses in place.

8. Accentuate Your Walls with Pallets

Create a beautiful accent wall by mounting pallet boards on the wall. This breathes new life into the plank wall idea. Worn and used pallets give your DIY project a feeling of authenticity.

Start your pallet wall by preparing your shipping pallet planks. Smooth them out so that they are straight on all sides. This will let them lay flat against the wall and lay flat against each other. You don’t want the wall to look wavy as the boards bend away from the wall or have gaps between the boards.

9. Design Your Pallet Outdoor Sofa

Building a sofa out of pallets in your living room isn’t possible for most of us. Pallet furniture takes up a lot of space, and your sofa would end up taking up the entire living room. That’s why most people choose to attempt their pallet furniture ideas outside.

Build a pallet sofa in your backyard by stacking pallets. You’ll need a lot of them for this pallet project. For a small pallet sofa, you’ll need four to build the seat and two for the seatback. For a corner sofa, add two more pallets for the seat and another pallet and a half for the seatback.

10. Upgrade Your Deck with Pallets

What’s nice about building a pallet deck is that pallets are designed to efficiently support a lot of weight. You can easily build a deck by leveling the ground where you want to build your deck.

Lay good quality pallets down to cover the surface, lining them up at the edges. Stringer pallets are good for this because they have extra support built into the pallet.

Once the pallets are secured into place, lay down the surface of your deck by taking apart pallets and laying the planks down in a pattern that appeals to you. Carefully pick your pallet boards; you only want to use the straight ones that don’t have twisting or warping.

11. Build a Pallet Shed

Tackling a pallet shed project is best left for someone who has experience with building. If you don’t build your shed properly, you risk it falling down and injuring someone. So of all the wood pallet ideas on this list, this is one that should be taken on with the most caution.

No matter how you decide to build your wooden pallet shed, always start with a solid frame. This supports the pallets and creates a frame that you can then plan your pallets around. It will also give the pallets stability and strength to support a roof.

12. Create Stunning Pallet Wall Art

You don’t have to get fancy with your wall art. Gather the leftover pieces you have from your other DIY pallet projects and create your home decor. You could build a pallet clock, star, or shelving unit. A pallet sign could look cute. Create a sign shape with your pallet pieces and then use paint to create a message or sign out of it.

Not all pallet decor gets hung on the wall. Build a serving tray out of pallet planks and place it on your kitchen counter or coffee table. A small tray could fit on your bedroom dresser or on the back of your toilet.

13. Construct a Comfortable Pallet Bed

Similar to the DIY pallet sofa, the easiest way you can build a pallet bed is to lay the recycled pallets down and stack them. However, similar to the sofa, this approach limits the bed’s size and shape that you build. The pallets may not be the right size for your mattress. You could embrace this and have a step-up platform around the outside of your bed.

Get creative with your pallet bed. Stand two up at the end of your bed against the wall to create a headboard. Make the ultimate outdoor hangout spot by building a pallet swing bed. All you need is two pallets, a small mattress, and some sturdy rope to hang it.

14. Enhance Your Garden with Pallet Ideas

Hang a pallet on a fence of the exterior of your home and turn it into a hanging planter. This is perfect for growing herbs and smaller plants. You’ll make small troughs by attaching a flat board to the open side of the pallet. Then fill with dirt and plant your herbs.

A pallet planter can be a beautiful accent to your patio, deck, or backyard. You could have a skinny one that sits on the railing of your patio. Or you could build larger ones that sit on the ground and function as your container pallet garden.