DIY furniture from pallets: the best ideas + step-by-step assembly instructions

In a budget-conscious environment, making furniture with your own hands from pallets is a worthy alternative to purchasing furniture.Finished products made from untreated, rough, but durable boards can withstand a lot of weight and will become an original addition to your home or garden.

When using transport wooden pallets to assemble furniture, financial costs are minimal. All you need is imagination and a little free time. And what can be made and what materials will be needed for this - we will tell you about all this in our article.

Features of using wooden pallets

Pallets are transport containers designed for storing, warehousing and moving cargo weighing up to 1 ton. Made from wood, plastic, metal, cardboard. To assemble furniture, wooden pallets are used - these are two-tier structures made from untreated wood, which has high strength and durability. The weight of one unit ranges from 15 to 20 kg.

Depending on their purpose, they have the following dimensions:

• Euro pallet – 120x80x12 cm;
• standard pallet – 120x100x12 cm.

Today, pallets are non-trivial interior and landscape design items. Their ability to withstand weights of up to 1 ton allows them to be used as functional elements of storage systems and cabinets.

A properly assembled cabinet made of pallets can withstand heavy loads, so it can be used to store tools or a set of tires

The environmental friendliness of the material and low cost have become the key to the high popularity of wooden pallets among designers. Loft, grunge or eco-interior - furniture made from wooden pallets will organically complement any of these styles.

Inspiration and interesting ideas can be gleaned from collections based on pallets. By complementing and modifying ready-made solutions, you will create original and functional pieces of furniture, characterized by durability and strength.

It is recommended to complement furniture made from pallets with soft seats and decorative pillows. This will make the interior look more comfortable

Where can I get pallets?

Despite the reliability of the design, wooden pallets are regarded by manufacturers as a consumable material. Depending on the conditions of use, pallets can be written off after just one use.

You can purchase pallets as follows:

• Contact the transport company or manufacturer directly. Many of them are ready to provide pallets for free so as not to have to deal with their storage and disposal.
• Find sellers of used pallets via the Internet. Their cost can vary from 30 to 200 rubles. for a unit.

If you have nowhere to buy used containers, you can make them yourself from boards 15-20 mm thick and beams 70x70 mm. First, you need to calculate the dimensions of the future piece of furniture, cut the boards into blanks, and fasten them to the beams.

Healthy: How to make a beautiful and durable table for a gazebo with your own hands

Recommendations for choosing pallets

When choosing used pallets, the question arises about quality criteria.There are several varieties on the market. In addition to condition, they differ in size and strength. It is recommended to purchase pallets marked with stamps EPAL or EUR. They meet all safety requirements.

Pallets made in America and Canada are more reliable due to the high quality of the wood. But with proper processing, domestically produced products are not inferior.

When choosing pallets, pay attention not only to the markings, but also to their condition. There should be no cracks or chips on them

Advantages of furniture made from pallets

Hand-made pieces of furniture are an original and budget-friendly solution for arranging a summer cottage or local area, allowing you to realize your fantasies and create a complete set yourself.

In addition to low cost and ease of manufacture, furniture made from pallets has a number of advantages:

• Reliability. Due to the high strength of solid wood, furniture made from pallets will last much longer than furniture made from chipboard.
• Practicality. By changing the modification of the pallet, you can get any item: table, chaise longue, armchair, wardrobe or sofa.
• Relevance. Eco and Loft styles actively occupy leading positions in the field of design. Massive furniture made from pallets will be an ideal solution for furnishing housing in this direction.
• Environmental friendliness. Packaging pallets are not treated with synthetic mixtures or impregnations. They do not pose a risk to human health.

Things made with one's own hands are more valuable than those produced in an industrial environment.

How to prepare the material?

Assembly and disassembly of pallets does not require special skills.Depending on the final goal, their shape can be modified, supplemented with other materials or equipped with roller wheels.

The preparatory process should begin with measuring and cleaning the pallets from dust and dirt. If the planned furniture has non-standard dimensions, the pallets need to be disassembled, simultaneously sorting the boards by size and condition.

The next stage is grinding the relief surface. The best way is to use a grinding machine.

If you don’t have a sanding machine, you can use sandpaper, but the process will be longer. The hand sanding process can be speeded up by choosing paper with a high degree of abrasiveness.

You need to work in a ventilated area, wearing goggles and a mask. There is no need to sand all surfaces. It is enough to limit yourself to facial ones and those that will be in contact with the body.

If the furniture will be used outdoors, its components must be treated with moisture-proof compounds. You can use a water-repellent primer for exterior use.

After this, all that remains is to purchase fasteners and select fittings, think over the color scheme and furniture design. Each element should organically continue the interior concept. It is recommended to complement armchairs and sofas with soft pillows, and tables with glass or wooden tabletops.

Wooden furniture pallet in the interior

Furniture sets made from pallets will always be relevant outdoors. terrace or personal area. If they are intended to be used indoors, it is worth deciding whether they are suitable for a particular interior.

Such furniture is appropriate for interiors in the style country, loft, Provence or grunge. Scandinavian and industrial styles, which tend towards naturalness and the use of natural materials, can also be complemented by elements from pallets.

An interior designed in minimalism, hi-tech style or luxurious classics does not allow the use of headsets made of pallet. Smooth glossy surfaces, strict lines and laconic forms do not combine well with untreated wood.

Natural materials are the best companion for furniture made from wooden pallets. You can make either one piece of furniture or a whole set

From pallets you can make both simple elements - bedside tables, poufs, shelves or resting places for pets, and more complex ones - sofas, beds, armchairs or chaise lounges. The final result is limited only by imagination and the availability of free time.

Disassembling wooden pallets into components, you can use them to make accessories and decorative elements. A vase, a mirror frame or a picture frame - natural wood will become the highlight of the interior.

Option #1 - upholstered furniture

Made of wood pallet You can make sofas, armchairs, ottomans, beds. For an Asian-style interior with a characteristic low bed position, you can use one tier of pallets.

Classic European version of the bed - fastened in two or three levels pallets, on which the orthopedic mattress is laid. Inside the base you can equip drawers for storing linen.

A homemade bed is assembled not only from pallets. We recommend checking out the best ideas for making a bed at home.

Option #2 - dining and coffee tables

Easiest way to use pallets - making a table.For the base and sides you will need 3-4 pallets. A wooden, stone or glass tabletop is placed on top of the structure. For a family dining table you will need 6-7 units.

Low 2-3 tiered tables are characteristic of the Japanese style, higher ones are Provence, country or loft

Option #3 - bar counter

To make a small bar counter you will need 3 pallets and material for the countertop. This option is often found in modern restaurants and bars.

In a house or apartment, a rack of pallets is suitable for kitchens or living rooms designed in eco- and industrial, loft and Provence styles

Option #4 - furniture for the terrace

A summer cottage or terrace can be improved by installing several massive flower boxes made from pallets. If the area of ​​the estate allows, a great idea would be to place a barbecue area. It is important to treat wooden pallets heat-resistant composition.

Another option for using pallets is to arrange a hanging swing. Due to the strength of the material, both adults and children can use it. On top you can place soft pillows or seats with ties.

To install a garden swing, you need to purchase high-quality and durable ropes or chains. The safety of the structure depends on their reliability

Wooden sun loungers can also be made from pallets with your own hands. They will become an indispensable accessory for sunbathing by the pool or on the patio.

Assembling a sofa with drawers

The design of the pallets assumes free space between two bases. By using it, you can significantly increase the functionality of the finished product. A sofa equipped with drawers will provide additional storage space.Below will be a master class on manufacturing.

List of tools and materials:

• pallets – 6 pcs. (it is recommended to have 2 spare ones);
• plywood sheets - 2 pcs.;
• grinder, if you have never used a grinder, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with operating rules;
• drill, screwdriver;
• jigsaw;
• screws;
• corners and boards for fastening elements;
• sandpaper;
• primer;
• varnish or paint for wood;
• roller or brushes;
• accessories for drawers;
• a ready-made system of hidden guides (if drawers are intended);
• wheels for the product – 4 pcs.

You will also have to select decorative elements: foam cushions or special seats, textile fabric for upholstery.

Pallets must be thoroughly cleaned and sanded. You can only work with surfaces that users will come into contact with during operation.

The initial stage of assembling a sofa on wheels with drawers:

1. Four pallets will be used as the base of the sofa. Two of them are placed face down, secured with corners and boards. 2 more pallet are fastened together in a similar way.
2. The fifth pallet must be cut into two equal parts. The back of the product will be made from them.
3. The gaps in the pallet can be sealed with cut pieces of boards, attaching them with beams from the inside.

All prepared elements must be carefully treated with a primer. After it has dried, you can begin painting or varnishing. To obtain a rich color, it is recommended to paint the elements in several layers.

After final drying, it is necessary to equip the workpiece with legs or wheels. They are attached to the lower base of the sofa. It is recommended to purchase options equipped with brakes.You can find them at a hardware or furniture store. The legs can be made independently from pieces of timber.

We continue the assembly:

1. You need to fasten together 2 previously prepared pairs of pallets. It is important to check the reliability of the connection. Applying wood glue to the joints will further strengthen the finished structure.
2. Parts pallet, sawn for the back, must be connected with fasteners using a screwdriver.
3. The side parts or armrests are made of boards and attached to the base.

An alternative option is to cut the pallet into small pieces and make armrests from them.

Drawers can also be installed in the armrests of the sofa. They can be used as a minibar

To create drawers, you need to measure the free space in the tray used for the base, leaving gaps for installing the slide system.

The order of assembling the boxes:

1. In accordance with the received measurements, draw out the sheets of plywood and cut out the elements. Connect them with glue. The bottom of the box can be additionally reinforced with a stiffening rib. If you plan to store heavy things, the bottom can be made of chipboard.
2. Install the guide system to the drawers and the inside of the pallet base.
3. Attach the prepared fittings to the drawers and insert them into the holes.

An ergonomic sofa with drawers is ready. It will be an excellent option both for indoor placement and on an open terrace or balcony. At the final stage, you need to lay out soft seats and decorate it with decorative pillows.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Detailed parsing process pallet into the constituent elements and assembling a small bench from them:

A simple option for making a two-seater sofa from pallets:

Bar counter from pallet, necessary tools and step-by-step manufacturing technology:

Furniture made from pallets looks unusual and stylish. Made with high quality, it will be an alternative to the traditional options sold in showrooms. Such headsets are practical, reliable and ergonomic. Decorated with decorative elements and soft pillows, they diversify the interior and create a special flavor and comfort.

Have you assembled original furniture from pallets with your own hands? Share your experience with our readers - tell us what was the most difficult for you and what other items do you plan to make? Are you satisfied with the result? Leave your comments below the article. Here you can also add original photos of homemade furniture.