Tips for simple pallet furniture

Even ordinary pallet furniture can look great. When you make it, you can easily bring your own original approach and ideas. Do you need a raised bed or a compost bin? Nothing could be easier. With such a lovely original pallet piece, you can play with the details and adapt it in different ways, which is always an advantage. If you add a suitable accessory, the result is often priceless.

Where to put pallet furniture

Pallet furniture for the garden is very popular thanks to its original look, simple construction and low production costs. If you have had some creative fun with it, you have several options for where to put it. It will look great, for example, in the middle of an open area in the garden or by the pool, but also in a garden shed, under a pergola or on the terrace. 

Treat the wood first

Making the furniture itself will also take some time. There is beauty in simplicity, so if you are not keen DIYers, definitely stick to that. You only need a few things

• A drill 
• A sander 
• Nails and screws  

Sanding the pallets is probably the most time-consuming part. Also think about a suitable treatment for the pallet, as there are several options. You can use clear varnish, wood stain or your favourite opaque paint, it is entirely up to you. The assembly itself is then very simple.

Ideas for simple pallet furniture

We have picked a few tips for you that will certainly come in handy when making this kind of furniture. After all, you can never have too much inspiration.

Laundry shelf unit

Stand two pallets on their edges with their undersides facing each other. Set the distance between the pallets according to the length of the shelf. Lay several boards across the middle lower part of the pallets and screw them in on both sides. Screw more boards onto the top edge of the pallets to create a top board. And the result is a sturdy, simple shelf unit that is ideal for your clothes, for example.

Sandpit

Your children will surely love a sandpit, especially if it has a seat. You can make a simple enclosure very easily. All you need is sand and a plastic sheet to cover your play area.

Swing

For every gardener, a swing is the best gift. What is more, a pallet swing takes almost no work: just hang the pallet on strong ropes and you are done. We almost forgot, you also need to place the swing by a tree, and then all you need is a mattress.

Tent

Another favourite spot for your children is the traditional Native American dwelling. Believe us, such a simple pallet playhouse will be the hit of the season.

Shoe rack

Stand a pallet on its edge and turn its underside towards the wall. It will make a handy shoe rack. Simply slide your shoes toe first into the gaps.

Bookcase

You can also make a very interesting and unconventional bookcase from pallets. Just screw the pallet together properly and you are done. Books by the best garden designers, for example, will certainly look great in it.

A bed for your pet

Think about how big a bed your animal needs and prepare the pallet boards accordingly. Cut the slats to size, fill any unsightly unevenness with wood filler, then sand them with an angle grinder. Once all the slats are ready, it is time to start assembling the bed frame itself. Start with the upper back section. For this you will need 2 boards 85 cm long and 2 slats. The boards are screwed onto the slats from the outside, as shown in the picture. We recommend pre-drilling the boards with a smaller wood drill bit to avoid splitting them by accident.

Have creative fun making pallet furniture and match it with other home accessories. You are sure to be pleased.