14 Easy DIY Pallet Ideas and Projects

14 Easy DIY Pallet Ideas and Projects

by — Andra DelMonico
Published on January 18, 2021
Updated on January 28, 2025

“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.

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.

Handmade L-shaped pallet desk with a rustic wood finish, black frame, and hairpin legs, set in a cozy home office corner — Source: @matt_tallent via Instagram

Spacious pallet desk with built-in storage, black metal legs, and a dual laptop setup, complemented by greenery in a modern home office — Source: @north_va via Instagram

Minimalist pallet desk with built-in storage, black metal legs, warm lighting, and a sleek setup featuring a laptop, books, and plants — Source: @zachdyson via Instagram

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.

DIY pallet fencing used to protect young trees in a backyard, with a rustic wooden fence and a swing set in the background — Source: @jazmineduran_perez via Instagram

DIY herringbone pallet fence enclosing a raised garden bed, with a mix of natural wood tones and lush greenery in the background — Source: @jump_for_joy_insta via Instagram

DIY pallet fence enclosing a lush garden area, made from repurposed wood pallets, with tropical trees and greenery in the background — Source: @tinkerbellefarm via Instagram

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.

A simple wooden pallet table with a potted plant on top, set against a white wall and placed on a wooden floor — Source: @dlucasartes via Instagram

Wooden coffee table with a fall-themed centerpiece, surrounded by two gray chairs on a wooden floor — Source: @mypalletcreations via Instagram

A wooden pallet table with four matching stools arranged around it on a tiled floor — Source: @rustiksivas via Instagram

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.

Outdoor pallet bar with a rustic design, featuring a stocked liquor shelf, mounted drink dispensers, and potted plants for decor — Source: @no16_homefor2 via Instagram

Rustic backyard pallet bar with bunting, hanging glasses, liquor dispensers, floral garland, and personalized signage for a cozy setup — Source: @our_ledbury_home via Instagram

Cozy home bar with a rustic pallet counter, stocked liquor shelves, dartboard, flags, and pub-style seating for an inviting atmosphere — Source: @renovationprojectoxford via Instagram

Rustic wooden pallet bar with wall-mounted liquor shelves, hanging glass storage, and a unique bicycle pedal barstool for a vintage touch — Source: @seeitnsawit via Instagram

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.

Rustic pallet wood planter with industrial pipe legs, perfect for showcasing succulents in a stylish and modern tabletop display — Source: @anchor_and_swan via Instagram

Rustic pallet wood wall shelf with a natural finish, featuring built-in planters and terracotta pots for a charming farmhouse-style display — Source: @dw_pallet_wood_designs via Instagram

Charming upcycled pallet shelf painted in soft gray, mounted on a wooden fence, featuring potted plants, figurines, and decorative bulbs — Source: @our_edward_home via Instagram

Rustic pallet wood shelf repurposed for bathroom storage, holding neatly folded towels and toilet paper rolls for a cozy, organized look — Source: @simplicitypallets via Instagram

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.

Handmade wooden pallet chair with a modern angled frame and diagonal slat backrest, placed on a grassy lawn in a cozy backyard — Source: @luke_istvan via Instagram

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.

Wall-mounted pallet wooden bar with three gin bottles, glasses, and potted plants labeled "Jessica's Gin Bar" on a brick wall — Source: @dw_pallet_wood_designs via Instagram

Outdoor wall bar with shelf open, displaying various liquor bottles, beer, and bar tools against a brick wall — Source: @dw_pallet_wood_designs via Instagram

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.

Outdoor patio with a gas grill, propane tank, potted tulips, and a rustic wooden pallet backdrop with hanging planters and decorations — Source: @_helen_nightingale_ via Instagram

Brick fireplace with a rustic wooden pallet backdrop, decorated with lanterns, vases, and "LOVE" letters on the mantel, and a red lantern — Source: @redfoxreclaiming via Instagram

Wood-paneled staircase with a simple handrail, lit by warm, dim lighting; the walls are made of rustic wooden planks — Source: @house_of_saunders via Instagram

Covered patio with string lights, wooden pallet walls, an American flag, a refrigerator, glass table, chairs, and a railing overlooking trees — Source: @redfoxreclaiming via Instagram

Room with a wood-panel accent wall, white curtains, an armchair, a vase on a table, and a framed flower painting — Source: @titledpaige via Instagram

A room with walls made of wooden pallets, a small bar area, and a staircase with a white rail — Source: @truecraftremodeling via Instagram

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.

Cozy pallet sofa with layered cushions and warm-toned pillows, creating a charming boho-style balcony retreat with rustic and modern accents — Source: @_new_niu_ via Instagram

Cozy outdoor pallet sofa with white-painted wood, tropical leaf cushions, a green throw, and a hanging macramé plant holder — Source: @_telmafreitas via Instagram

Vibrant outdoor pallet sofa set with bold blue and pink cushions, a geometric pallet coffee table, and colorful accent pillows — Source: @baliol.house_ via Instagram

Cozy outdoor pallet sofa with gray cushions, a fire pit, lanterns, and a pastel blue shed surrounded by lush greenery and flowers — Source: @crack_the_shutters via Instagram

Indoor pallet sofa set with bright yellow cushions, colorful throw pillows, a glass-top pallet coffee table, and cozy decorative accents — Source: @furnaturewoodcrafts via Instagram

Cozy outdoor pallet seating with gray cushions, a spool coffee table, lanterns, string lights, and a fireplace for a warm ambiance — Source: @handy_house_and_garden via Instagram

Modern outdoor pallet sofa with dark gray cushions, a black wooden fence, hanging plants, string lights, and a cozy lantern — Source: @home.eighteen via Instagram

Rustic outdoor pallet seating under a wooden gazebo with beige cushions, decorative pillows, hanging lights, and lush greenery — Source: @jenniferwildingg_ via Instagram

Outdoor patio with wooden pallet furniture, including a sectional sofa and coffee table, green cushions, and a tropical rug — Source: @kuszzz_nl via Instagram

Outdoor seating area with a white cushion L-shaped sofa and patterned throw pillows, alongside a pallet wood coffee table on a patio — Source: @livingat71 via Instagram

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.

Stylish outdoor lounge with a pallet deck, rattan furniture, tropical cushions, a red umbrella, and lush greenery for a cozy backyard retreat — Source: @bellatinaroxy via Instagram

Rustic outdoor pallet deck with a gazebo, wicker seating, colorful kids' table, and a cozy rug, set in a woodland backyard setting — Source: @cassiiii_x0 via Instagram

Modern backyard pallet deck with wooden benches, a dining table, potted plants, and a border of flower beds for a cozy outdoor setup — Source: @lee_rad via Instagram

Stylish backyard pallet deck with a herringbone wood pattern, rattan seating, lavender cushions, potted plants, and a greenery wall accent — Source: @thetuckerhome via Instagram

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.

Rustic shed made from reclaimed wooden pallets, featuring a creative sign reading 'The Hackney Pallet Man' and a repurposed white door with metal accents — Source: @hackneypalletman via Instagram

DIY pallet shed painted in dark and light blue, featuring a slanted roof and sturdy design on a paved surface — Source: @hove_woodwork via Instagram

Rustic pallet shed with a slanted metal roof, wooden door, ventilation panel, and a side shelf for small plants — Source: @jordan.watson155 via Instagram

Stylish pallet shed with a modern touch, featuring a French door, two windows, and a mix of natural and stained wood panels — Source: @kareenab via Instagram

Cozy pallet shed retreat with rustic decor, a glass roof for natural light, and vintage-inspired details for a warm, inviting atmosphere — Source: @kinship_creativedc via Instagram

Rustic pallet shed with an open-air porch, lush greenery, and eclectic decor—perfect for a cozy backyard retreat or garden workspace — Source: @rdnkchk79 via Instagram

Sturdy DIY pallet shed with a framed door and window, offering a functional and stylish storage solution for any backyard space — Source: @rockinror via Instagram

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.

Wall art of tree branches painted on wooden panels above a brown bench against a beige wall — Source: @paintedvintagemom via Instagram

Wooden wall art of a dandelion with embedded yellow lights resembling seeds, on a rustic wooden plank background — Source: @refinedpalletstudio via Instagram

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.

Minimalist bedroom with a cozy pallet bed frame, soft neutral bedding, natural light, indoor plants, and a small dog adding charm — Source: @coletteslittlehome via Instagram

Modern minimalist bedroom with a pallet bed frame used for extra book storage, cozy white bedding, vinyl wall decor, and a workspace — Source: @earthydianaweidai via Instagram

Boho-style bedroom with a rustic pallet bed frame, earthy-toned bedding, woven decor, indoor plants, and a cozy sheepskin rug — Source: @michelles.thuis_ via Instagram

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.

DIY vertical pallet garden filled with colorful succulents and greenery, creating a vibrant and space-saving outdoor plant display — Source: @_chloe_m_thurks via Instagram

Rustic DIY pallet herb garden mounted on a white wall, labeled with basil, cilantro, parsley, and oregano, accented by string lights above — Source: @23andtaylor via Instagram

Colorful DIY pallet flower garden with vibrant pink, orange, and purple blooms cascading from a rustic, painted wooden frame — Source: @bernadette_lomasney via Instagram

Charming pastel green pallet garden with blooming flowers, set against a cottage-style shed with bunting, wicker planters, and rustic decor — Source: @greenbank_interiors via Instagram

Beautiful DIY pallet planter box filled with vibrant flowers, illuminated by soft outdoor lights against a rustic wooden fence at night — Source: @holly_marie_shannon via Instagram

DIY pallet-fenced vegetable garden with raised beds and arched trellises, set in a lush backyard with tall trees and a rustic shed — Source: @jessica.esch_ via Instagram

Rustic wooden pallet planter filled with vibrant purple and green flowers, set on a modern deck for a stylish vertical garden display — Source: @purepallets via Instagram

Rustic pallet wood planters filled with lush green succulents and trailing blue plants, placed on a vintage metal bench against a brick wall — Source: @vansfoliageandflora via Instagram

DIY white pallet shelf repurposed as a vertical planter, holding potted herbs and flowers against a dark wooden fence — Source: @vegpatchnewbie via Instagram

Vibrant purple pallet planter with lush green foliage, featuring a trellis for climbing plants, set against a brick wall in a cozy patio space — Source: @willjordan5208 via Instagram

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.

FAQs

How do you make wood pallets look good?

Leaving your pallet wood raw makes it look cool for a rustic appearance, but it isn’t very functional. Sand the wood to make it smooth and eliminate the splinter risk. Then stain it a rich color that will look beautiful in your home.

Do pallets have termites?

Pallet wood is susceptible to termites. Look for holes and small woodpiles as evidence of a termite infestation. You also need to be careful where you get your pallets from. Grocery store pallets can have spills and stains from food products. This can lead to mold and other insect issues.

Are pallet beds safe?

It depends. Some pallets are treated with a large number of chemicals. These can be toxic and are not good for use when building your pallet bed or other furniture. However, if you use pallet wood that’s only heat-treated, you should be fine. This wood gets heated to a minimum of 60 or 56 degrees, depending on the type of wood. This eliminates current and future infestation issues.