Pallets can be turned into stylish, durable furniture at low cost: sofas, beds, tables, shelves and patio furniture. Pallet furniture is popular because the material is affordable, eco-friendly and easy to work with, even for beginners. With good planning and the right pallet, the result will last for years.
In this guide we have gathered the best pallet furniture ideas, step-by-step instructions for the popular pallet sofa and the key tips on choosing and treating pallets and on safety. We also look at what kind of pallet is suitable for furniture and why a clean, heat-treated pallet is always the best choice. Suomen Lavacenter supplies clean pallets and pallet collars of consistent quality for craft and interior design projects too.
Why are pallets a popular furniture material?
For many DIY builders, a pallet is the ideal starting point. There are several reasons for its popularity:
- Affordable. A pallet is a cheap raw material compared with ready-made furniture or sawn timber.
- Eco-friendly. Reusing a pallet as furniture is recycling at its best: an old pallet gets a new life.
- Easy to work with. The ready-made structure, uniform boards and sturdy blocks make building simple, even for beginners.
- Sturdy and versatile. One pallet makes a shelf, several make a sofa or a bed: you can furnish a whole space with the same material.
- On trend. The rough, natural look of pallet furniture suits both indoor spaces and the patio.
Which pallet is suitable for furniture?
The end result is only as good as the pallet you use. It is worth taking a little trouble over choosing the right pallet, as it shows in both the appearance and the safety.
Choose a heat-treated (HT) pallet
This is the most important safety tip. Look for the IPPC stamp and the HT marking (heat treatment) on the pallet, which means that the wood has been treated with heat, not chemicals. Avoid pallets marked MB (methyl bromide), as this indicates fumigation with a pesticide. Also avoid pallets with oil, paint or chemical stains, especially if you are making indoor furniture or furniture for a child’s room. Read more about the markings: heat-treated pallets and ISPM 15.
New or used pallet?
A used pallet is an affordable and eco-friendly choice, and its weathered look suits many styles. However, check that it has no rot, loose nails or bad cracks. A new pallet, on the other hand, is clean, consistent and light in colour, which makes it the best choice when you want a neat finish or plan to paint the furniture. Compare the options: new or used pallets.
Which size: EUR pallet or something else?
The most common and most consistent choice is the EUR pallet (800 × 1200 mm), because its dimensions are always the same and its quality is standardised. It is ideal as the base for a sofa, bed or table. For smaller projects, such as shelves or wall decorations, a smaller pallet will also do. When you need several identical pallets, consistent new EUR pallets make building considerably easier.
Pallet furniture ideas
You can make almost any kind of furniture from pallets. Here are the most popular ideas for inspiration:
Pallet sofa
A classic. Two pallets stacked on top of each other form the seat and one pallet stood on end forms the backrest. Add mattresses and cushions, and the sofa is ready for the patio or the living room. Fit castors underneath and the sofa is easy to move around.
Pallet bed
Euro pallets make an eye-catching bed frame: 2-4 pallets on the floor depending on the size of the mattress, and an LED strip under the pallets for mood lighting if you like. A pallet bed is sturdy and airy, and you can adjust its height by stacking pallets.
Pallet table
One or two pallets make a coffee table or a dining table. Add castors or legs and, if you like, a glass top. The gaps in the pallet leave handy storage space for magazines and other items.
Pallet shelves and storage
A pallet stood on end works as a shelf just as it is, or as a shoe rack, wine rack or garden tool store, for example. Fixed to a wall, a pallet becomes a stylish open shelf. A surprising amount fits between the boards.
Patio and garden furniture
Pallets can be turned into patio lounge furniture, sun loungers, a bar counter and even decking. For outdoor use, remember to apply a weatherproof finish (oil or wood preservative) so that the furniture can withstand the Finnish weather.
Pallet collars in the garden
A pallet collar placed on a pallet is the quickest way to make a raised bed, a compost bin or a storage box. By stacking collars you get the height you want, and folded flat they are easy to store over the winter. This is a popular and affordable solution for vegetable gardens and balconies.
How to make a pallet sofa: step-by-step guide
You can build a simple pallet sofa in an afternoon. You will need about 3-4 EUR pallets (for example two stacked for the seat and one for the backrest).
- Clean the pallets. Brush off dust and dirt and wash them if necessary. Let them dry thoroughly.
- Sand the surfaces. Sand all contact surfaces and edges smooth so that no splinters remain. Start with coarse sandpaper and finish with fine.
- Check the nails and fixings. Tap protruding nails back in or remove them, and reinforce loose joints with screws.
- Assemble the seat. Place two pallets on top of each other and screw them together to form a sturdy base.
- Add the backrest. Stand one pallet on end behind the seat and fix it with angle brackets or screws.
- Finish the wood. Treat the wood with oil, wax or paint, depending on the look you want. Fit castors underneath if needed.
- Add the cushions. Place the mattresses and cushions on top. For outdoor use, choose weatherproof cushions.
Treating a pallet: cleaning, sanding and finishing
Careful treatment turns a rough pallet into a comfortable piece of furniture:
- Cleaning. Brush and, if necessary, wash with a mild detergent. Let the pallet dry completely before working on it.
- Sanding. Sand all surfaces and edges: this is the most important step for avoiding splinters. A pallet with uneven boards needs more sanding.
- Finishing. For indoor use, oil, wax or interior paint is suitable. For outdoor use, choose a weatherproof wood preservative or an oil intended for outdoor use.
- Protection. It is a good idea to protect the points that touch the floor with felt pads or furniture feet so that the floor does not get scratched.
Materials and tools
Basic equipment is enough for most pallet projects:
- Clean, heat-treated pallets (and pallet collars if needed)
- A sander or sandpaper (coarse and fine)
- Screws, angle brackets and a screwdriver/drill
- A hammer and, if needed, a crowbar for dealing with nails
- Wood preservative, oil, wax or paint for finishing
- Castors, legs or mattresses and cushions, depending on the project
Safety and durability
Keep a few things in mind to make sure your furniture is safe and durable:
- Choose a clean, heat-treated (HT) pallet, especially for indoor and children’s furniture. Avoid MB-marked and stained pallets.
- Sand carefully to avoid splinters and scratches.
- Check the load capacity. When you stack pallets or build furniture to sit on, make sure the structure can withstand use. It is also worth considering the pallet’s own weight if the furniture will be moved around.
- Protect outdoor furniture. A weatherproof finish extends the life of the furniture considerably.
- Use quality fixings, as screws hold better than nails alone.
Where can you get good pallets for furniture?
The quality of the pallet decides the end result. Instead of collecting random, dirty pallets or ones treated in unknown ways, it is worth getting clean, consistent, heat-treated pallets. That way you know what you are getting, the furniture turns out neat and matching, and you do not need to worry about safety.
Suomen Lavacenter supplies EUR pallets, other pallets and pallet collars, new and used, including smaller batches for interior design and craft projects. We supply consistent pallets with fast delivery throughout Finland. Request a quote and we will help you choose the right pallets for your project.
Pallet furniture in a nutshell
Pallets are an affordable way to make sofas, beds, tables, shelves and patio furniture. The most important things are to choose a clean, heat-treated (HT) pallet, sand the surfaces carefully and finish the furniture to suit where it will be used. Consistent EUR pallets and pallet collars make building easier and ensure a neat result.
Summary
Pallet furniture combines affordability, sustainability and the satisfaction of doing it yourself. When you start with a clean and safe pallet, a little effort (cleaning, sanding and finishing) produces durable, stylish furniture for both indoors and the patio. Plan your project, choose the right pallet and let your imagination run free.
Do you need clean pallets or pallet collars for a furniture project? Suomen Lavacenter will help you choose suitable pallets and deliver them quickly. Call +358 29 170 3899, email info@suomenlavacenter.fi or send a quote request.
Frequently asked questions
Which pallet is best for furniture?
The best choice is a clean, heat-treated (HT-marked) EUR pallet. Its dimensions and quality are consistent, so building with several pallets is easy and the result is neat. Avoid MB-marked and stained pallets.
Are pallets safe to use indoors?
Yes, when you choose a clean, heat-treated (HT) pallet and sand the surfaces carefully. Avoid pallets treated with pesticide (MB) and pallets with chemical stains, especially for indoor and children’s furniture.
How do I recognise a heat-treated pallet?
Look for the IPPC stamp on the pallet, with a symbol resembling an ear of wheat and the marking HT (heat treatment). HT means heat treatment without chemicals. Read more in the article heat-treated pallets and ISPM 15.
How many pallets do I need for a sofa?
For a simple pallet sofa you typically need 3-4 EUR pallets: for example, two stacked for the seat and one for the backrest. The exact number depends on the size and height you want.
How do you sand and finish a pallet?
Clean the pallet, sand all surfaces and edges smooth (first with coarse, then with fine sandpaper) and finish with oil, wax or paint. For outdoor use, choose a weatherproof wood preservative.
Can pallet furniture be used outdoors?
Yes. Treat the furniture with a weatherproof oil or wood preservative and use cushions designed for outdoor use. Protection extends the life of the furniture considerably.
What can you do with a pallet collar?
A pallet collar placed on a pallet is the quickest way to make a raised bed, a compost bin or a storage box. By stacking collars you get the height you want, and folded flat they are easy to store.
Where can I get good pallets for furniture?
Clean, consistent, heat-treated pallets are best bought from a reliable supplier rather than collected as random scrap pallets. Suomen Lavacenter supplies EUR pallets, other pallets and pallet collars in small batches for interior design projects too.
