11 DIY Wood Pallet Ideas That Will Increase The Space In Your Tiny Apartment

What do wood pallets and Mason jars have in common? Both are ridiculously talented at storing goods, which makes using them to increase the space in your tiny apartment a splendid idea.

What don’t wood pallets and mason jars have in common? Wooden pallets are upcyclable into furniture with storage, while mason jars … not so much. Because who wants to sit on glass? Thus, wood pallets are the new mason jars, except much more versatile and safe.

The best part: You can find wood pallets for free on Craigslist, or as this Lifehacker article “Find Free Shipping Pallets and Reclaimed Wood for your DIY Projects” suggests, by asking an independent hardware, garden, or power equipment store owner if they have some to spare.

Learn more: 5 Home Repairs You Can DIY—And 5 You Should Hire a Pro

So, consider saving the planet, and the limited space in your apartment, by upcycling shipping pallets into any one of these 11 easy DIY wood pallet projects.

Need Extra Space? Discover Our Flexible Storage Solutions

6 DIY Wood Pallet Furniture Ideas for the following areas:

1. Living Room

• Wood Pallet Sofa

Aside from lighting them on fire so that you and your friends can make thousands of S’mores, what would you do with six wooden pallets?

As of today, your answer can now include stacking them two-levels high and placing soft pillows on top to make one cozy, wood pallet corner sofa. A wood pallet sofa that has plenty of storage space for your books, magazines, and iPad or Kindle that tries to make the previous two formats obsolete.

Learn more: 5 Creative Concrete DIY Projects: Stylish and Practical Ideas

• Wood Pallet Coffee Table

If you’re from the imaginary school of thought that says “if your coffee beans comes from nature, so should your coffee table,” then a wood pallet coffee table is the perfect philosophical addition to your living room.

2. Bedroom

• Pallet Wardrobe Organizer

Maximize storage space by constructing a pallet wardrobe organizer. Add hooks for hanging clothes and shelves for folded items, shoes, and accessories. This solution is both functional and decorative, perfect for small bedrooms.

Learn more: How To Soundproof a Room: 4 Best DIY Tips

• Wood Pallet Barn Door

Thinking of giving your apartment a rustic makeover? Or maybe dividing a room into two for more privacy? Make it happen with a wood pallet barn door that conceals your rooster, we mean, roommate.

Learn more: 5 Best DIY Apartment Hacks

3. Outdoor Furniture

• Wood Pallet Hanging Bed

What’s better than Dancing with the Stars? Sleeping under them on this wood pallet hanging bed that has room for two.

• Wood Pallet Chair

What chair are you sitting on right now? Chances are it’s not as fresh as this wood pallet loveseat that you can totally build with your bare hands over the weekend.

4. DIY Pallet Décor and Home Accessories

• Wood Pallet Cooler

Summer’s almost over, but there’s still some time left for you to enjoy one last barbecue with your friends. Whether you’re hosting or attending a BBQ, a wood pallet cooler keeps your drinks cool and the balcony decor even cooler with a metal storage tub for your “empties.”

Learn more: 6 DIY Pegboard Ideas to Organize Your Garage

• Wood Pallet Planter Tower

Everyone could benefit from adding a little green to their apartment, and nothing makes more sense than to keep your plants in their natural habitat. For those of you with a small backyard or balcony, or just a love for the great outdoors, wood pallet planters make for an impressive, conversation-sparking gardening tool.

5. DIY Pallet Storage Solutions

• Wood Pallet Towel Rack Shelf

Just because your bathroom is probably located indoors, doesn’t mean the furniture inside of it has to originate there. Feast your eyes on this inexpensive wood pallet towel rack that hangs two bath towels and stores all of your bathroom essentials.

• Wood Pallet Jewelry Holder

You have just under a half hour to get ready for work and head out the door. There’s not enough time to uncover a chic outfit, so let’s go with a black dress instead. But it still needs something. Where’s that necklace you wore last week that everyone loved? You look everywhere, but no luck. This is why you need a wood pallet jewelry holder to store your necklaces, earrings, and bracelets in clear view. Who knew one wooden slab could save your outfit?

6. Creative Pallet Projects for Kids and Pets

• Wood Pallet Swing

By the way, thanks for swinging by the Clutter blog. If you’d like to continue swinging, hop on this wood pallet swing. When you’re done, swing by our place.

• Wood Pallet Pet Bed

What’s that? Your best friend is whining because he doesn’t have a wood pallet bed of his own? Turn your pup’s frown upside down by building a cute wood pallet pet bed. Awwww.

5 Benefits of DIYing with Wood Pallets

1. Affordable and Accessible: Wood pallets are widely available and often free or low-cost, making them a budget-friendly option for DIY enthusiasts.
2. Eco-Friendly: Reusing pallets in projects helps reduce waste and promotes sustainability, giving these materials a second life.
3. Versatile: From furniture to garden planters, wood pallets can be transformed into a variety of items, offering endless creative possibilities.
4. Rustic Appeal: The natural, weathered look of pallets adds a charming, rustic aesthetic to any project, perfect for those looking to embrace the upcycled or farmhouse style.
5. Durable and Sturdy: Built to support heavy loads, wood pallets offer a strong and stable foundation for everything from shelving units to outdoor furniture. 

Learn more: 15 Breathtaking Floating Shelves That You Don’t Have to DIY

DIY Projects: Preparing Wood Pallets

1. Inspect for Damage: Before starting, check the pallets for cracks, splinters, or broken boards to ensure they are safe and suitable for your project.
2. Clean Thoroughly: Scrub the pallets with warm, soapy water to remove dirt, grime, or any potential chemicals that may have been absorbed during transport.
3. Sand Smooth: Sand down rough edges and surfaces to prevent splinters and create a smooth finish that’s ready for painting or staining.
4. Disassemble Carefully: Use a crowbar or pallet buster to gently take apart the pallets if your project requires individual boards, ensuring you don’t damage the wood.
5. Treat and Seal: Depending on your project, treat the wood with a sealant or varnish to protect it from moisture, pests, and wear, especially for outdoor use.

Need Extra Space? Discover Our Flexible Storage Solutions

Conclusion

Wood pallet projects are a good idea to incorporate into your tiny apartment. They maximize the use of space but also add a unique and rustic feel to your house. Ranging from storage solutions to functional furniture, these 11 DIY ideas prove that even the smallest of spaces can be realized with creativity and sustainable ideas. Wood pallets are cost-efficient and at the same time very eco-friendly, thus offering you a nearly endless possibility of personalizing your apartment according to your needs. These projects enable the possibility of more organized, stylish, and spacious living.

FAQs for DIY Wood Pallet Ideas That Will Increase The Space In Your Tiny Apartment

Q: How can I check if a wood pallet is safe for DIY use?

Look for the “HT” (heat-treated) stamp and avoid pallets with visible stains or damage. Source pallets from trusted places like grocery stores or furniture shops.

Q: What essential tools do I need to work with wood pallets?

Basic tools include a hammer, pry bar, drill, saw, and sandpaper. Also, have screws or nails, and a measuring tape for precise assembly.

Q: Can wood pallets be used for outdoor furniture, and how can I weatherproof them?

Yes, pallets can be used outdoors by applying a waterproof sealant and varnish. Store or cover them during extreme weather to extend their life.

Q: What’s the best way to dismantle a wood pallet without causing damage?

Use a pry bar to carefully loosen boards, working slowly to avoid cracks. If needed, cut through stubborn nails with a saw to preserve the wood.

Q: Can I stain or paint wood pallets for a finished look?

Yes, after sanding, apply paint or stain for a polished finish. Protect the wood with a sealant to ensure durability.