20 Things to Make from Pallets: Furniture, Storage, and Decor

Wooden pallets are an easy and affordable way to spruce up your home, garden or patio with DIY projects.

Whether you're new to DIY or a seasoned upcycler, there is no shortage of pallet ideas you can try using pallets you may already have or that you can collect locally for free.

Need extra space for tools, timber and finished projects? HOLD Self Storage in London offers secure and affordable units with flexible sizes, 24-hour access and an online Box Shop.

Wood pallets are sturdy, easy to find and often discarded after a single use, so repurposing them is a simple way to save money and reduce waste.

Many are made from hardwood or softwood such as pine, which makes them suitable for furniture, storage and outdoor projects with a natural, rustic look.

Free wood pallets are often found at supermarkets, warehouses or industrial sites. Always ask permission before taking them. Choose pallets that are clean, dry and in good condition, and avoid anything mouldy, heavily stained, badly damaged or with strong chemical smells or obvious spills.

Inspect your pallets: Avoid damaged, mouldy or heavily stained pallets and any with strong chemical smells or signs of spills.

Check the stamps: Choose pallets marked HT for heat treated and avoid pallets stamped MB or any with unclear markings.

Sand the wood: Pallets often have splinters, rough edges and protruding nails or staples, so sand all surfaces and remove or countersink any metal.

Wear protective gear: Use sturdy gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask, and work in a well-ventilated area away from children and pets.

This stylish piece is a go-to for anyone looking to add rustic charm to their living room or garden space. By stacking two pallets and securing them with screws, you create a sturdy base.

Add caster wheels for mobility and a glass top for a polished finish. Use pallet slats underneath to create a lower shelf for magazines, books, or decorative storage.

Perfect for balconies or smaller gardens, this project transforms vertical space into a living wall of flavour. Take one pallet, sand it down, and secure landscape fabric to the back and bottom of each slat to form planting pockets.

Fill with soil and insert herbs like rosemary, parsley, or mint. Hang or lean against a garden wall for a fragrant and practical display.

Using just two pallets, a bit of plywood, and some old kitchen utensils, you can craft a creative outdoor play kitchen. Cut out a rectangular hole to insert a basin or bowl, screw on knobs or old taps, and add shelves for storing pots and pans.

This is a brilliant way to let your kids enjoy imaginative outdoor play with natural materials.

Remove the back boards of a pallet, saw it into segments, and mount each piece on the wall using brackets or screws. These shelves are ideal for displaying books, succulents, or framed photos.

You can also create a tiered effect by hanging shelves at staggered heights across your wall for a modern rustic aesthetic.

Repurpose a single pallet board by sanding it and attaching a row of hooks or old drawer knobs. Mount it near your front door or hallway. You can personalise it with stencilled paint or add a small shelf on top for sunglasses or keys.

It’s a tidy and attractive way to keep coats, bags, and scarves organised.

Sturdy and practical, pallet benches are made by stacking four pallets; two for the seat and two for the backrest. Sand and finish with outdoor paint or stain to withstand weather.

Add cushions and throw blankets for comfort. Place them around a firepit or patio table to create an inviting seating area.

Break down a pallet into individual boards and nail them together to form a rectangular planter box. Line it with landscape fabric, fill with soil, and plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables.

These are perfect for patios or balconies where raised beds are needed. Add handles to make them portable and functional.

Stack multiple pallets lengthwise for the base and backrest, securing with screws. Cover with waterproof cushions or foam padding, and add bright outdoor fabric for flair.

You can build corner units or sectional seating by cutting pallets to size. These sofas are ideal for entertaining or relaxing on summer evenings.

Create an eco-friendly compost system using four upright pallets nailed together to form a square frame. Leave the top open and optionally add a hinged front for easy access.

It’s a cost-effective way to compost garden waste, peelings, and kitchen scraps while enriching your garden soil.

Mount a pallet vertically and lean it against a sunny garden wall or fence. Grow climbing plants such as jasmine, clematis, or morning glories through the slats.

As the plants grow, they weave through the boards, creating a green wall effect that adds privacy and natural beauty to your garden.

Use pallet boards to create a custom-fit garden cabinet with shelves inside for pots, tools, and seeds. Add plywood backing and hinged doors to protect the contents from the weather.

Paint it in garden-friendly colours like sage green or navy blue, and install it next to your greenhouse or shed for easy access.

Disassemble a pallet and use the boards to build tiered shelves. Each row can hold a couple of pairs of shoes. Make it free-standing for flexibility, or mount it on the wall for an entryway space-saver.

This is a simple yet functional piece for keeping muddy shoes off the floor.

Use slats from old pallets as your canvas. Sand them smooth and use stencils or freehand painting to add quotes, botanical illustrations, or abstract patterns.

Hang your artwork using picture hooks or wire. You can also attach small jars or lights for added effect.

For a minimalist and affordable bed frame, place four pallets in a rectangle and secure them with brackets. The design provides a low-profile look and natural ventilation.

Optionally, stain or paint the pallets and attach a pallet headboard. Underneath space can double as discreet storage for baskets or boxes.

Combine pallet slats with plywood to build a freestanding bookshelf with multiple compartments. Vary the shelf heights to accommodate tall books and small décor pieces.

Reinforce with corner brackets for stability, and place it in your lounge, office, or kids’ room.

Stack pallets to build the body of a bar and use a smooth plywood or glass sheet as the countertop. Add shelves at the back for bottle storage and mount hooks for bar tools or glasses.

This project is a centrepiece for garden parties or indoor entertaining.

Use a pallet as the tabletop and attach repurposed legs or stack another pallet underneath. Sand it thoroughly and seal with weatherproof paint or oil.

Add a hole in the middle for a garden umbrella. This makes a charming table for al fresco dining or tea in the garden.

Mount a whole pallet or a section on the wall of your garage or shed. Hang tools on the slats using S-hooks, nails, or custom holders.

Label each slot for quick access. This keeps your workspace tidy and your tools off the floor.

Stack and nail together various pallet slats into stepped shelves for an eye-catching plant display. Use it by a window or in a conservatory.

Paint it to match your decor or leave it raw for a rustic touch. It's a brilliant way to bring greenery indoors and fill awkward corners.

Cut circular holes into a vertical pallet section to hold wine bottles horizontally. Attach hooks below to hang glasses. You can mount it on the wall in the kitchen or dining area.

Finish it with wood stain for a sleek, polished look or paint it for a playful, artsy vibe.

To get started with most pallet projects, you’ll want the following tools and supplies:

Hammer and nails

Screwdriver or drill

Sander or sandpaper

Saw (manual or electric)

Measuring tape

Paint or wood stain

Protective gear

Hooks, hinges, and other hardware

After building your furniture or decor, consider adding paint or stain to match your interior style. You can opt for neutral tones for a minimalist look, or bright colours for something fun. Applying a sealant will protect your project, especially for outdoor furniture and planter boxes.

If you’re feeling inspired, there’s never been a better time to roll up your sleeves and create something beautiful from pallets. Whether you're working on a new planter, coffee table, or garden storage solution, using pallets is a practical, affordable way to transform your space and enjoy a rewarding project.

Working on pallet projects can take up a lot of space. If you’re short on room at home, HOLD Self Storage in London offers secure, affordable units with flexible sizes and 24-hour access.

You can store tools, timber and finished pieces without cluttering your living area, and our Box Shop stocks packing supplies and storage boxes for your DIY projects.

Watch our video below for insight into how self storage can support you.