DIY Pallet Bench

[This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.]

I am not a big fan of pallet projects.  I love the way pallet projects look, but I don’t like the work required to get pallet wood usable and safe.   When someone from my church gave me a pallet, I decided it was finally time to do a pallet project and I challenged myself to come up with something cool.  My family needed something for our front entryway, so I decided to make a pallet bench.

Ana White’s Simple Outdoor Love Seat plans inspired the frame for the bench.   I adjusted and adapted her plans to fit around the pallet.  Here is the pallet before I started working on it.

Supply List:

• One Pallet
• 1- 2×4 (I used scraps left over from other projects.)
• 1- 1×6 (I used scraps left over from other projects.)
• 2-1/2  in Pocket Hole Screws
• Paint or stain

Cut List:

Pallets come in different sizes, so the following dimensions are based on the pallet I was given.  Make sure to measure your pallet and build the bench frame based on your pallet’s dimensions.

Pallet-

• Cut pallet in half with one piece @ 16 in wide.

2×4

• 2 @ 24.5 in
• 4 @ 22 in

2×6

• 2 @ 31 in
• 2 @ 20 in

Tools Needed:

• Sawzall or circular saw to cut pallet
• Miter saw or circular saw
• Kreg Pocket Hole Jig

Project Plan:

 Step 1:  Use a sawzall to cut the pallet in two pieces.

Step 2:  Build a bench frame for the pallet.

First, build the two sides of the frame using pocket holes.

Second, attach frame front piece to frame side with pocket holes.

Step 3:  Attach the smaller piece of the pallet (16 in wide) to the frame with 2-1/2 in screws to create the seat of the bench.

Step 4:  Attach the larger piece of the pallet to the frame on the back of the bench.

Step 5:  Attach 31 in 2×6 to the top of the pallet piece that makes the back of the bench.

Step 6: Sand.

Step 7:  Paint or stain.

I have to admit, I really like how this pallet project turned out.  I’m not going to use pallet wood all the time, but maybe I’ll do another pallet project in the future.  Also, because I used scrap wood and I already had screws, the only cost for this project was the paint.

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.