January 13, 2022, 10:00 am | Read time: 6 minutes
Furniture made from Euro pallets has been at the top of the list of popular DIY projects for years. Particularly in demand: pallet beds. We provide a step-by-step guide on how to easily build a double bed from Euro pallets at home. Additionally, we answer the most common questions about pallet beds and explain all the pros and cons.
Beds and other furniture made from pallets are a DIY trend that has not lost popularity for quite some time. This is because a pallet bed is not only affordable but also stylish and can be customized. Additionally, beds made from Euro pallets are relatively easy to build, making this DIY project suitable for beginners. Another advantage is the high flexibility a pallet bed offers: If you initially choose a single bed but later move in with a partner, you can easily expand the furniture piece afterward. This is not as simple with store-bought beds. The only downside: In terms of ergonomics, pallet furniture cannot quite compete with expensive box spring beds.
Overview
Building a Pallet Bed – Instructions
We will show you how to build a double bed measuring 160 x 200 cm from pallets. This is a relatively simple bed without frills, but with integrated nightstands. You can start with this basic version and expand your pallet bed later as you wish. This is generally no problem with a bed made from pallets.
Materials
- 4 or 8 Euro pallets (depending on how high you want the bed)
- 8 flat connectors
- Wood screws
- Mattress 160 x 200 cm
Tools
- Cordless screwdriver
- Cordless sander, including coarse and fine sandpaper
- Optional: stain or paint
Optional
- 1 wooden board, 160 x 80 x 3 cm, as a headboard
- 1 wooden board, 160 x 40 x 3 cm, as a footboard
- 2 wooden boards, 80 x 40 x 3 cm, for the nightstands
- Mattress protector
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Planning
First, decide how many pallets you want to use. With four pallets, the bed is very low, and the mattress is almost on the floor. This is not a problem in itself, but we recommend using eight pallets. This makes it easier to get out of bed and ensures better air circulation under the mattress.
When choosing the right pallets, you should definitely opt for Euro pallets. These are standardized and, unlike disposable pallets, much more stable and of higher quality. We also recommend buying new pallets. Although new pallets are slightly more expensive at around 20 euros each than used ones, you can ensure that your bed is made from clean wood. If you choose the cheaper option and work with used pallets, make sure to sand and clean them thoroughly.
Additionally, before starting, decide how elaborate your bed should be. The optional wooden boards are intended for a headboard and footboard to prevent the mattress from slipping, as well as for two wooden boards to create a flat surface on the nightstands.
2. Sanding
Once you have all the materials, it’s time to prepare the pallets. They need to be thoroughly sanded to prevent injuries from splinters and to avoid damaging your mattress with rough wood. Sanding is the most time-consuming but also the most important step and should not be skipped. Please wear a dust mask and safety goggles to avoid health risks from dust or splinters. It is also advisable to do this step outside, as sanding creates a lot of dirt.
Sand all pallets (and any wooden boards) first with coarse sandpaper (80 or 40 grit). Then, do a second pass with fine sandpaper (180 grit).
Tip: If you don’t have a cordless sander, you can easily rent one from most hardware stores. This not only saves you a lot of time but also results in a nicer finish.
3. Painting (optional)
The hardest part is now done! Now it’s time to paint. Here you can get creative and design the wood according to your personal taste. From chalk paint to colored wood lacquer, anything is possible. For a natural look, use stain, wood oil, dye, wax, or clear varnish. If you prefer, you can skip this step and leave your pallet bed completely untreated. However, this makes the wood more susceptible to damage.
4. Assembly
Now it’s finally time: The pallets can be assembled. Place two pallets side by side along the long edge and connect them. Connect another two pallets along the short edge and place this combination against the first two pallets to form a T. The “stem” of the T is the sleeping area (160 x 200 cm), and the short sides of the T form the surfaces on the nightstands.
Connect all pallets with flat connectors. Place the other four pallets in a second layer over the already connected ones and then screw everything tightly. If desired, screw on the headboard and footboard, as well as the wooden boards on the protruding sides for the nightstands.
Your bed is ready! If you like, you can now add a mattress protector, cushion your headboard, or install light strips.
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Pallet Bed – Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Pallets for a Pallet Bed?
A Euro pallet is standardized with dimensions of 80 x 120 cm. If you prefer a minimalist approach, you can build a very simple single bed measuring 80 x 240 cm from just two pallets. For a simple double bed, as in our instructions, you will need four or eight pallets. If you want more details or an XXL pallet bed, you will need more pallets accordingly.
Is a Pallet Bed Comfortable?
Whether a pallet bed is comfortable largely depends on the mattress. A bed made from pallets is not the top choice for ergonomics. However, if you use a high-quality and sufficiently thick mattress, you will surely drift off to dreamland comfortably on your pallet bed.
Can You Build a Pallet Bed with a Slatted Frame?
A pallet bed can also be built with a slatted frame, but it requires some skill. First, use two layers of pallets. In the top layer, cut out a middle section to fit the slatted frame.
Can You Buy a Pallet Bed?
Since stylish pallet beds have been trending for several years, many suppliers now sell them ready-made. If you’re only interested in the look of a pallet bed, this option makes sense. However, the DIY charm and attractive cost point are lost–the costs are sometimes significantly higher than those of a simple IKEA bed frame.