You know that pile of wooden pallets sitting behind the garage, the ones you’ve been meaning to “do something with” for the last two years? Yeah, I see you. We’ve all been there. Those rough, splintery stacks of wood are basically the adult version of a box of LEGOs. You know they could be something awesome, but staring at them doesn’t exactly spark inspiration, does it?
I finally broke down and tackled a few pallet projects myself last summer, and honestly, I’m kicking myself for not doing it sooner. The best part? Turning that free trash into something you’d easily drop a couple hundred bucks on at a big-box store. Specifically, I’m talking about outdoor seating. Benches are probably the easiest win in the pallet game. You don’t need a fully equipped woodshop or a degree in engineering. You just need a little bit of sweat equity and a Saturday afternoon.
So, I’ve rounded up six DIY pallet bench ideas that range from “I could do that in my sleep” to “Okay, this one requires a tiny bit more brain power.” Grab your crowbar and let’s get to work.
1. The “Just Stack ‘Em” Bench
Ever wondered why we tend to overcomplicate things? This bench is the answer to that question. If you want a seat right now and don’t care too much about it looking like it came out of a Restoration Hardware catalog, this is your move.
This design is exactly what it sounds like. You take two pallets, stack them on top of each other, and secure them. That’s it. You’re done. Go grab a lemonade.
How to make it work
The key here is finding two pallets that are the same size and in decent shape. You don’t want one that’s half-rotted.
- Find Your Pallets: Look for heat-treated (HT) pallets, not chemically treated (MB) ones. This is critical for anything you’ll be sitting on or touching regularly.
- Prep the Wood: Give them a good scrub with some soapy water and a stiff brush. Let them dry completely in the sun. Nobody wants a soggy bottom.
- Stack and Secure: Place one on top of the other. Use heavy-duty L-brackets on the inside corners to screw them together. This keeps them from sliding apart when someone sits down.
My Honest Take: This bench is pure function. It’s bulky and not winning any beauty contests, but for a rustic, farm-style look or a temporary seating solution for a big party, it’s perfect. I used this method for a fire pit bench, and the thickness of the two pallets actually makes it a really comfortable seat height.
2. The Simple Single Pallet Bench with Legs
This is the project I personally started with. It’s the perfect gateway drug into the world of pallet furniture. You take one pallet, add some legs, and suddenly you’ve got a sleek, low-profile bench that’s perfect for a porch or a small balcony.
It’s a massive upgrade from the stacked version with just a little more work. FYI, this is the one that will make your neighbors think you actually know what you’re doing.
Materials and steps
The goal here is to elevate the pallet off the ground to a standard seat height (about 18 inches).
- Choose Your Pallet: A standard 48″ x 40″ pallet works great.
- Build or Buy Legs: You can buy pre-made furniture legs from a hardware store, or build simple boxes out of 4×4 lumber. I opted for 4x4s cut into 17-inch lengths.
- Attach the Legs: This is where you need to be precise. Flip the pallet over. You’ll need to attach the legs to the two outer stringers (the long, thick boards that run the length of the pallet) and one in the middle for support. Use heavy-duty screws and metal mending plates for extra stability. Don’t just screw into the end grain; it’s a weak joint.
- Finishing Touches: Sand down the top slats until they’re smooth to the touch. I cannot stress this enough. Pallet wood is basically nature’s sandpaper until you tame it.
A word on aesthetics: You can leave it rustic or give it a coat of transparent stain. I personally love seeing the original wear and tear. It tells a story. 🙂
3. The Modern Farmhouse Bench with a Back
Alright, this is where we move from “beginner” to “confident beginner.” Adding a backrest instantly transforms your bench from “parking spot” to “destination.” It invites you to lean back, relax, and stay awhile.
This design mimics those expensive benches you see at Pottery Barn, but the materials cost me about the price of a box of screws.
Building the frame
You won’t just be using the pallet as a solid block here. You’re going to deconstruct a couple of pallets to get the lumber.
- Harvest the Wood: Carefully take apart two or three pallets. A pry bar and a hammer are your best friends. Expect some broken boards; it’s just part of the process. IMO, the imperfections add character.
- Build the Seat Frame: Build a simple rectangle out of the thicker 2×4 stringers you harvested. This will be the base of your bench.
- Add the Seat Slats: Use the thinner deck boards for the seat. Leave a small gap (about 1/4 inch) between each slat for drainage. Rainwater needs somewhere to go, or you’ll be sitting in a puddle.
- Construct the Back: This is the trickiest part. You need to attach two vertical supports to the back of the seat frame at an angle. Then, attach horizontal slats to these supports. The angle is what makes it comfortable. Too straight up and down, and it feels like a church pew.
My Experience: I messed up the angle on my first attempt. It was way too reclined, and you felt like you were falling backward. My second attempt was much better. Aim for about a 10-15 degree lean back from vertical. It makes a world of difference.
4. The Corner Bench for Small Spaces
Got a tiny patio that can barely fit a bistro set? I feel your pain. Making the most of a small outdoor area is a constant battle. This is where a corner bench becomes your secret weapon.
It tucks perfectly into a corner, creates a cozy little nook, and doesn’t hog all your precious floor space. The best part? You’re building it to fit your specific space.
Customizing your corner
This is a two-cushion design that meets at a 90-degree angle.
- Build Two Identical Benches: Follow the instructions for the simple single pallet bench (Plan #2), but make them the same length. A 36-inch width for each side is usually a good starting point.
- Create the Corner Seat: You have two options here. You can either build a square box for the corner that both benches butt up against, or you can simply place them so the seats meet. If you do the latter, the corner will have a gap behind where the two seats meet.
- The Back Solution: For the back, you can attach backrests to each bench (like Plan #3) and let them meet in the corner, or you can run a ledger board along the walls of your house or deck and attach the seat directly to it. If you’re attaching to your house, be very careful not to mess with any siding or waterproofing. A small gap is better than a big rot problem.
5. The Pallet Bench with Built-In Planters
Why just sit in your garden when your bench can be part of the garden? This design is for the overachievers who want their outdoor space to look like it’s straight out of a magazine. It’s functional and adds a ton of visual interest.
You’re essentially building a bench that has a planter box on either end. It’s brilliant for small patios where you want greenery but don’t have the floor space for separate pots.
How to integrate the planters
You need three main components: two planter boxes and the bench seat.
- Build the Planters: First, build two simple boxes out of your pallet wood. Make sure to line the inside with heavy-duty landscape fabric or plastic if you’re putting soil directly in them. You don’t want water rotting your bench from the inside out.
- Build the Seat: The seat is a separate piece—basically the simple bench from Plan #2, but without legs. It’s just the rectangular frame with slats on top.
- Assemble It All: Place the seat between the two planters. The planters act as the legs! Screw through the sides of the planters into the seat frame to join them together. It’s incredibly sturdy.
My Tip: Plant some trailing flowers or herbs in the ends. I put rosemary and thyme in mine, and now whenever I walk past, I brush my hand against them and the smell is incredible. Total game-changer.
6. The “Fancy” Storage Bench
This one looks complicated, but it’s really just a box with a hinged lid. If you have a ton of outdoor junk—I mean, “seasonal decor”—floating around, this bench is a lifesaver. It gives you a place to sit and a place to stash all those pool toys, cushions, or gardening tools.
It keeps your patio looking clean and organized, and it’s a surprisingly straightforward build. It’s basically a wooden chest with a comfortable top.
Creating the storage compartment
You’re going to build a simple rectangle as the base.
- Build the Box: Using your thickest pallet boards, build a box. The bottom can be more loosely spaced boards since no one will see it.
- Build the Seat/Lid: This needs to be sturdy enough to hold a person. Build a frame that sits on top of the box, and cover it with deck boards. This lid needs to overhang the box slightly to keep rain out.
- Add the Hinges: This is the part you can’t mess up. Buy heavy-duty outdoor hinges. Screw one side to the back of the box and the other to the underside of the lid. If you use flimsy hinges, someone’s going to take a tumble.
My Honest Advice: Don’t skip the lid supports. Those little folding arms that hold the lid open are essential. They prevent the lid from slamming down on your head (or your kid’s head) when you’re digging for a frisbee. Trust me on this one. :/
So, there you have it. Six different ways to turn that pile of junk wood into something you’ll actually use and love. The hardest part isn’t the building—it’s stopping yourself from dragging home every pallet you see on the side of the road.
Have you tackled a pallet project before? Or are you finally feeling inspired to take one on? I’d love to hear which of these six you’re thinking about trying first. Now stop reading and go build something!
