DIY Pallet Beds

FINDING YOUR PALLETS

There are a million places to get pallets you just have to keep an eye out for them:

• People sell them on junk mail and other buy/sell sites.  There are also second hand suppliers that you will find easily on google.
• You’ll see them placed out by dumpsters especially at warehouse stores, the mall or furniture shops.
• .Measure your mattress, and plan how many pallets you need. (They can be cut in half using a  reciprocating saw).
• Generally 2 pallets should make a twin bed, and four pallets should make a double/queen.
• To make cutting easier and cleaner, select pallets where the required cut off length, can be done within the gap BETWEEN slats. This avoids additional and likely uneven cutting.

For easiest build, avoid super dirty or oil stained ones or those that have planks that have become unsecured or about to split. You don’t want ballets that won’t be able to handle your weight. Also be careful of any crates with bad smells (be careful of where they come from).

·          

Pallets marked MB have carried dangerous chemicals.

PREPARING YOUR PALLETS

Hose down or handwash the pallets as necessary and let dry. If you selected good pallets from the start, much cleaning won’t be needed.

• Ensure all nails are flush in their placement, if not, either hammer them in or pull them out altogether.
• Sand all external facing edges and corners. Best to use a handheld electric sander if you want to save time. Sanding the corners will limit snagging issues and splinters later so best to do this right. This could be done by hand with sandpaper as well but it will take longer.
• Use wood lacquer or varnish for a more rustic, natural look, or paint the pallets any colour you want to match the bedroom;
• Let the pallets dry for a night in fresh air; any type of tint, finish, or clear varnish you give them, the pallets need time to dry;
• Take the dry pallets into the room where you want your future bed to be; cover the floor with plastic sheets you can remove easily to protect the floor from scratches;
• Put the four pallets in a square shape; fix the pallets with strong wood glue to ensure perfect alignment and steadiness and then attach the pallets together;
• Fasten the pallets on all sides with angle irons, bolts, washers, and nuts.
• For easy cleaning, you can also attach locking caster wheels at the centre of each long side and each corner; alternatively, glue strips of carpeting at the bottom to protect your floor.
• Turn the bed upside down, set it in place, remove the floor sheet and enjoy your new pallet bed frame!