My DIY Wood Pallet Coffee Table

I’m getting ready to share our basement makeover reveal, and I realized there’s something I’ve never shared…

I built this DIY wood pallet coffee table a few years ago, but I lost all the step-by-step photos. But I realized that even without a full tutorial, I still have some helpful tips to share in case you want to build your own.

I wanted to create one with storage options, and after some Pinterest-scouring, I loved the look of this one from Sustainable Decor. I used the same basic methods but tweaked a few things for mine.

My DIY Wood Pallet Coffee Table Tips

• Finding pallets: If you can’t find pallets in good shape, try asking a local shop if you can buy their leftovers. I got mine for $5 each!
• Room for error: If you can, pick up a third pallet. That way you can replace any messed up boards.
• Mind the gap(s): I actually removed the boards from the top and rearranged them with a couple extras so that there weren’t any wide gaps between boards.
• Nail removal: If you can’t get the nails out of the boards, you can use a reciprocating saw to just cut through them.
• Pallets are rough and dirty. Be sure to sand everything really well, starting with a coarse sandpaper and working your way up to a fine grit.
• Finishing: I like the look of whitewash for a piece like this, but you could change the vibe with a rich brown stain or a colorful chalk paint.
• Wheels: You don’t have to add wheels, but this sucker is heavy and hard to move. Plus, the wheels look kind of industrial chic-ish.