Skip to Content

How Make a Super Easy DIY Pallet Couch (no Tools!)

Sharing is caring!

Have you ever driven by a used pile of pallets and thought, “What could I make with that?”. Well, I’m going to show you the easiest possible way to make a DIY pallet couch with them – no power tools needed!

A completed DIY pallet couch covered with colorful cushions and blankets.

The other day I was wandering around the balcony of the new apartment that we will be downsizing to – which is actually one floor below the one we currently live in. It felt so huge and empty. We just had a few uncomfortable chairs out there. I really wanted to add some kind of furniture aside from  the colorful fence with the dollar store flowers that I was planning to add.  

I spotted a bunch of pallets hidden away in a corner of the house and was itching to do something with them.  But the hubs was at the farm.  Did that stop me?  Of course not, with no tools at all I quickly made a super easy DIY pallet couch!

Pallets. Quickly Make a Super Easy Pallet Couch www.theboondocksblog.com
 
I had used pallets before. I had even made a drunken table with one, but here I was looking to quickly make something because my poor bones were tired after working on other projects all day.  I just wanted something super easy that would allow me to enjoy this great big ol’ balcony!

What I used for this Project:

  • 6 pallets
  • a saw (optional)
  • rope

How to Make a DIY Pallet Couch without Tools:

I placed two pallets down, one on top of the other.  And another two next to those. Then I took the remaining two pallets and placed them behind the two sets.  Like the backrest of a couch. In my case one of the pallets was a bit wider than the rest.
Pallets placed as a couch would look, Quickly Make a Super Easy Pallet Couch www.theboondocksblog.com
 
I used a saw to cut the excess off.  Of course if you have pallets that are all the same size you won’t need to do this step. 
Cutting the one extra wide pallet, Quickly Make a Super Easy Pallet Couch www.theboondocksblog.com

 

I ended up switching them around and placing the one that I cut down on the bottom.
​ 
switching the pallets around, Quickly Make a Super Easy Pallet Couch www.theboondocksblog.com

 

 
Using the rope, I tied the back of the pallet that was standing up to the top pallet which was laying down. 
tying the pallets together with rope, Quickly Make a Super Easy Pallet Couch www.theboondocksblog.com

 

 
Now I didn’t want to have to cut my rope, so I just pulled it through and moved over to the middle section and passed the rope through the pallets again tying them together. 
typing the pallets together with rope, Quickly Make a Super Easy Pallet Couch www.theboondocksblog.com

 

 
I did the same thing at all points where the standing pallets had a vertical piece that could be attached to the other pallets. 
tying the pallets together to form a backrest, Quickly Make a Super Easy Pallet Couch www.theboondocksblog.com

 

 
Here you can see how the back looks with them all tied together.  Believe it or not, this was very sturdy and prevented the vertical pallets from toppling over because the ties were with the top pallets that were laying down. Had I tied the vertical pallets with the bottom pallets it would not have worked. It’s all about balance. 
view of the tied vertical pallets, Quickly Make a Super Easy Pallet Couch www.theboondocksblog.com

 

The front view.  I then threw some old cushions on top…
front view of pallets, Quickly Make a Super Easy Pallet Couch www.theboondocksblog.com

 

 
… covered it with a piece of fabric and added a bunch of pillows! It also serves to add a bit of privacy.  One side of this balcony is looking onto a major street. 
pallet couch covered with fabric, Quickly Make a Super Easy Pallet Couch www.theboondocksblog.com

 

I added a red throw to my “new” outdoor furniture to give it a pop of color and I was done! ​All in all it took me about 15 minutes! Did I mention fast?
Picture
 
The little table you see in the front is one I made a few years ago with a stool and a drawer. And the stool is from an old upcycled vintage milk crate
Picture

 

 
The chalkboard was another “gift” left behind from the tenant who neglected to pay the rent. 
Side view of couch, Quickly Make a Super Easy Pallet Couch www.theboondocksblog.com

 

 
Sometimes you just want a quick project with a big impact.  Well I would definitely say this one fit the bill.  Oh it is not perfect but for this tired lady who wants to enjoy her balcony it is so close to amazing!  All in all I would say not bad for 15 minutes of work!
Super quick pallet couch, Quickly Make a Super Easy Pallet Couch www.theboondocksblog.com

 

 
And if I’m feeling risque I can tuck the fabric in like this and expose the pallets on the bottom. I added colorful cushions – maybe I’ll change them up next year with some of these creative DIY throw pillow covers
couch made from pallets, with fabric tucked in, Quickly Make a Super Easy Pallet Couch www.theboondocksblog.com

 

 
Opposite this DIY pallet couch is the colorful fence with faux flowers. Now I’ll be adding a few more things to this balcony but so far I have made a great start. 
And so now I have a place to sit on this big ol’ balcony. And I didn’t even break a sweat! Nor did I break the bank! That is a win-win for me any day! 

I hope you’ve enjoyed my super easy and quick pallet couch DIY tutorial. Why, it wasn’t even a tutorial. Just a small hint!

What have you created using pallets?

You can see a tour of the balcony here. 
How to make a super easy pallet couch using pallets and rope. Quick and easy without breaking the bank, #palletcouch #palletseating#outdoorseating #easyoutdoorfurniture #palletfurniture #DIYfurniture #easypalletcouch Quickly Make a Super Easy Pallet Couch www.theboondocksblog.com

 
More Summer Projects:
 
  1. Julie says:

    Almost instant furniture using stuff you already had – sounds perfect to me! I hope you got to sit down on it afterwards and enjoy a nice cold glass of something!

    • Mary says:

      I get to enjoy this one every single night. Right about sunset I go down there and hang out with friends or family and we enjoy looking up at the stars. It doesn’t get any better,.

  2. Jane E. Jones says:

    A couple years ago hubs made really nice sturdy 2 level coffee table with casters since it’s pretty heavy.
    Our living room is small but since am tired of patio table been using for few years thought about sanding coffee table really well then paint it. Will be nice to have “pockets” all around to keep my “stuff” in living room. We have a single wide 16×80 mfg .home.
    Was thinking we could make a pallet couch to put across back of house to go under shade cloth attached to grill gazebo.
    Our deck is only 6 ft. deep by 20 ft. cross so had to buy small deck cover and had to be careful how much it cost.
    So Lowe’s grill gazebo fit the project. We’re on SS.
    Were going to put pergola over deck but nobody to help hubs/I build it so decided to do something else after several years. Our deck faces west so is very hot out there in afternoon. We had couple of old mini blinds we used for shade in hotter part of day and a match stick blind we used on one side. Other side is nice bushy tree
    Had seen a wicker settee at thrift store but didn’t have money at time so actually was good since we have pallets to make couch besides chairs we were given. Now just need to find cushions to cover pallet couch.
    See how your project inspired me?, now to inspire hubs. Going to put shade cloth between back side of gazebo shade between cover and back of house.
    Where there’s a will there’s a way.
    Enjoy rest of weekend. Hope you’ll be happy in new appt.

    • Mary says:

      Jane thank you so much for your comment. I hope you find your cushions. What I ended up doing is taking a lightweight mattress from a fold up bed that we have. I use that now. It is super easy to carry and it has just the right amount of support. Good luck with your outdoor set up. I know you will be very happy with it once you are done.

  3. Susan says:

    I wonder if I could use zip ties instead of rope?

    • Mary says:

      I think that’s a great idea. As long as they are sturdy and long enough to go around the pallet wood.

  4. Amber Harrop says:

    What a quick way of making a bench Mary and it looks much better than a pile of pallets

    • Mary says:

      What I needed was a backrest. I don;t like having to sit and be uncomfortable. Also when I lie down the neighbors across the street cannot see me. haha!

  5. Maya says:

    What a great repurposing idea Mary!
    I’ve been pinning pallet ideas for ages – the thing is – at my hub’s work they end up with lots of pallets and we’ve been storing them to use them for one of the bazillion of ideas we’ve pinned and a sofa bed was always high on the list, so eventually we’ll have one made 🙂

    • Mary says:

      This one literally will take you no time at all. I really wanted something simple to enjoy now. Because I have lots of other projects in the apartment that I’m working on. So this was the simplest solution for me. I hope when you make yours you upload them on your blog.

  6. Pili says:

    Pallets are our best friends, right? What a great idea to use a rope to keep everything together, I didn’t do a back with mine because I felt lazy using screws and other stuff. Now I know what to do. I guess you are enjoying some family nights al fresco there.

    • Mary says:

      Yes Pili, I really wanted to avoid the screws and what not. I just wanted something simple. And in the future if I want to change things up all I have to do is just untie the rope.

  7. Mia says:

    Great idea, Mary. Thank you for sharing.

  8. Oh My Gosh! This is one of the most genius ideas I’ve seen in a long time. Thrifty and clever. I love it with the pallets showing off some of their natural beauty. So very cool!!

  9. Mary what a clever way to hold the pallets together. You are so creative.

  10. gigi says:

    Wow! I can’t believe how incredible that is! And in 15 minutes? That’s crazy!!

  11. Super creative! Loving the big impact on your balcony too. You were spot on that you needed my Come Sail Away pillow..or a set of them! Pinned 🙂 XO

    • Mary says:

      Won’t they look absolutely great against the blue? I can tone down the rest of the colors too.

  12. Lina says:

    The pallet couch looks great! I love that you used rope to tie the pallets together. You’re one of my features tomorrow at Sew It Cook It Craft It.

  13. What a fabulous idea Mary! Now you have the perfect spot to sit and relax and enjoy all of your other wonderful porch creations!

  14. I had seen this post a long time ago and thought wow! I am so happy to stumble into the TFTparty and see it once more. I just moved to a place where all I have is a deck to go out on and this inpires me for sure. It looks lovey and cozy!

    • Mary says:

      My balcony was huge and I didn’t have a huge budget for furniture so re-purposing and up-cycling was the way to go. I hope you make your own and enjoy it.

  15. No one would ever know what is underneath! #ourminilinkyparty@_karendennis

  16. What a brilliant idea! Now I just need to get my hands on some pallets 🙂 #happynowlinkup

  17. Michelle says:

    Very cool! I feel it beckoning to me, promising a nap!

  18. Michelle says:

    I love how this turned out! It goes together so easily and it’s so affordable to do that it would fit anyone’s budget! 🙂
    Thank you so much for sharing this at the Farmhouse Friday link party! Pinned and shared! 🙂

    • Mary says:

      Thank you Michelle. I was just looking for a quick solution to my lack of comfy space.

  19. Leanna says:

    I love how fast this is. It would be a super easy inexpensive first home couch as well. This couch just makes me want to snooze. Very well done Mary and I am sure everyone in your home is enjoying it already.

    • Mary says:

      Yes it would Leanna for someone who wanted a rustic look. For indoors I would even paint it and make it look a bit more finished. But the rope idea stays.

  20. Great project Mary! I love using free supplies, did you happen catch my pallet outdoor shower this week on Instagram? A great project, and the fact you were able to create this without screwing them together for later use as well. Thanks for sharing your project at #FridaysFurnitureFIx!

    • Mary says:

      Thank you Brenda. You get that I may want to use them for a different purpose. I like have things that are versatile. I’ll have to pop over on Insta and check out your project!

  21. You’re fortunate to have such a big balcony, Mary! That looks so cozy, it’s inviting me to take a nap 🙂
    I see your husband (?) photo-bombed one of your pictures, lol. I can’t help to wonder how you dragged all those pallets up the stairs? That must be why husbands come in handy, ha. Enjoy your beautiful project!

    • Mary says:

      Haha. They are actually not that heavy. As long as there are two of you to move them.
      Ha! Youare too observant, he came when I was done and photographing to admire my handiwork. He was super impressed and now is enjoying that couch so much!

  22. Kim says:

    I know I commented on Facebook, but this is so charming I just had to pop in again to say save a space for me! 😉

    • Mary says:

      Aww thanks so much Kim. I never thought such an easy project would turn out so useful.

  23. Kellie says:

    I love this so much!! I have always wanted to try this and you totally inspired me!! & you are my feature for The Gathering Place Link party today!! Thank you for linking up!

  24. Stunning, gorgeous and just plain perfect Mary. Using the rope to tie everything together is so incredibly clever. No manly tools needed, just the ingenuity of a very clever, thrifty woman. I love what you did here.

    • Mary says:

      I was not about to let anything stand in my way! And sometimes we want a solution that can easily be taken apart if need be!

  25. Ok, so let me get this straight young lady…you were tired so you decided to make this?! Goodness, you’re like the energizer bunny!
    I love the colors, and you were fortunate to have everything on hand to pull this together in no time flat. Of course, ingenuity and creativity played a part too :).
    zxz

    • Mary says:

      Haha Doreen this is the first time I’ve been called the energizer bunny!! I just needed a soft spot to lie down… but outside. What is that old saying, if you need something make it yourself! This project took me less time to make than it did to write this post.

  26. Michele says:

    This is super crafty Mary! In our area pallets are getting hard to come by- so many people are using them and repurposing them into all kinds of things that now places are charging for them! I even order some flagstone and there was a $15.00 charge for each pallet that was refundable if I returned them. I returned them sadly, so no couch for me!

    • Mary says:

      Aww that is aweful Michele, by your estimates it would have cost me $120 for this couch. It is still cheaper than buying some of those plastic things that pass for outdoor furniture. Maybe there is a directory that has a list of places that give pallets away for free?

  27. Mary, how clever to create a comfy couch. And if I recall from a prior conversation you don’t feel comfortable using power tools so I am so proud of you for sawing the pallet. I love pallets and everything that can be done with them. You really did an outstanding job. What a great space to take a break and relax.

    • Mary says:

      That’s right Debra, unless the hubs is home I would rather not mess with the power tools. This was a super easy option and if I want to take it apart, it can be done in no time at all!

  28. Aren’t you clever! I would have never thought to use rope to secure it all together and that’s why we call YOU the Recycle Queen! I like the blanket tucked under so you can see all that rustic goodness. And of course red being my favorite color, I’m loving all the hits of red you’ve been incorporating into this space. I hope you enjoyed a bottle of red wine with that couch *wink*.

    • Mary says:

      I told the hubs it is time for a big bottle of red wine!! You know I used the rope because I’m not handy with fancy tools but in fact it serves a double purpose because nowit can be taken apart easily.

  29. Uwe says:

    Mary, the Pallet Couch looks great.
    I love work with pallets too.
    many greetings
    Uwe

  30. Cindy says:

    Mary, I just love how you make your own kind of Happy! You are not afraid to try anything are you lady? You amaze me! I would have been lost with the saw much less the pallets! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

    • Mary says:

      Cindy I have become fearless! After all what can possibly go wrong on a budget of zero? Lol!!

  31. Claire says:

    I have a little sofa outside my backdoor and I love sitting out on it when the sun is shining. I’m sure you are going to love your new outdoor sofa too! Great use of pallets.

    • Mary says:

      It is such a pleasure hanging out in that space Claire. It is nice and breezy back there not hot like it is on the third floor.

  32. BABA says:

    I WOULD NEED MORE PALLETS AT BOTTOM TO HAVE MORE HEIGHT, I’D NEVER BE ABLE TO STAND UP.. I SEE THE PALLETS LYING AROUND FOR FREE FROM DIFFERENT BUSINESSES.
    HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH THESE IDEAS? YOU ARE THE ULTIMATE QUEEN OF RE PURPOSING,

    • Mary says:

      And yet it has two pallets and cushions that were left over from an old sofa. So it is quite high. But I’m sure you get the idea Baba! Take those pallets home and use them.

  33. Carol says:

    Mary, you’re a genius for coming up with this idea! I love it, especially with the fabric tucked in and the pallets showing.

    • Mary says:

      I llike that look better too Carol. And if I want to change things up all I need to do is untie the rope. Easy Peasy!

  34. Yes it is amazing, Mary, and so are you! This is the best repurpose idea, ever! You go, girl!!!!!

    • Mary says:

      Gail who would have expected that I could come up with this after a long day of painting. Sometimes the mind works in strange ways!

  35. You are just to amazing, I love crates and this is such a great idea. I am actually helping someone use crates for a wedding. Should be fun.
    Maria

    • Mary says:

      They really can be used for almost anything. And this has to be the easiest project I’ve ever done.

  36. Florence says:

    I didn’t know y’all were moving! When is the big moving day? Well, Mary, you did it again with this pallet sofa! It looks so comfy, and all you did were a few simple twists of the rope. You continue to amaze me. Pinned

    • Mary says:

      Florence we live in a 2 story house. We are downsizing from the big apartment to a smaller one on the floor below. No need to have so many rooms to clean since the kids are all grown up now and on their way.

  37. Hubby and I were talking about pallet benches the other day Mary – you’ve shown they couldn’t be easier!

    • Mary says:

      The easiest ever. I did this all by myself and I am not strong either. Oh I should mention that I ended up adding some rope up on top in the back to keep the backrests together. I definitely want to see your version Sarah.

  38. Keri Roberts says:

    Mary, this pallet couch looks super comfy and you made it look so easy to put together! Love how you used the fabric to make it a skirt but then you were also able to fold it up to show the pallets. It looks wonderful!!

    • Mary says:

      Thanks Keri, I am now enjoying the fruits of my short labor every evening. I am having so much fun decorating this balcony now. And that couch really went a long way to fill up that huge space.

  39. Mandy says:

    Fantastic idea and beautiful couch! Even with the fabric tucked in, it looks super cute and perfect for a balcony! How did you have so many extra cushions just lying around?

    • Mary says:

      Mandy those cushions were from an old sofa. I ended up throwing them out. I now have a lightweight mattress from a fold up bed. It is much easier to bring indoors should it start raining.

  40. nikki says:

    Mary, this is genius. I have been wanting a bench/couch on the patio and this is the perfect solution. I love the colors and the look of it all. You’ve pulled it together perfectly, I hope that I can do it as well. I’m going to show this to Bruce and find some pallets! Thanks for sharing your idea. I love it.

    • Mary says:

      I hope you can find some pallets. This really was the easiest project I’ve ever done Nikki. And of course the impact is huge. We enjoy this couch every evening.

  41. Katrin says:

    In just a few minutes you’ve created such a fun hangout on your balcony Mary, this is a great idea! I have two crates that I use as a small sofa and we love it! Your balcony is really big, so this sofa fits in perfectly, it looks really pretty!

    • Mary says:

      I was thinking about your crates when I did this. I liked the set up you had but I really needed the backrest. So this idea was born. Pallets are really great and I’m guessing you can also leave yours out in the wintertime too.

  42. Laurie says:

    Mary, Bravo for solving your seating problem using what you have. You are so resourceful! Nothing like relaxing outside on a beautiful day, it’s so good for the soul!

    • Mary says:

      If only I would have thought of this earlier Laurie. I enjoy relaxing on that couch every evening now.

  43. Your pallet couch is amazing Mary! I have been wanting to do some pallet projects, but the hubby says I need to clear out some of my other stash first. The couch would be super cool to have when family comes over for more seating outside. I like the fabric tucked in so the pallets can show.

    • Mary says:

      I also like the pallet showing, it has more of a rough, rustic look. No point in trying to hide the elephant in the room. Haha!

  44. Jackie Smith says:

    Mental telepathy as when we headed out on our recent trip we spent a night in Nemea wine country and I saw a pallet creation and immediately thought, “That is something Mary could make!” and you have. I will try to attach a photo of what I saw to your FB post. Love this!

    • Mary says:

      Jackie I saw that photo on facebook. Haha! I guess we have plenty of pallets here in Greece. But they have become very popular in recent years because they are free! And you don’t worry about them if you leave them outdoors.

  45. Carlee says:

    What a great way to furnish your balcony in a jiffy!

    • Mary says:

      That’s it Carlee. In a jiffy! It took me longer to write this post than to actually do the project.

  46. I like your super quick pallet bench! A great idea for summer and also a great idea if you’ll be making something more permanent later out of those pallets. 🙂
    Pinned for you. 🙂
    Enjoy your seating,
    Barb 🙂

    • Mary says:

      Exactly Barbara. I don’t need to commit to one particular set up with the easy rope tie ups.

  47. I love this! I have a bunch of old pallets that I should use to make it. It looks really comfy.

    • Mary says:

      I’ve since replaced the cushions with a lightweight mattress that came with a fold up bed I had. This is the best solution because I can just bring it in if it starts to rain. You’ll usually find me napping there in the late afternoon.

Comments are closed.