Pallet bed: a stylish DIY design solution

Modern designers, when arranging the interiors of bedrooms, increasingly use non-standard solutions, apply original ideas for decoration, and adapt unusual materials in the process of making furniture. Incredibly popular lately is a bed made of pallets, which, despite the material used, can be very beautiful, comfortable and practical.

Stages of self-production

Photo tips will help you understand how to correctly assemble a bed from pallets step by step with your own hands. Regardless of the required size, the steps for making this furniture yourself are the same:

1. Selection of pallets and external inspection.
2. Cleaning with a damp cloth or mini car wash.
3. Drying washed pallets.
4. Surface grinding.
5. Wipe with a damp cloth and then dry.
6. Leveling the wooden base with a primer using a brush or roller.
7. Waiting for the primed layer to dry.
8. Pallet painting.
9. Drying the paint for one day.
10. Applying varnish in several layers (ideally up to 3). Each layer requires soaking and drying.
11. Assembling finished pallets according to the selected drawing using self-tapping screws, angles and a screwdriver. In some cases, nails are used for stronger fixation.

To impregnate a wooden surface before priming, you can use special protective antibacterial compounds. If desired, you can attach legs or wheels to the beds, and also make a headboard. An orthopedic mattress does not have to be placed directly on pallets. You can use a sheet of fiberboard that is attached to the base.

The size of the furniture may be slightly larger than the mattress. This step is acceptable for modern models and is a bold design decision. Assembling a simple bed from standard 160 x 200 cm pallets requires 6 pallets. The width of the mattress will match the width of the finished structure.

Creating a full-fledged berth requires raising the top of the pallets by at least one row. Boxes can be placed in the resulting niches.

Single for a child

The bed is designed for 1 person. Only 4 euro pallets are required, 5 if the model includes a headboard. Pallets undergo careful preparation and successive stages of assembly:

1. The child's height is measured. The future model and required dimensions are selected.
2. A drawing is drawn. The place of the bed in the room is determined.
3. Pallets are selected. They are washed, dried, and cleared of nails and metal staples.
4. Surface sanding for children is carried out more carefully. Then the workpiece is wiped with a damp cloth and dried.
5. Pallets are primed, painted and varnished. The process may take several days.
6. The finished structure is ventilated and then decorated.
7. You need to put an orthopedic mattress on the product and cover it with bright bedding.

A children's structure can be made with safety bumpers. Side bars will give it stability. It is recommended to paint the surface of the product in white or bright shades, depending on the child’s preferences.

Double with lighting

Self-production of beds from illuminated pallets follows a generally accepted assembly algorithm. A double bed for married people is often made with a headboard. Calculations for sleeping space here are individual, but generally in cm they are:

• height: headboard - 142, footrests - 52;
• width: headboard and footrests - 212.

Stylish models of Italian modern beds, the best manufacturers

A creative solution that is very popular is the option of a double bed with lighting. Such lighting (and at the same time a night light) gives the space of the room mystery and unusualness. Illumination can be done using a Christmas tree garland, which is placed in the headboard or podium, or with LED strip and duralight. The process will require:

• electrical wire;
• push-button switch;
• transparent silicone LED strip;
• protective plastic corrugated hose (for wiring);
• power unit;
• terminal blocks;
• clamps;
• self-tapping screws

Only after the structure is assembled do they engage in lighting and choose the required option for its location. It is better to entrust the organization of professional lighting to an electrician. The master will do all the work efficiently and quickly.

With drawers

Bed models with drawers are in great demand. They are intended for storing things, bedding or toys. Measurements and a drawing of the project must be made in advance. Each pallet must be dry and clean.

To assemble this model, you need to come up with a podium-type structure. The podium tier can be 2 or 3 stories high. 4 identical pallets will make 8 boxes. You will need to cut the boards of 2 pallets at the top and bottom to make a base for boxes assembled from fiberboard. To do this, follow the recommendations:

• the master must assemble the product in accordance with the drawing;
• the place where it is planned to place the boxes is disassembled, connected and the required number of beams is added;
• Before working with the surface, it is prepared - staples and nails are removed, washed, dried, sanded, primed, painted, varnished (if desired);
• carry out the assembly of the structure and assemble the boxes (if they are prepared independently from wood);
• cover the surface of the bed with a sheet of fiberboard;
• make a headboard (optional), decorate;
• lay the mattress.

You can use plastic containers for boxes, which are sold in construction and hardware stores. Then the size and height of the legs from the floor, as well as the niches, should be calculated in accordance with the dimensions of these boxes.

Selection and preparation of pallets

When installing a sleeping structure, the pallets are used entirely. Sometimes they need to be disassembled for individual size adjustments. The characteristics of the pallets should be as follows:

• appearance - dry wood, without fungal formations;
• integrity - no chips, cracks or other damage;
• Dimensions - the dimensions of each pallet are identical.

When choosing, you should pay attention to the differences between Euro pallets and standard ones. They are as follows:

• the cost of euro pallets is one and a half times higher;
• Each Euro class pallet is stamped as it undergoes certification (EUR or EPAL), as well as ISPM 15 phytosanitary treatment;
• Russian pallets made according to GOST are marked BK;
• Euro pallets are more durable due to the wide top layer;
• The weight of standard pallets is 40 kg, Euro category models are 20.

Types of adult and children's stylish beds, their characteristics
Before assembly, the products must undergo processing. They are prepared as follows:

• clean the surface from dirt (washing, drying);
• using a nail puller or convenient improvised means, remove unnecessary nails, paper clips, protruding screws that can cause injury;
• carefully polish the surface with a special tool;
• apply a protective coating.

Sanding is carried out using sandpaper, a drill attachment or a special grinding tool. Removing the top layer of pallets is necessary to level the surface, uniform distribution of primer, paint, and varnish. Particular care must be taken to sand areas that will come into contact with the body and clothing.

It is recommended to carry out grinding wearing a protective mask in a ventilated area.

Dimensions

Quality

Where to get pallets

The best part is that you can get pallets completely free of charge. It is worth asking in large shopping centers and construction stores. Some companies are willing to provide them free of charge. You can find free pallets through advertisements on specialized websites.

Pallets are wooden structures for transporting or storing different types of cargo.

If you couldn’t find free material, don’t worry. Pallets are sold in wholesale and retail quantities. Companies and individuals sell new and used pallets.

A standard pallet consists of wooden boards that are located at a short distance from each other.

Advantages of a pallet bed

It is cheap - this is, perhaps, the main advantage of such furniture. But, despite the absolutely budget price, it looks stylish and fits perfectly into a number of modern design trends. For example, for a loft-style apartment, it is difficult to come up with a more suitable bed.

Such decorative elements will fit perfectly into any interior, and they are made from environmentally friendly materials.

Once there is no longer any need for furniture made from pallets, it can be disassembled in a couple of hours. And the remaining pallets should be disposed of or stored in the pantry/garage for emergencies.

You don't need to be a specialist to make a bed from pallets with your own hands.

What other advantages does a pallet bed have:

• You can put an LED strip inside to get a unique design;
• Pallets make a rigid and stable frame;
• if you cover the bed with thick plywood, you will get a stylish podium;
• this is ideal furniture for a summer house, a veranda of a country house;
• If at any point the size of the bed is no longer suitable, it can be changed by adding or removing pallets.

You just need to prepare the tools, buy a few pallets and set aside some free time for work.
For those who have just moved to a new apartment and have not had time to settle into permanent furniture, a bed made from pallets will be a godsend.

This arrangement of elements makes the pallet very durable and resistant to heavy loads.

Types of beds made from pallets

You can assemble a simple single couch from pallets. a full double bed and even a small sofa. This material allows you to experiment with the design, for example, to build a stylish set with bedside tables and a headboard. At the same time, the costs for unique designer furniture will be minimal.

As a rule, pallets weigh 16 kg, but in some cases the weight may increase, for example, when the wood gets wet.

Single bed

The simplest option is a bed on pallets for one person. It is suitable for a teenager or as an extra bed in case guests arrive. Furniture requires a minimum number of pallets - you can get by with 4 pieces (if you do it without a headboard).

In the manufacture of pallets, durable types of wood are used so that the finished structure can withstand heavy weight and transportation.

Double bed

It is as easy to assemble as a single bed, and can easily become a full-fledged sleeping place if you purchase a quality mattress. An original solution would be a headboard made of timber or treated pallets. You can also use them to build small tables for storing things.

Wooden products can withstand weights of several hundred kilograms; even old and used pallets are suitable for furniture.

Cot

This design is a little more difficult to manufacture, since the crib needs to be equipped with sides for the safety of the child. However, making a cradle from pallets is easier than from other wooden materials. A very important stage will be the processing of pallets: sanding, varnishing or painting.

They should not be allowed to become jagged, otherwise the child may get a splinter.

Bunk bed

The easiest way to make a child's dream come true and build a bunk bed for his bedroom. The work will take a minimum of time, and the result will be received with a bang. To make a two-level bed from pallets with your own hands, you will need to saw some pallets (to create sides).

You should also carefully consider the choice of mounting hardware.

Loft bed

A wide loft-style bed can be assembled in a matter of hours. It doesn’t have to be high: two levels of pallets are enough. Another option is to make a sleeping place on a small podium to create a step. This will help to properly zone the apartment and create a cozy place to sleep.

Looking at the strong and very attractive pallets, savvy designers figured out how to use them when decorating a home.

Furniture made from pallets fits perfectly into the loft style. Therefore, such a bed will look better than any other in a similar interior.

Materials and tools

A pallet bed requires simple assembly using standard tools and simple supplies. The master will need:

• drill, hammer, nail puller;
• electric jigsaw, circular saw;
• screwdriver, screwdrivers;
• nails, screws, self-tapping screws, corners;
• sandpaper;
• oil primer;
• paint and varnish products;
• brushes, rollers, any paint solvent, spray gun;
• simple pencil, ruler;
• protective equipment (mask, work gloves, goggles);
• construction tape;
• improvised materials.

For a bed with lighting, you will need an extension cord with an output for 2 sockets, fasteners for tape, electrical tape, and duralight (luminous cord).

Assembly is carried out according to the drawing, which is faster and more convenient. After the installation is completed and the wooden surface is in order (painted and varnished), the product is well dried and ventilated. After this, you will need to purchase a comfortable mattress with orthopedic properties in accordance with the person’s age category.