Have you ever noticed those pallets stacked up behind stores and warehouses and wondered what to do with them? Well, guess what? You can transform those discarded pallets into a stunning coffee table for your backyard! This summer, add personality to your outdoor space with a fun DIY project that will bring out your creative side. And the best part? You’ll have a unique furniture piece that you can enjoy. So grab some pallets, paint, and the necessary tools, and let’s get started! Follow this step-by-step tutorial on how to make a colorful outdoor coffee table with pallets to form a vibrant setting that will envy your patio deck.
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Photo by Dayalguru from Freepik
Gather Your Materials: What You’ll Need for This Pallet Coffee Table Project
In order to create this captivating DIY pallet coffee table, it is imperative that you gather all the necessary materials. The following are required:
Wooden Pallets
To start off, you must acquire some wooden pallets. It is recommended that you find two pallets of the same size, which are strong and in good condition. You can easily find pallets from nearby businesses, farms, or recycling centers, and they are often available at a low cost or even for free.
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Sandpaper
It’s essential to grab some coarse sandpaper, preferably around 80 to 120 grit, to sand down your pallets thoroughly. Don’t ignore this step as it will help you smooth out any rough edges or splinters.
Paint
Make sure to grab some outdoor paint in bright and vibrant colors, such as acrylic paint, which works great for pallet projects. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and patterns to create a unique and eye-catching piece. Remember to have fun with it!
Sealant
To ensure that your painted pallets remain protected from harsh weather conditions, it is imperative that you make use of an outdoor sealant such as polyurethane. Applying two to three coats of sealant will provide adequate protection against weathering.
Hardware
It is essential to get some wood screws or bolts, along with washers, to firmly join your pallets together. For added strength, you can use wood glue to reinforce the bond.
Photo by Blenze from Freepik
Quick Insight – Enrich the look and feel of your woodwork by adding metal corner braces, handles, and hinges with an industrial style. These hardware accessories will complement the wood and add a creative touch to your project.
Prepare the Pallets: Sanding, Staining, and Arranging the Wood
To create a vibrant pallet table, it’s essential to prepare the wood properly. Begin by sanding down any rough edges or splinters on your pallets. Although an electric sander can make quick work of this task, sandpaper, and some elbow grease can also do the job efficiently.
Once sanded smooth, decide on your stain or paint colors. For a bright look, consider complementary hues like orange and blue, or red and green. If you prefer a more neutral palette, wood stains in shades of brown are always a classic choice.
Apply 2-3 coats of your chosen stains or paints, waiting for each coat to dry completely between applications. This will ensure an even finish and help the colors pop. For stains, a sealant like polyurethane can help protect the wood.
When the pallets are dry, lay them out on your floor to determine the arrangement. A symmetrical pattern with the pallets in a square or rectangular shape works well for a tabletop. You can also get creative with an asymmetrical, abstract layout. Move the pallets around until you find a pattern you like.
Once you’ve settled on an arrangement, secure the pallets together from underneath with glue, nails, or brackets. Then, flip the tabletop over, and with weather-resistant sealant, your creation will be ready to use outdoors.
Read More: Sand, Stain, Seal: A Guide On How to Refinish A Coffee Table
Photo by Djfdez3 from Freepik
Quick Insight – Don’t forget to add small shelves underneath for extra storage. Be sure to attach the shelves securely using L-brackets and wood screws.
How to Make a Colorful Outdoor Coffee Table With Pallets:
Now that you have your pallet base assembled, it’s essential to personalize it and add a touch of uniqueness to the piece. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to infuse color and style without requiring any expert craftsmanship.
Paint
Paint is an easy way to transform the look of your pallets. You can paint the entire table one color for a simple, rustic look or get creative with patterns. Consider painting just the inside of the pallets, the edges, and the trim, or do alternating colors on each board. Chalk paint works great for the distressed farmhouse style and adheres well to wood.
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Mosaic Tiles
Want to make a real statement? Add mosaic tiles to your tabletop. You can tile just a portion of the surface or the entire top. Choose tiles that complement your outdoor setup. Warm terra cotta tones, cool sea glass greens, blues, or bright pops of color are all considerable options. Arrange your tiles in a pattern before adhering them in place with tile adhesive or grout. Seal the finished surface with concrete sealer or tile sealer.
Fabric
For a bohemian vibe, consider adding fabric to your table. You can decoupage fabric onto the tabletop with Mod Podge sealant, or for a removable option, secure the edges of the fabric to the underside of the pallets with staples, tacks, or trim. Burlap, patterned fabrics, and colorful outdoor rug materials all work well for this. Swap out the fabric when you want a new look.
Decorative Details
Little details can make a significant impact. Add decorative trim, rope, tassels, or upholstery nails around the edges of your tabletop. Drill pilot holes and secure them in place with glue, epoxy, or stainless steel nails. Stencil designs, words, or shapes onto the surface of the pallets. Or, place decorative trays, lanterns, plants, or other knick knacks on and around your table to complete the look.
More Info: 31 Coffee Table Decor Tips: Subtle Touches for Maximum Impact
Photo by Dayalguru from Freepik
Quick Insight – If the pallet wood is not even in thickness, you may need to add wood spacers under the thinner boards to level the tabletop surface.
How to Make a Colorful Outdoor Coffee Table With Pallets: Assemble the Table
Now that your pallets are cut to size, it’s time to assemble them into a table base and add the tabletop.
Connect The Pallets
To connect the pallets, use screws or nails and glue for maximum strength and stability.
- Place two parallel pallets about 6 to 8 inches apart. These will be the sides of your table base. Secure them together at the top and bottom with screws or nails. Predrill pilot holes to prevent splitting.
- Add the third pallet in between and perpendicular to the sides to form the back of the base. Secure in place with screws.
- Flip the base over so the back pallet is on the ground. This provides more stability as you attach the front pallet.
- Place the front pallet in between and perpendicular to the sides, parallel to the back pallet. Secure in place.
- Flip the base right-side up. Apply wood glue along the joints and edges for extra strength. Wipe away any excess glue with a damp cloth.
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Add The Tabletop
For the tabletop, you have a few options:
- Use a wooden board, plywood, or boards to cover the base. Cut to size, then secure in place from underneath with screws. Sand any rough edges.
- Arrange wooden boards with spaces in between for a slatted look. The gaps will allow for drainage and a lighter tabletop. Secure boards in place with screws.
- Cut tiles, stones, glass, or other materials to fit in the spaces between the pallets for a mosaic look. Glue in place with tile adhesive or concrete adhesive. Grout the gaps and seal the tabletop.
- Leave the pallets as is for a more rustic tabletop with gaps. Apply a sealant to help protect the wood.
Read More: A Roundup of Reader Favorites: 15 Rustic Coffee Table Ideas
Photo by Stickerside from Freepik
How to Make a Colorful Outdoor Coffee Table With Pallets: Placement & Protection
You’ve put a lot of effort into creating your colorful pallet table, so it’s important to find the ideal spot to display it outside. To determine the ideal placement, consider the following factors.
Weather Protection
To ensure the longevity of your table, it is crucial to shield it from the elements. Exposure to direct sunlight or rain for extended periods may warp, fade, or even rot the wood. Therefore, it is imperative to keep it under a covered patio, gazebo, or pergola. By doing so, you can enjoy your table for many seasons to come without any worries.
Level Ground
It is crucial to select a level, even ground area, without any slope to ensure stability while using the table. Keep in mind that pallets can be uneven, and placing the table on an incline can cause it to become unbalanced. That being said, it is advised to ensure that all four legs rest firmly on the ground; you may need to make minor adjustments to level the table, which is necessary to prevent any unforeseen accidents or mishaps.
Easy Access
Ensure that your pallet table is in an easily accessible location. Opt for a spot close to your outdoor seating area, fire pit, or any other gathering space. Be sure to leave ample space around the table for people to sit, stand, and move around with ease. Prioritize your usage needs when positioning the table.
Securing to the Ground (Optional)
To ensure maximum stability, you could secure your table to the ground. This is especially useful if you have pets or small children around. To do so, you can attach the legs to concrete pavers with waterproof glue and screws or use steel brackets to bolt the legs into the ground. These measures will effectively prevent the table from shifting or tipping over, providing you with a safe and secure surface for all your needs.
Photo by Nomannoor943 from Freepik
Quick Insight – Before proceeding, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect the wood for any nails or staples. In case any metal fasteners are found, make sure to remove them immediately with pliers. This is necessary to ensure safety and prevent any potential damage to the tools.
Final Thoughts
You now have the insight on how to make a colorful outdoor coffee table with pallets without breaking the bank. By grabbing a few wooden pallets, paint, and stencils in your favorite colors and patterns, you can craft a functional piece that reflects your style. When friends come over this summer, your colorful creation will spark conversation and compliments, and you can proudly say you made it yourself. So, grab your favorite drink, put your feet up, and get cracking with your vibrant new pallet coffee table. Don’t wait any longer; the summer is here, and it’s time to enjoy it in style!
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