When my sister asked for a pallet daybed for her entertainment area, I jumped in. Pallet Daybed for an Outdoor Entertainment Area is the project that turned a pile of mismatched pallets into a sturdy, two-seater lounge they can enjoy with drinks and a view, rain or shine. The space is sheltered, but heavy rain sometimes blows in, so I designed this build to handle wet weather and come apart for easy transport.

We’re back with the Do It Over Designers blog hop, where a team of bloggers showcases their latest recycled, upcycled, and DIY makes. Scroll to the bottom for links to everyone’s projects.

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Pallet Daybed for an Outdoor Entertainment Area

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Tools & materials

• 7+ pallets (similar size, HT-stamped, clean)
• Exterior screws (galvanised 65–100 mm), bolts with washers and nuts for knock-down joins
• Drill/driver, drill bits, impact driver, clamps, square, tape measure
• Reciprocating saw or jigsaw; circular saw optional
• Router with round-over bit (for splinter-safe armrests)
• Orbital Sander and sandpaper (80/120/180 grit) or a thickness planer
• Pressure washer or stiff brush, bucket, mild detergent
• Outdoor finish: exterior primer and paint/deck oil/spar urethane (UV + water resistant)
• Timber blocks or feet to lift the base off the ground (or pavers)
• Hinges or corner brackets (optional, for extra rigidity)
• Recycled cushions or foam mattress for the seat; additional cushions for the back
• Canvas/outdoor fabric, elastic, thread, sewing machine

Before you start (choosing safe pallets + planning size)

Aim for pallets that match in size and are HT-stamped (heat-treated), not MB (methyl bromide). Check for spills, mould, or smells and avoid any suspect pallets. Measure the mattress first and build the frame to suit. If you want an easier build, collect seven matching pallets: three stacked for the base, one for each side, one for the back, and one to harvest slats.

Find and prep the pallets

Wash the pallets before you cut. A pressure washer removes grime fast. Let them dry fully. Knock down any proud nails, then sand rough edges with 100–120 grit. If your pallets don’t match, don’t panic—we’ll trim them to fit.

Build a comfortable base height

Stack three pallets for the base. This height makes it easy to sit and stand.

If one pallet is longer, shorten it with a reciprocating saw or jigsaw.

Replace any removed end blocks so the pallet keeps its strength. Check the stack for level.

Harvest smooth boards

Use a spare pallet for slats. Cut slats free with a jigsaw or recip saw rather than prying.

Plane or sand the slats so they’re smooth and splinter-free against your legs. These boards will box in the front, back and sides.

Box in the front and back

Measure the total base height and cut slats to suit. Screw slats horizontally across the front and back, fixing into the pallet’s main supports.

Pallets aren’t perfect, so expect a rustic line. Focus on strength and smooth touch points.

Make the side panels (with a built-in drink ledge)

Cut a pallet down to form each side. Keep the centre support intact.

Add a drink ledge by fitting a trimmed slat across the top opening.

Screw it in from the side so the fixings stay hidden.

When you’re sitting on the daybed, your arms will rest on the side pallets. To prevent splinters, I used a router with a round-over bit to remove any sharp edges. You can also add some extra wood to the remaining area so it’s more comfortable on your arms.

Attach the sides (modular for transport)

I built this to break down into four pieces: base, back, and two sides. Bolt the sides to the base through solid blocks or the main pallet rails. Use washers on both sides. If needed, add blocks under a side to get everything level.

Fit the backrest

Use a full pallet or a half pallet for the back. Clamp it to the base, mark your bolt positions, and drill through the rails. I found these screw bolts at the hardware store, but I am not sure of the proper name.  I clamped the back pallet to the base and drilled a hole where I wanted the bolts to go.

Next, I used a ratchet socket to screw in the bolt, 2 on each leg. I forgot to take a photo, but I also added some hinges to hold the sides and the back together.

Sand, seal and weatherproof

Sand all edges with 120–180 grit. Apply an exterior primer if you’re painting. For a clear look, use deck oil or spar urethane. Lift the base on feet or pavers so it never sits in pooled water. If the deck gets drenched, a slatted board under the mattress helps airflow.

Add cushions and easy-wash covers

I reused a mattress for the seat and rescued couch cushions for the back.

I sewed a fitted-sheet style seat cover with elastic so it slips off for washing. The back cushions share a large pillowcase-style cover. Choose outdoor canvas for durability.

More pallet project ideas

This outdoor wall-mounted bar is great for an outdoor entertainment area.

You can also use the off-cuts to make a cute bird feeder for your garden.

Now it’s time to visit the rest of the team.  Be sure to stop by each blog for some amazing Upcycling/Recycling/DIY projects.  You will find their links listed below.

Birdz of a Feather

Cloches & Lavender

Exquisitely Unremarkable

Little Vintage Cottage

Pandora’s Box

Purple Hues & Me

Unique Creations by Anita

My Hubbard Home

The Apple Street Cottage