How To Make A Coffee Table From A Wooden Pallet

In this post, we will give you all of the instructions you will need to make a coffee table from an old pallet. Let’s get started!

Things you will need:

♦ A wooden pallet

♦ A selection of sandpapers

♦ A damp cloth

♦ Paint primer/ undercoat

♦ A paintbrush or roller

♦ Furniture paint

♦ Clear furniture wax

♦ 4 wheels (and the correct size screws to fit the wheels)

♦ A screwdriver or electric drill

Before we get started, you need to take into consideration the size of the pallet you wish to choose. The larger the pallet, the more primer, paint and wax you will need. Also, this affects the size of the wheels and screws you will need to use. Without further ado, let’s get shabby chic-ing!

How to make a coffee table in 10 simple steps

Before you create your masterpiece, make sure that you protect the surface you are working on with newspaper. This will collect any wood shavings, dust or spilled paint!

Step 1: Key down the pallet
‘Keying down’ is the D.I.Y term for sanding down wooden furniture. This will take away any splinters and give you a smoother surface to work with. It’s up to you how much you want to sand the pallet. A rougher surface achieves a more rustic look.

Step 2: Wipe away the dust

Use a damp, not wet, cloth to remove any dust from the sanding process. Remember to leave the pallet to dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Priming

Start to paint the pallet with a primer. Using a white primer will ensure the best colour pay-off from your paint, as well as creating a smooth surface for your paint to glide over. Ensure that the primer is 100% dry before continuing.

Step 4: Get creative!

Start painting your soon-to-be coffee table with your chosen colour! If you want to achieve a look similar to that shown in the picture above, use our Rainbow Shabby Chic Furniture Paint in Chalky White. Or, go for something a little more bold. We have a variety of shades for you to choose from.

Note: Remember to get all the nooks and crannies!

Step 5: The waiting game

Now is the time to sit back and relax whilst waiting for the paint to dry. Remember, the bigger your pallet and the more coats you have applied, the longer your pallet will need to dry.
This can take several hours, so make a cup of tea and catch up on your favourite TV programme while you wait.

 Step 6: Distressing your new furniture

This part is entirely up to you. Traditionally, shabby chic furniture has a vintage/distressed look that is achieved by sanding small areas down.

To do this, use a medium grade sand paper and gently start to rub the areas that you wish to distress. Then, use a softer sand paper to help blend the paint with the wood. Otherwise, leave the pallet as it is.

If you desire a crisper look, skip this step!

 Step 7: Wipe it down, again

If you chose to distress your table, you will need to go over it again with the damp cloth. This will get rid of all the dust from the paint and wood you just sanded away.

 Step 8: Applying the wax

Apply a thin layer of uncoloured furniture wax all over the item, paying special attention to the areas where the wood is exposed. Then, leave it to dry. This shouldn’t take as long as the paint, so don’t worry, you’re nearly done!

 Step 9: Adding the wheels

With a pencil, mark the bottom of the pallet where the wheels will be placed. Use a power drill or a screwdriver to attach them and remember to space them equally!

Step 10: The finishing touches…

You’re done! Now you can add some heart-warming decorations to your new coffee table. We suggest adding some coasters, a potted plant and a stack of magazines for a ‘homely’ feel.

Check out how one of our customers used her shabby chic furniture paint to revitalise her dining room table!

Feeling inspired?

Our Shabby Chic Furniture Paint is perfect for your home DIY projects. If you’ve made something you’re proud of, send your pictures to info@rainbowchalk.com to feature in our blog!

Our matt finish, water based paints can be used directly on wood (bare or painted), brick, stone, plaster or any suitably primed rigid surface (metal, plastic, etc).

We also offer an array of muted and vibrant pastel colours that you can buy here on our product page. Alternatively, Buy your chalky white paint and furniture wax in the product boxes below!