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Wood is one of the most traditional materials used when making furniture, but it is important to remember that it is finite and that its unlimited use can cause serious problems for the environment.
It is interesting to look for wood products that are easily discarded after a short time of use, such as pallets, as indicated by Carllos Szollosi, a craftsman from Curitiba: "The reuse of this wood for making furniture, utensils, decoration, is not only an option ofconscious consumption, as a demonstration of respect for nature", he declares.
When talking about pallet furniture, it is common to imagine rustic pieces, but it is possible to use them in any decoration style. Architect Karem Kuroiva says that it is possible to apply several colors and finishes to the furniture, leaving a harmonious environment.
Using the pallet as furniture
Carllos explains that it is important to think of the piece as a wood supplier, being able to disassemble and adapt it according to its purpose.
Sofas
The architect Daniela Savioli's tip is to put little wheels with brakes on the furniture, "this prevents the pallet from being directly in contact with the floor and getting wet," she points out.
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Carllos affirms that the furniture can be multipurpose, by placing two pallets on top of each other, transforming them into single or double beds: "This is very useful, since this can be the solution for receiving guests who will sleep in your house", he recommends.
Beds
The pallet can be used either as the base or as the headboard of the bed. The first option is more interesting for those who like low beds. For higher beds, its use should be as the headboard and can be painted to give more identity to the piece, suggests Daniela.
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Carllos says that the use of wheels on the bed is important due to the weight of the furniture, making it easier to move around.
Bookcases and Shelves
The pallet can be used both to create shelves and as a base for them: "Wall panels made of pallet can serve as a base to fit shelves and thus compose a useful and different space, adapting mobile shelves in the position and height that best suits them," explains Carllos.
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Daniela instructs that its use goes beyond homes. Because it is a piece of furniture that is easy and quick to assemble, it can also be used in fairs or events that require shelves.
Coffee tables
Tables made of pallets can be of various sizes, including for the center of the room, with or without a differentiated top. Carllos suggests tops made of glass, marble, porcelain tiles, or even ceramic mosaics.
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Daniela indicates the use of wheels to give the piece a more modern look, ideal for rustic environments.
Tables
Just like the coffee tables, dining tables and desks can have a finish of another material for their best functionality, Karem points out.
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Carllos suggests using three pallets, two horizontal at each end, and one vertical to create workbenches or a table.
Decorative Items
It is still possible to create items such as flower boxes, pictures, or paintings with the pallet. Carllos also recommends its use in decorative panels.
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The pallet boxes, normally used in fairs, can still serve as a decorative item in rustic environments and can also be used as a stand, bedside tables, or stools.
How to make pallet furniture
When making furniture with pallets, it is of utmost importance to pay attention to its finish: "For more sophisticated uses, the finish should be better executed and the choice of other components should follow the same line of the desired furniture so that the identity is not lost", Karem explains.
Pallet sofa bed
To create her pallet sofa bed, Maísa Flora took about a week. The Youtuber alerts that due to the great demand, new pallets are becoming more and more expensive, making it worth buying used ones that cost up to R$2,00 each. When buying a used one, it is necessary to pay even more attention to sand the wood and, if necessary, use specific paste to correct the defects.
Pallet Coffee Table
With the help of her father, the blogger explains that it is important to sand in the direction of the wood grain. Since the goal was a more rustic piece, the yellow paint was applied directly to the piece, without a first coat of white paint, which would make the object more refined.
Pallet Desk
When creating a pallet desk, this tutorial explains the importance of properly securing the legs of the furniture to ensure the stability and firmness of the piece.
7 practical tips for hassle-free pallet furniture making
When opting for pallet furniture, it is necessary to pay attention to details to ensure its safety and better quality in the final result. For such, observe the unmissable tips of the craftsman!
- Check that the wood is in good condition: Carllos explains that it is essential to analyze the pallet's condition: "A piece in good conditions doesn't present cracks, splinters, or many splinters in the boards; observe if the wood doesn't have those little holes that indicate the presence of termites and if the wood is rigid, not rotten", he indicates.
- Prepare the wood: an important detail when making the furniture is sanding the wood. the professional recommends using sandpaper 80 first, because it is coarser, and then a finer one (120, 150, or 180). if you choose to use a sander, always remember to wear safety glasses and a mask.
- Remove loose nails and staples from the pallet: If you find it necessary to disassemble the pallet, be careful not to damage the wood. Carllos gives the tip of levering the board a little and clenching the nails, guaranteeing a better quality result and without risks.
- Wash the parts: If you are going to use the whole pallet, Carllos warns that it is necessary to wash it with soap and water, "Let it dry standing up and in the shade for a few days", he teaches. Under no circumstances is it recommended to start making the furniture before the pallet is completely dry.
- Be careful when using chainsaws: The electric saws are a great option to speed up the work, but it is essential to wear gloves and safety goggles. The craftsman reinforces the need to check that there are no nails in the cutting line, "because they can be thrown in your direction, causing injury.
- Plan the production: To create quality furniture, it is important to define all the necessary steps: "Always work calmly, attentively, and carefully, and you will get good results", he points out. Planning is also necessary so that the dimensions are correct. pieces such as sofas and beds need good weight bearers, because they are subject to high loads.
- Apply varnish, fungicide and water repellent: Varnishing the wood guarantees that the piece will last longer, besides giving a finishing effect to the furniture. Carllos informs that it is also indicated to treat the wood with water repellent and fungicide before varnishing, to protect the wood from fungi, humidity, and termites. Daniela also recommends that the wood be sanded before applying the varnish.
Ready-to-buy pallet furniture
If you prefer to buy the furniture ready-made to save time and avoid defects, there are several craftsmen who sell their creations securely online.
Pinus Pallet for R$ 58,99 at the UDI Store
Set of Pallet Furniture for R$700,00 at Carllos Criações
Pallet box for glasses for R$25,00 at Meus Móveis Falantes
Pallet chest for R$400,00 at Carllos Criações
Pallet Vertical Garden for R$270,00 at Carllos Criações
Spice rack for R$55,00 at Paletize
Aromatizer with pallet support for R$38,52 at Arts & Arts
Small box for R$58,40 at Ateliê Tudo é Arte
Wooden Printing Plate for R$300,00 at O Livro de Madeira
Multi palete origami for R$429.00 at Meu Móvel de Madeira
Pallet bookcase for R265,00 at Lindas Arts
Pallet chest for R75,00 at Artesanatos em Paletes
Toallero Artes for R$262,50 at Marcenaria Boraceia
As much as the price may discourage you, furniture is still cheaper than traditional furniture, not to mention the charm that a handmade piece can give to your home.
Using furniture created with pallets is a sustainable and economical option to decorate your home, besides being able to be used in any type of environment. The important thing is to plan what will be done, to not end up with furniture with wrong proportions for the room. In the words of Carllos: "remember that wood is a living being, always treat it as one".
