DIY Pallet Bookshelf Table: Creative and Functional Home Project

If you're missing a stylish and compact table for your books at home, there's no need to rush to a furniture store. You can create one yourself with just one pallet, some free time, and a bit of enthusiasm.

Pallets typically cost between $1.50 to $3, depending on the wood type, while a new table of similar design can be ten times more expensive.

But beyond the cost savings, imagine the satisfaction of looking at a piece you crafted with your own hands! Even if the table isn't perfectly straight, you'll take pride in having made your own furniture.

This small wooden table, designed to hold books and a desk lamp, fits perfectly in a bedroom or living room and can add a cozy touch to your space.

Materials Needed for the Table

Gather the following items:

1. One pallet.
2. Slats from blinds or flat wooden strips.
3. Two small metal brackets.
4. A sheet of plywood.
5. Plastic caster wheels.
6. Short screws (about 1 cm).
7. Long screws (about 4 cm).
8. Several nails (about 4 cm).

Essential tools include a saw, screwdriver, sandpaper, and an electric drill.

Step 1: Planning and Sanding

Start by sketching a plan to ensure all wooden pieces match in length and width during assembly. Include measurements and calculate how many boards you’ll need.

Consider the size of the books you intend to store to determine the table’s dimensions. For example, the table shown here has four compartments slightly larger than the books for easy access.

The pallet boards are arranged both horizontally and vertically, but feel free to customize the layout as you prefer. The tabletop consists of four boards that slightly extend beyond the table edges.

Once you finalize sizes and quantities, cut the boards and sand each one thoroughly so the edges fit tightly. Wrapping sandpaper around a small wooden block can help achieve smooth edges.

Step 2: Building the Base and Sides

Use two large wooden strips to connect the base; secure them with nails or screws (nails are shown in the photo). These strips will hold the wheels, so drill four holes at the corners of the strips.

Insert metal rods attached to the wheels into these holes, ensuring a snug fit to prevent them from falling out.

Attach the table sides to the base with screws along the edges. Use two screws per board to avoid wobbling.

Avoid nails near the edges to prevent wood from splitting. Repeat this for all sides.

Step 3: Adding Dividers

If you want to store books on both sides of the table, add dividers using plywood.

Attach two small wooden strips to the base and insert the pre-cut plywood sheet between them. The strips should be spaced so the plywood fits tightly and stays in place.

Step 4: Securing the Top Section

Join all panels by using slats from blinds or flat wooden strips. Make sure these do not obstruct placing books. Secure the slats with short screws.

The tabletop boards are arranged horizontally and connected with slats. After assembling the top sides, fasten them to the lower part with bolts.

Insert another plywood divider between the slats in the upper section. Finally, attach the tabletop cover.

Step 5: Attaching the Tabletop Cover

Connect the four boards forming the tabletop cover with slats, ensuring they don’t extend beyond the table edges to avoid interfering with book placement. Attach the cover to the side panels using metal brackets.

Screw the brackets into the side panels, place the cover on top, and secure it from underneath with small screws so they remain hidden.

Your table is now complete! You can finish it by applying varnish, painting, or adding your own artistic touches.

This table fits perfectly beside your favorite chair, providing space for about 40 books and a surface for a desk lamp and a cup of tea.

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