Sofas can be quite expensive and sometimes it’s difficult to find the exact dimensions and colour that you want. Here’s how you can make your own customized couch on a budget.
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Why Did I Make My Own Sofa?
About a year and a half ago, I was trying to furnish a patio space that I converted into my own little domain. I wanted a sofa and while I was on the hunt, I realized just how pricey they were!
I wondered if there was any way I could easily make my own. So what did I do? Googled it, of course. One tiny search led me to one of my favourite pass-times ever, Pinterest. There were tons of DIY Pallet Sofa tutorials. Why didn’t I think of that? Oh right, cause it always seems obvious after you see a million tutorials online.
Making your own sofa means you can customize the size, colour and configuration (sectional anyone?), plus you’ll feel great to see all the hard work pay off when you’re done.
I had help with this project because I hate power tools and this process goes so much faster using them. (I know that somebody reading this was absolutely horrified that I said “I hate power tools” but hey, we all have our limits!) Also pallets can be heavy!
What You Will Need
Pallets (I used six.)
- A drill
- A saw
- Wood screws
- 3/4 inch plywood
- 3/16 inch plywood
- Sandpaper
- Foam
- Fabric for cushions
- Stain or paint
- Foam brush or paint brush
The quantity of materials you will need will depend on how big you make your sofa.
Pallet Sofa Instructions
Let me just start by saying that I did this project long before this blog even existed in my head. I took the photos to document the progress I was making while converting the space to my own private “Queendom”. Most of the work was done at night so the picture quality is pretty crappy. My apologies. Now moving on…
Step 1
We stacked two pallets side-by-side and two high to make the base and screwed them all together. You can cut the pallets to make the sofa whatever length suits you or add more to make it longer. (Just note if you stack the pallets like I have shown in the photo, the base will be quite heavy and may be difficult to move.) Then we turned two pallets onto their sides and attached them to each end of the base using screws to create arms.
Step 2
After we were happy that the base and arms were nice and secure, we added the 3/16 inch plywood just to cover the slats of the pallets. At first we covered the top of the arms in the same plywood but later removed it.
Next, we used a piece of 3/4 inch plywood to make the back of the sofa, screwed that into the arms and added a scrap wood brace in the centre of the back. I utilized the full width of the pallets so that my pallet sofa could double as a day bed.
We completed the base with a light sanding and a thin coat of stain.
Step 3
Now I just needed cushions to complete the whole thing. I made those myself since the only power tool needed was a sewing machine. I made the seat cushion out of 5 inch thick foam and used 4 inch for the back. Then, I added lots of homemade throw pillows for pops of colour (like the actual sofa cushions weren’t colourful enough). It was a lot of sewing but was well worth it!
This pallet sofa is one of my favourite projects that I have ever done and probably the one I get the most use out of. It’s super cozy and great for curling up with my laptop which is usually what I’m doing or watching TV.
Have you ever done a DIY pallet project? Let me know in the comments.