Build a Modern Birch Coffee Table From Pallets

I am really excited to share this project today because I think it’s super easy for anyone to do! I made a modern, sturdy, and functional coffee table on the cheap using pallets!

I first screwed together two pallets that were the same size, picking the pallet with the most intact slats to be the top. Then I flipped it over and screwed on casters. For my coffee table to be the right height, I added a 2 x 4 block. You want your coffee table to be 16-18 inches tall, so measure accordingly.

Next I brought it inside to check scale. Unfortunately, the table was way too big. The correct scale of a coffee table should be two thirds the width of your couch. I decided to cut off some width, using the other side as the widest part.

Back outside, I used a handsaw to cut the middle and a circular saw to cut the ends of the pallet. I replaced the slats to support the edge on top where folks might sit.

Next I took a trip to Home Depot to get my plywood. Did you know they cut wood to size for you!? I bought a 4 x 8 foot sheet of 1/4 inch thick birch plywood and gave them my measurements. Then at home, I just needed to secure the plywood sheets in place to cover the ugly pallet using my nail gun and wood glue.

The finishing touches were painting the 2 x 4 blocks that the casters were mounted on black and filling the nail holes with wood filler.

I am blown away by how easily this build came together and how strong it is because of the pallet base. I made the whole thing for around $60!

Now I just need to know one thing: would you leave it birch and just apply polyurethane to protect it? Or would you stain it? If you were to stain this coffee table, what color would you choose? Let me know in the comments!