DIY pallet picnic table and coffee table designed for a picnic set up at home. Man with Bernese Mountain Dog.

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Build an easy DIY pallet coffee table with wheels using old wooden pallets, a glass top, and simple materials. See how we styled it on our Vermont porch with plenty of photos and ideas to inspire your own pallet table project.

Looking for a creative way to turn old wooden pallets into a stylish coffee table?

This DIY pallet coffee table with wheels is one of our first and favorite projects—simple to make, budget-friendly, and full of vintage charm.

We topped it with glass to give it a more finished look and styled it on our Vermont porch with cozy, rustic flair.

Man and Bernese Mountain Dog sitting on wicker couch on porch with DIY pallet coffee table styled in front of them.

Why I Created This Blog Post

I made this DIY pallet coffee table early in my blogging journey, back when I was just starting to share our home projects online. Today, I’m resharing it for the visuals and the inspiration—simple, doable, and full of charm. We had a pile of old pallets left over from winter pellet deliveries, and this idea came to life one weekend. We added wheels and a glass top to give it a polished feel, and even made a matching side table to go with it. It’s still one of our favorite pieces, especially on our Vermont porch where we can move it around depending on the season. I hope it inspires you to look twice at those leftover pallets—you never know what you might create!

DIY pallet coffee table decorated for fall on porch.

How to DIY a Pallet Coffee Table (with Wheels!)

This DIY pallet coffee table came together with just a few simple materials, a bit of sanding, and a weekend of fun. While this isn’t a step-by-step tutorial, the photos throughout this post offer a visual guide to inspire your own version—proof that even the most casual DIYs can become favorite pieces.

What We Used to Build This DIY Pallet Coffee Table

Here’s everything we used to create our DIY pallet coffee table with wheels and a glass top, a mix of basic tools and easy-to-find materials:
    •    Two reclaimed wooden pallets
    •    Four lockable caster wheels
    •    Glass top (custom-cut to 48” x 24”)
    •    Screws and brackets
    •    Wood stain or sealer (optional)
    •    Electric sander
    •    Screwdriver or power drill
    •    Hammer and nails
    •    Measuring tape
    •    Level

This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Where to Find Wood Pallets for DIY Furniture Projects

Looking for wood pallets to use in your next DIY furniture project? Whether you’re building a pallet coffee table or a simple side table, there are plenty of places to find free pallets if you know where to look.

Here are some of the best places to find wood pallets for DIY projects:
    •    Local hardware stores and lumberyards
    •    Garden centers and nurseries
    •    Behind big-box retail stores or warehouses (with permission)
    •    Facebook Marketplace (browse listings or post your own request)
    •    Yard sales and curb alerts
    •    Your own home—check for deliveries like pellet stoves, wood, or appliances

Most people are happy to give them away, and you should be able to find pallets for free with just a little searching.

Prepping the Pallets: Cutting and Sanding for a Smooth Finish

Once we gathered our old wood pallets, the first step in building this DIY pallet coffee table was to disassemble them.

We carefully removed the pallet boards, since those were the pieces we planned to use to construct the table. Using a saw, we trimmed the boards to our chosen dimensions—two feet wide by four feet long—and then sanded each one with an electric sander to create a smooth, splinter-free surface.

It’s a small detail that makes a big difference when you’re planning to use the table daily.

Assembling the Pallet Coffee Table Base and Top

After cutting and sanding the pallet boards, we began assembling the structure of the coffee table.

To achieve the right height, we stacked two pallet boards vertically to form the base. Then we laid the remaining boards horizontally across the top—just like the classic pallet design—to create a sturdy and rustic surface.

Once everything was aligned, we decided to close off the ends for a more finished look by attaching two additional boards on either side. We secured everything with a few interior bolts to keep the design clean and functional.

It’s a simple, stackable approach that gives this DIY pallet coffee table both structure and charm.

How to Add Legs and Casters to Your DIY Pallet Coffee Table

To bring the coffee table to a comfortable height, we next added legs that raised the table to about 19 inches total, including the casters we planned to attach underneath.

Once the legs were secured, we installed the top pallet boards, screwing them in place to complete the surface.

At this stage, you can really start to see the table’s shape come together, simple, sturdy, and stackable. Before we finished it off with the top boards and glass top, we snapped a few photos of the open design so you can see exactly how the structure looks from the inside out.

The glass top and mobile casters were the final touches that gave this rustic DIY coffee table a polished and functional finish.

Adding Casters to Make Your Pallet Coffee Table Mobile

To make our DIY pallet coffee table mobile, we ordered a two-pack of antique copper-finished casters from Shepard Hardware on Amazon. They were affordable, easy to install, and had great reviews, plus, the vintage-style finish paired beautifully with the rustic look of the pallet wood. We simply screwed the casters into the bottom of the legs, and just like that, the table was ready to roll.

antique copper-finished castor wheel

Adding locking casters was truly a game-changer. It gave us the freedom to easily move the table around our porch or deck, while the locks kept it secure when needed, especially helpful on windy Vermont days. They added both style and functionality to the finished piece.

Ann Jean Jacket Mountains

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Adding a Glass Top to Your Pallet Coffee Table

Once we finalized the dimensions of our pallet coffee table—48 by 24 inches—I ordered a custom glass top from our local glass shop. They cut the piece to size, polished the edges, and rounded the corners for safety, all for around $100. I was able to pick it up the very next day, and the fit was perfect.

Glass top on DIY pallet coffee table and decorated with flowers and a candle on porch.

Adding a glass top was the finishing touch that made the table not only more functional, but also porch-ready. Since pallet wood can be slightly uneven, the glass provides a stable, flat surface that’s ideal for setting down drinks or decor. It added structure and polish to the rustic wood without taking away from the handmade charm. Depending on where you plan to use your table, indoors or out, a glass top can be a beautiful and practical addition.

Close up of glass on wooden pallet coffee table with flowers, candle and magazines on porch.

How to Style a Pallet Coffee Table on a Porch (or Anywhere You Love to Relax)

A pallet coffee table with wheels is the perfect rustic-meets-practical piece for a cozy porch or any casual lounging space. Ours found its home on our covered outdoor porch, and I love how its mobility makes it easy to move around for morning coffee, evening chats, or weekend get-togethers. Plus, there’s something timeless about natural wood tones outdoors — it brings warmth and texture to any outdoor setting.

To dress it up, I added a custom glass top that instantly gives it a touch of refinement without losing its rustic charm. It’s a simple upgrade that makes a big difference!

Here are some of my favorite ways to style a pallet coffee table outdoors or in a porch-style space:
    •    Magazines or coffee table books for easy, relaxed reading
    •    A bright red lantern for a pop of color and cozy evening light
    •    A vase of flowers — seasonal blooms or faux florals both work beautifully
    •    Woven baskets underneath or nearby for extra storage
    •    A tray with coasters, drinks, or a favorite candle
    •    Surround it with vintage-inspired seating and casual throw pillows for a complete look

Pallet homemade coffee table with wheels decorated for fall on porch.
Ann Jean Jacket Mountains

Style Tip:

The beauty of a pallet table is its versatility. You can leave it rustic or add a clear coat or light stain to match your decor. You could even adapt this same idea to make a taller entryway table, or bring it indoors to a four-season porch, craft room, or even a studio space.

Wherever it ends up, this DIY piece is a conversation starter — one that adds charm, character, and function all in one.

Pallet coffed table on porch with glass and stamped markings.

Love This Project? Try These Easy and Stylish DIY Ideas Too

If you enjoyed this DIY pallet coffee table project, you might also love these budget-friendly DIY home decor ideas! Each of these tutorials brings a rustic, vintage, or thrifted charm to your home — whether you’re decorating a porch, giving old furniture new life, or getting creative with secondhand finds.

Final Thoughts on This DIY Pallet Coffee Table Project

This DIY pallet coffee table with wheels and a glass top remains one of our favorite handmade pieces. It was simple to build, budget-friendly, and has brought so much charm and functionality to our Vermont porch.

Outdoor porch with pallet made coffee table with glass and wheels with wicker furniture.

Whether you’re styling a cozy outdoor space or looking for an easy weekend project, creating your own pallet coffee table is a fun way to upcycle old wood and add rustic style to your home.

Pallet coffee table on porch with glass top.

Inspired to try your own? Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below. I’d love to see how you bring your own pallet table ideas to life!

Pallet coffee table DIY with glass top and wheels on outdoor porch.

DIY Pallet Side Table to Match Your Coffee Table

Love this project as much as we did? We took it one step further and created a matching DIY pallet side table to complement the coffee table. It’s proof that once you have the pallets, the possibilities really are endless!

Mobile DIY side table made out of pallets on porch.

Frequently Asked Questions About a DIY Pallet Coffee Table

What kind of pallets should I use for a DIY pallet coffee table?

Look for clean, dry, and heat-treated (HT) pallets without signs of chemical spills or mold. Reclaimed wood pallets from local stores or delivery services are usually free and perfect for furniture projects.

How tall should a pallet coffee table be?

A standard coffee table height is 16–18 inches. For our DIY pallet coffee table, we added legs and casters to reach a finished height of about 19 inches—ideal for porch lounging or living room use.

Do I need to sand pallet wood before using it indoors?

Yes! Pallet wood can be rough and splintery. We recommend thoroughly sanding all boards with an electric sander before assembling your table, especially if it’s going to be used indoors or around kids and pets.

How do I attach wheels to a pallet coffee table?

Casters are easy to install with just a few screws. We added antique-finish locking casters to the base of the legs, which makes the table mobile but also stable when you need it to stay put.

Why add a glass top to a pallet coffee table?

A glass top adds a smooth, level surface—especially helpful if the pallet boards are uneven. It also elevates the look, adds functionality, and makes the table easier to clean, particularly in outdoor settings like porches or patios.

Your Guide to Embracing Eclectic Style, Vintage Finds, and Thrifted Home Inspiration~

Love decorating with vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and eclectic charm? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, share this post with a vintage-loving friend, or join our Reader’s Showcase Series — where we feature your favorite thrifted and antique finds. Email me at [email protected] to be part of it!

DIY Pallet Coffee Table with Wheels and Glass Top
Ann signature black

♻️ More Reclaimed Wood Decor Ideas from Home Decor Bloggers

I’m excited to be joining a group of talented home decor bloggers to share creative ideas for decorating with reclaimed wood. From DIY furniture to charming accent pieces, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for adding rustic, vintage, and budget-friendly style to your own home hosted by Cindy from County Road 407.

Be sure to check out all the beautiful projects below!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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10 Comments

  1. This turned out so cool, Ann. And I love the side table to match. I’m sure having the glass on top makes it so much easier to keep clean, avoid spills, etc. You and hubs make a great DIY team!

  2. I’ve seen some pallet tables in my day but my-oh-my I LOVE YOURS! It looks professionally made and quite substantial! I think smoothing the edges takes it over the top and you decorate it so nicely. Seems perfect out on the patio. Totally party ready for sure. Thank you so much for joining in. pinned!

    1. Thank you Cindy, I’m so glad you liked it!

  3. I love your coffee table and side table, they look really nice. Thanks for sharing, pinned.

    1. Thank you kindly Marlene! This was one of my first projects as a blogger:)

  4. How fun those pallet tables are. You solved the need for the coffee table to be level for drinks. The glass piece on top is perfect. Love the wheels! And WOW that mobile work bench/station is just so awesome! I love your views, Ann. Don’t know how you keep up with two residences. Of course you have the perfect coffee table furry accessory! Happy Weekend!

  5. Great DIY Ann! This is my kind of pallet wood project! Pinned 😊

    1. Thanks Cindy, this was a fun project from a couple of years ago now!