Foam for Pallet Furniture: Seating and Bed Foam for DIY Pallets
In an effort to be more environmentally conscious, the popularity of pallet furniture is on the rise. Pallet seating was once known only as a simple, cost-effective option for outdoor areas such as pub gardens. Now, sustainable and minimal-living influencers are driving demand for other pallet furniture too, such as bed frames, meditation areas and indoor sofas. If you enjoy upcycling, our upholstery craft guide is a good companion read.
Foam for pallet seating
Pallet bed frames are one of the latest trends among those interested in minimal living. They're popular because they're a cheap way to own a solid-wood frame, and being unfinished they leave plenty of room for a creative project with specifications you can't buy on the high street. A day bed, for example, can be made from six average-sized pallets – four for the base and two on the long side as a backrest – with hooks and fastenings so the back can be added or removed.
Pallets aren't comfortable without additional components, and this is where foam is the best and most versatile option for daily use. High-density and medium-high density foams are our recommended choices for pallet seating, thanks to their durability and shape retention. Pallets are slatted, so a softer material such as feathers or memory foam will likely sink into the slats if they're too far apart. If your slats sit closer together, there are more options among softer foams and memory foam.
Foam for pallet beds
There's just as much opportunity to use pallets for a customised bed frame – for example an all-in-one frame with adjoining side tables. For comfort over a slatted base, a combination of foams works best. A memory foam mattress cut to size can be used, but it must be paired with a high-density foam underlay for proper support over the pallets. Alternatively, a medium-high density reflex foam mattress is an excellent option.
Customisable two-piece day beds
The key benefit of pallet furniture is how customisable it is, and foam accommodates that too. A day bed made from upcycled pallets is the perfect example: foam cut to size can be used on both the base and the back. With two foam pieces instead of one, you can remove or add them as needed – want a guest bed? Remove the back foam. Want a day sofa? Keep both in place.
At eFoam we pride ourselves on our pallet furniture foam cut to size and shape, and we're proud that it helps support sustainable upcycling initiatives. To discuss how we can support your pallet furniture DIY projects, please contact us.
Frequently asked questions
What foam is best for pallet seating?
High-density and medium-high density foams are recommended for pallet seating, thanks to their durability and ability to hold shape. Softer materials like feathers or memory foam can sink into the slats if they are too far apart.
Can I use memory foam on pallet furniture?
Only if the pallet slats are close together. Otherwise, a memory foam mattress should be paired with a high-density foam underlay to give proper support over the slatted base.
How do I make a pallet day bed comfortable?
Use two foam pieces cut to size – one for the base and one for the back. They can be removed or added as needed, so the day bed works as a guest bed with the back removed, or as a sofa with both in place.
