Palletsit

Palletsit is not a widely established term in academia or industry. It is sometimes used informally to refer to the practice of creating seating from shipping pallets, or, less commonly, as a brand or project name associated with pallet-based furniture. In this article, palletsit is understood as pallet seating and related DIY builds.

Pallet seating involves repurposing wooden pallets into benches, chairs, or seating assemblies. Common pallet sizes in the United States are around 40 by 48 inches, though dimensions vary. Typical methods include disassembling pallets to use individual boards, or keeping pallets intact and stacking or cutting them to shape. Construction often uses screws, brackets, and glue for stability, followed by sanding to remove splinters and applying protective finishes. Cushions or foam pads are frequently added to improve comfort, and some designs incorporate backrests, legs, or armrests for enhanced usability.

Safety and sustainability considerations are important. Use pallets that are heat-treated (marked with HT) rather than chemically treated (MB), and inspect for nails, cracks, or loose boards. Reinforce joints to prevent wobble and consider weight limits when seating multiple people. For outdoor use, apply weatherproof coatings and use outdoor-rated cushions; store or cover furniture during harsh weather to extend lifespan.

Applications for palletsit furniture span homes, gardens, classrooms, and event spaces. The approach is valued for low cost, recyclability, and modularity, allowing flexible arrangements and easy reconfiguration. As a DIY practice, palletsit remains popular in communities that emphasize upcycling and hands-on fabrication.