How to Build a Wood Pallet Deck
Making our home beautiful not only for others to see, but for ourselves is important. Creating an Outdoor Space where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors is easier than you think. Our side yard was an area that needed attention, so we built a Wood Pallet Deck and added new Outdoor Furniture, Flowers and Decorations, creating an Outdoor Space that is warm and inviting!
When we first began thinking about creating a new Outdoor Space, we knew we wanted a comfortable spot to relax, have a drink and enjoy the weather. We have been wanting to build a deck area for many years, but let’s face it, decks can be expensive to build. So during a brainstorming session, Doug came up with the idea to build a Wood Pallet Deck. And I loved it!
Building with Wood Pallet’s are all the rage, and I love how cool and rustic they are, so I was excited about the idea. One problem though, Wood Pallet’s are often times too rough looking with broken pieces and the slats are too far apart. He assured me that he knew of a place that sold Wood Pallets and they weren’t all built with large openings.
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I’m simply thrilled with how the space turned out. It’s warm and inviting, yet it has a pop of color to draw your attention.
Now, let’s build a deck…
This is where we began, our side yard was overgrown and needed attention.
Wood Pallet Deck Supplies
- Pallets – we bought ours at a local pallet manufacturer, they are 48 inches x 48 inches, 2 way barrel pallets NOTE: These Pallets were made to hold 1000-1200 pounds of weight, they were made at a Pallet Manufacturer
- Concrete Half Blocks – 8 inches x 8 inches x 6 inches
- Stain or Paint – we used Stain, because Paint tends to peel off of outdoor wood, we used Olympics Solid Stain in Sandstone color
- Gravel and Sand for leveling
- Paint Sprayer (optional- but one of our favorite purchases!)
Cost:
Depending on the amount of tools you will need to purchase, and how much you purchase the pallets for, will effect your cost. We spent about $120, and had some of the tools already.
The purchased the pallets from a local manufacturer and they were $10 each. I would highly suggest that you purchase the pallets that are made to hold weight, it’s worth the money.
The number of Wood Pallets you will need will depend on the size of deck you want. We decided to start small and see how we liked it. We used 6 Wood Pallets to make an 8 foot x 12 foot deck.
As I mentioned earlier, most of the Wood Pallets that you find are going to be rough. Next you will need to clean them with a deck cleaner, do any repairs to them and remove any stray nails.
Now it’s time to stain the Wood Pallets. We sprayed the stain on, but you could certainly use a roller or brush. But if you have an extra $40-$60 in your budget, purchasing the sprayer is one of the best purchases we have ever made.
Before the Deck is ready to be laid, you need to get the space ready. This is the most important part and the most time consuming.
- Clean out the area first by removing any unwanted weeds or plants.
- Determine the size of the block you will need. We chose to go with a Half Block, simply because of cost. You really don’t need a full block, you just need something to support the corners of the pallets.
- Determine the number of concrete blocks you will need. We used 12 for the 8 x 12 foot deck. You will need 1 block for each corner of each pallet.
- Place your blocks 4 feet apart.
- Dig a hole, at least twice as deep as the block.
- Add gravel and sand to the hole – using the same method as when we laid the Stone Walkway. Tamp it down firmly.
- Add the block to the hole and level.
- Level each block as you go.
Now it’s time to lay down the Wood Pallets to form the Deck. Lay them on top of the blocks, being sure to lay the corners on top of the concrete blocks. You can lay them out in any direction you like. If you have a Wood Pallet that is not quite as good as the others, like we did, be sure to lay it where it will either be covered with a Rug, less seen or in low traffic areas.
Be sure to let the deck set for at least 24 hours before adding your Outdoor Furniture and Decorations.
We started with the Outdoor Rug, I love how it pulls everything together. It is 5 x 8 feet, which is perfect for the Deck size. The Dining Chair Cushions match perfectly with the rug.
We had the chairs and side table so didn’t need to purchase those.
Last year, we used the tall red planter in front of our house and planted Annuals in it, the colors worked perfectly with the new rug, chair cushions and pillow.
The orange Gerbera Daisy and white Alyssum go perfectly, we placed the terra cotta pot in a Scroll Frame Plant Stand.
And the pillow adds a pop of color to the chairs, and also matches the rug. Then we added the flowers.
Looking for more ways to use Wood Pallets? Here are our favorites –
Wooden Pallet Compost Bin
What a great deck.I have been wanting to do this in a corner of my yard. Thanks for your inspiration.
What a neat idea! I love that you painted the pallets and made them look cohesive, plus the rug and furniture are really pretty.
Oh my gosh, you guys! I LOVE this new deck! It really looks so fabulous, and what a difference it makes in the space. I hate my backyard. I NEVER go there except to cut the grass. This would even make my yard more enjoyable.
good luck, pinned!
gail
Hello,
Love this so much! just a couple of questions if thats ok as I am doing this myself!
How did you secure the pallets to the half block?
Did you secure them together as well?
Thank you x
Hi Sarah, we did not secure the pallets to the blocks or together. We have not had any issues with them, however it’s not a high traffic area. If you plan on having your space with more traffic, you will need to secure them with bolts and/or screws.
~Liz
I have a quick question. Did you put the 4 corners that join up to each other on one block? I’m a little confused on how the corners joined up…
Yes Kerry that is exactly what we did. I’m considering using a full size block the next time I do this.
Hi Liz sorry I’m so lost but am going to try this can you explain to me what the securing is doing it for? Why are we putting the bricks and what are their purpose please explain thanks
Kim
Hi Kim,
The bricks/blocks serve two purposes, they help extend the life of the deck and help with the leveling of the deck.
Securing the ends and sides of the deck helps to stabilize the deck to keep it from shifting on the blocks.
-Liz
Thank you
Liz, I just love this DIY! What a lovely use of pallets!
Thanks so much Melissa! We are really enjoying it this Summer!
~Liz
Love the pallets. Our concern: increased property tax assessment. Your thoughts?
Thank you so much.
DeeDee
Hi Deedee,
By no means an I a tax expert so I can only give you my opinion, I would expect that there would be some increased property tax assessment since I believe it would be looked upon as an improvement to your property. I would ask a tax professional prior to building if an increase in your tax assessment is one of the deciding factors.
I am so glad I found this pallet deck. I have been wanting a deck area in the backyard. I think this will be great. So I called the hubby and ask if his work has some pallets to get rid of. They should be good because they make parts using large aluminum blocks.
Do you have any trouble with shifting pallets? I would think you would need to secure the pallets to each other.
Hi Kelly, We have not had any trouble. They are heavy enough that they stay in place, however, we aren’t dancing on the deck or throwing a party on it. 😉
~Liz
where did you order the wooden pallets from?
Hi Megan, we bought them at a local manufacture.
My friend works construction. He travels a lot with his travel trailer. He always places a pallet (he gets it from the job site) by his front door to help keep sand and dirt from getting into the trailer. I am going to email him this link. A patio would be nice so he can place lawn chairs on it.
I have been looking at different ways I can add a sitting area to my backyard and like this idea. About how much did it cost, not including furnishings?
Hi Tracy, we had some of the supplies already, but if you have to purchase everything, you could plan on spending around $120. We bought the pallets for $10 each, the blocks and stain. We had the sand and gravel already.
How do you go about finding a pallet manufacturer? I have a space that screams for this idea! Niuce job and super budget friendly!
Hi Michelle, we did a Google search and found a local manufacturer. You might also ask around or look in your phone book.
Glad you like the Pallet Deck! Thanks!
~Liz
Hi Liz. How do you attach the p corners of the pallets to the blocks?
Hi Maria,
We simply relied on the weight of the pallets to keep the structure in place. We had this deck in place for 2 years prior to moving it last summer to the front of the She-Shed. http://hoosierhomemade.com/she-shed-farmhouse-reveal/
Love the colour after all.kudos
I really like this idea! Thanks
This is such a neat idea. I love how you styled your pallet deck too. I was wondering if you had to apply for a permit with inspections to complete this? I know every place has different coding laws, but I’d like to renovate our landscape and would like to know more about the permit process. 🙂
Hi Yvonne, no we did not have to apply for an inspection. I would check your local town though for their information.
Thanks for stopping by!
~Liz
Pinned! I think you did a terrific job on this!
Thanks so much Anne! We are loving our new space!
~Liz
Love this! What a wonderful idea.
Thanks so much Sandi! We are loving it!
~Liz
This is so neat~
Thanks so much Debra!
Love the pallet deck and the refreshing patio decor! Pinning!
Thanks so much Debbie! So excited you like it!
~Liz
This is absolutely beautiful!! I am trying to locate some free pallets so I can “try” and build a desk out on my lawn. I’m so tired of having to move the patio set every time I mow! LoL. I ran across your post researching pallet deck ideas! Your instructions are flawless and so appreciated Liz. Wish me luck! Oh and the birdhouse is a fantastic touch!
Good luck! Let us know how it goes!
-Liz
I just love it and hoping I can try and do the same back over the pond from you in UK
Love the idea I been wanting something simple and eye catching it will let me enjoy my yard. Thank you for the idea