Use these outdoor DIY pallet projects to make free wood pallet furniture for your backyard, garden, and patio. This will create a gorgeous backyard made of recycled materials.
Here’s an excellent list of outdoor DIY pallet projects for your backyard, garden, patio, or porch. I am continually amazed by the unique woodworking projects people create with free salvaged wooden pallets. Several creative individuals have found excellent ways to repurpose wood pallets into functional, aesthetically rustic, and beautiful outdoor furniture, planters, and decor.
If you have ever asked, “How can I reuse old pallets?” or “What can I make with pallets for outside?” This list of DIY outdoor decor ideas will answer all your questions. Not only does it provide step-by-step tutorials for several fantastic backyard pallet projects. This informative guide also covers how to prepare pallets for outdoor use and prevent the pallet wood from rotting, so your hard work lasts for many years to come. It also includes answers to the most frequently asked questions about working with salvaged wooden pallets.
Impress family, friends, and neighbors with a gorgeous upcycled outdoor patio, backyard, and garden. When combined, the home and garden projects on this list of pallet tutorials would create an impressive upcycled backyard. The beautiful DIY pallet projects below will make your yard look like you spent a fortune on outdoor patio furniture! First published in April 2016, this roundup of DIY pallet tutorial projects for the backyard and garden is regularly updated to keep the content current. You might also enjoy this list of Backyard Sandbox Ideas.
Related: Top 10 Sand-and-Water Tables Kids LOVE!
How to Prepare Pallets for Outdoor Use (and Keep Them from Rotting)
Pallet wood is an affordable and sustainable material that can be transformed into beautiful outdoor furniture, raised garden beds, planters, compost bins, shelves, signs, swings, daybeds, chairs, benches, outdoor sofas, and other DIY projects for the backyard, patio, and garden. While pallet wood is built to withstand shipping and handling, it isn’t meant to spend years outdoors without protection.
Years of rain, humidity, sun, and direct contact with the ground can quickly cause rot if the wood isn’t properly prepared. Fortunately, a little prep goes a long way. Taking the time to prepare pallet wood before building with it will help it last longer, look better, and be safer to use. By choosing safe pallets, cleaning and sealing the wood, and designing your project to shed water and dry quickly, you can significantly extend the life of your outdoor pallet projects.
1. Choose Safe, High-Quality Pallets:
- Start by selecting clean, sturdy pallets in good condition.
- Avoid pallets with broken boards, mold, rot, oil stains, chemical spills, or strong odors. These conditions can weaken the wood or make it unsafe for projects around children, pets, or edible gardens.
- Whenever possible, check the pallet’s stamp. Look for HT, which means the pallet was heat-treated rather than chemically treated. Avoid pallets marked MB, which indicates they were treated with methyl bromide, a toxic pesticide that should never be used for home projects.
- Hardwood pallets generally last longer outdoors than softwood pallets, though either can provide years of use when properly protected.
2. Inspect and Disassemble the Pallet:
- Before taking the pallet apart, inspect each board for cracks, insect damage, soft spots, loose nails, and signs of decay.
- Replace damaged boards or discard pallets that are too deteriorated for safe use.
- Carefully remove the boards with a pry bar, pallet buster, or reciprocating saw. Taking your time helps prevent splitting the wood.
- Once the pallet is apart, remove or hammer down all remaining nails, staples, and metal fasteners to create a safe, smooth surface for building.
3. Clean the Wood:
- Brush away dirt, dust, and loose debris with a stiff brush.
- If necessary, wash the boards with mild soap and water.
- For mold or mildew, scrub the affected areas with a mixture of one part white vinegar and three parts water, then rinse lightly.
- Avoid soaking pallet wood. Excess water can cause swelling and increase drying time.
4. Let the Wood Dry Completely:
- One of the most important steps is to let the wood dry thoroughly before sealing. Sealing damp wood traps moisture inside, which encourages rot rather than preventing it.
- Stack the boards with small spacers between layers to allow air to circulate freely around each piece.
- Depending on the weather, drying may take several days.
5. Sand the Boards:
- Pallet wood is often rough and splintered.
- Sand each board to create a smoother, safer finish.
- Start with coarse sandpaper to remove rough spots, then switch to medium or fine grit for a smoother surface.
- Round off sharp edges, especially on projects that children may use.
- Fill small holes or cracks with exterior-grade wood filler for a cleaner appearance.
6. Apply a Wood Preservative (Optional):
- For projects that will remain outdoors year-round, consider applying an exterior wood preservative before sealing.
- These products help protect the wood against moisture, fungi, insects, and decay.
- Allow the preservative to dry completely before applying your final finish.
7. Seal Every Surface:
A high-quality exterior finish is the best defense against moisture, the primary cause of wood rot. Choose a product designed for outdoor use, such as:
- Exterior wood sealer
- Exterior deck stain
- Spar urethane
- Exterior polyurethane
- Exterior paint
Apply two to three thin coats to every exposed surface, including the front and back, edges, cut ends, screw holes, and joints after assembly. Pay special attention to the end grain. The cut ends of boards absorb water much faster than the flat surfaces and are often where rot starts. Sealing fresh cuts immediately after trimming the boards can significantly extend the life of your project.
8. Build to Prevent Rot:
Even well-sealed wood can rot if water is allowed to collect or become trapped. Good design helps the wood dry quickly after a rain, greatly reducing the risk of rot. When building with pallet wood:
- Elevate projects off the ground with bricks, pavers, or feet.
- Leave small gaps between boards to allow rainwater to drain.
- Ensure there is airflow under furniture and planters.
- Avoid creating areas where water can pool or sit.
- Use galvanized or stainless-steel scres and hardware to prevent rust stains and corrosion.
9. Keep Pallet Wood Dry:
Rot develops when wood remains damp for extended periods. After your project is finished, keeping it as dry as possible is the best way to extend its life. The faster the wood dries after getting wet, the longer it will last. Whenever possible, follow these guidelines to extend the life of pallet wood furniture and other DIY decor:
- Place furniture under a covered patio or pergola.
- Avoid areas where sprinklers regularly spray the wood.
- Keep leaves and mulch from piling against wooden surfaces.
- Empty standing water from planters and containers.
- Store lightweight projects indoors during harsh weather.
10. Maintain the Finish:
Outdoor finishes gradually wear away due to sunlight, rain, and changing temperatures. Clean the surface as needed and apply a fresh coat of sealer every 1 to 3 years, depending on your climate and exposure to weather. Inspect your pallet projects once or twice each year for:
- Peeling or worn finish
- Cracks
- Loose boards
- Mold or mildew
- Soft or discolored wood
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
A few simple mistakes can significantly shorten the life of pallet wood outdoors. Please avoid:
- Using damp wood.
- Leaving bare wood unsealed.
- Placing projects directly on the ground.
- Trapping moisture between boards.
- Using indoor finishes outdoors.
- Ignoring cut ends and screw holes.
- Allowing water to collect on flat surfaces and pool on the pallet wood.
DIY Outdoor Pallet Projects with Step-by-Step Tutorials:
Learn how to transform free wood pallets into gorgeous outdoor furniture for your backyard, patio, porch, or garden with these easy DIY pallet wood projects. The problem with most photographs of DIY pallet projects is that they don’t include step-by-step tutorials to make them easy to build. For example, many photographs of wooden pallets on Pinterest don’t link to a tutorial. Worst of all, sometimes, they don’t even help you get to the blog that created these innovative pallet project ideas. It is hard, if not impossible, to replicate or build them at home.
So, I have tried to find easy pallet projects for beginners from the source. Each project includes step-by-step instructions. The plans make it easy to build with simple tools like a hammer and nails or screws, or no tools at all, depending on the project. Click on the creator of each DIY pallet project on the list to see the instructions for each step-by-step tutorial. Scroll past the list to see the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about building things with wooden pallets.
Related: DIY Outdoor Chalkboard
15 DIY Backyard Pallet Projects for The Backyard, Patio, Porch, Or Garden:
Here’s a list of 15 DIY outdoor pallet projects you can make with salvaged pallets in good condition for the backyard, patio, porch, and garden. The photo collages above and below show how most of the wooden pallet projects look when finished, as listed below. Click on the creator of each DIY wood pallet project to see the instructions and more photographs. Once built, paint the pallet slats with a wood stain to seal and protect each project and give it an upgraded look.
1. DIY Pallet Swing Bed:
Here’s a gorgeous swinging pallet bed that would make any backyard a dream come true. Make a bedframe with pallets and lay a mattress on top to create this simple outdoor masterpiece. Learn how to make this swing bed DIY pallet project on The Merry Thought.
2. Pallet Playhouse or Storage Shed:
Use shipping pallets and reclaimed wood to build your kids a funky playhouse. You can also use it as a backyard shed for storage. Get the DIY details on Instructables.
3. Pallet Wood Chair Or Loveseat:
Here’s a cool wooden chair made with wooden pallets. It’s a gorgeous loveseat for your patio or porch that any beginner can make. Get the DIY details on Funky Junk Interiors.
4. DIY Pallet Clock:
Learn how to make an outdoor wooden clock from pallets that would also make a lovely addition to your DIY home decor indoors, with step-by-step instructions from Thistlewood Farms.
5. DIY Outdoor Lounge or Corner Couch Sofa:
Have you ever wondered how to build an outdoor couch with pallets? This DIY tutorial teaches how to transform used pallets into inexpensive outdoor furniture. Learn how to make a simple couch for outdoor use without tools with the instructions on the Boondocks Blog.
The pallet tutorial will help you assemble a beautiful pallet sofa for your patio or backyard using a simple hack instead of power tools. Alternatively, use tools to construct an L-shaped DIY pallet couch using the instructions on MakeryKate or the DIY pallet couch video tutorial by Grayfish Design below:
6. Wood Deck Cooler:
With the tutorial on Fox Hollow Cottage, you can make a cooler with wooden pallets to keep drinks cold on the patio or in the backyard. A refreshing DIY idea that makes serving cold beverages at patio or backyard gatherings easy!
7. DIY Pallet Bar:
Construct a gorgeous DIY pallet bar with salvaged pallets that will make friends and family gasp with appreciation. Learn how to build a standing wooden bar for your backyard or patio from recycled pallets, with instructions on Imgur.
8. Rustic Pallet Table:
Here’s a gorgeous rustic DIY table made from wooden pallets that can be used as a pallet coffee table, indoors or outdoors. Or make longer legs and use it as a dining table to add to your rustic home decor. Get the instructions crafted by “Inspire Me Heather” on “The 36th Avenue.”
9. Day Bed Made with Pallets:
Make a beautiful wooden daybed that will turn your patio or backyard into a restful oasis. This gorgeous outdoor swing bed only needs a mattress and a few pallets. Get step-by-step DIY instructions on Lovely Greens.
10. Wooden Pallet Deck:
A deck made from wooden pallets can create a comfortable outdoor space for relaxing and enjoying company. Learn how to build a wooden pallet deck from the ground up with Hoosier Homemade’s step-by-step DIY tutorial.
11. Wooden Pallet Bench:
Learn how to build a backyard, patio, or garden bench from free reclaimed pallets with the DIY instructions on Instructables. You will have a solid beach seat for any outdoor space when finished.
12. Freestanding Pallet Herb Garden Wall:
Here’s a DIY pallet planter box project that looks like a bookshelf full of gorgeous plants, including herbs or other small garden plants. Alternatively, you can use this simple pallet design to make a garden wall of succulents or a flower wall. Grow herbs, small plants, or flowers on this magnificent vertical pallet plant shelf from DIY Show Off.
13. DIY Wood Raised Garden Bed or Pallet Planter Box:
We have two great DIY tutorials if you’ve ever wondered how to make a raised garden bed or pallet planter box. Build a raised garden bed from wooden pallets using the instructions on Pennies into Pearls, or try this easy raised wood-pallet garden bed by Busy Creating Memories.
14. DIY Pallet Potting Bench:
If you enjoy gardening at home, build this cute DIY potting bench made of wooden pallets by Ana White.
15. DIY Pallet Compost Bin:
Get instructions for building a compost bin using reclaimed pallets at Nemcsok Farms. We made a compost bin like the one they built with wooden pallets in our backyard, with two bays, making it easier to turn the compost and use it in the garden. You might also enjoy learning about the hows and whys of composting.
FaQ’s About Building with Wooden Pallets:
Here are a few answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about building with salvaged wooden pallets.
Related: DIY Outdoor Art Table and Mud Kitchen
What are pallets made of?
In the United States, pine and oak are the two most frequently used types of wood for making wooden pallets. While pine is a softwood and oak is a hardwood, the type of wood used to make wooden pallets has little to do with their overall strength or robustness.
How can you tell if a pallet is safe to use?
Some salvaged pallets are treated with toxic chemicals such as methyl bromide, making them unsafe to handle or use as furniture, even in good condition. For more information about which pallets contain harmful chemicals and how to tell if a pallet is safe for simple building and construction projects, read THIS informative article by DIY Projects.
How Long Does Pallet Wood Last Outdoors?
The lifespan of pallet wood depends on the wood type, your local climate, and maintenance. When properly prepared, sealed, elevated off the ground, and regularly maintained, outdoor pallet projects often last 5 to 10 years or longer. Projects kept under a roof or on a covered porch may last even longer, while indoor pallet furniture can last for decades.
Related: How to Make a Fairy Garden
Backyard Pallet DIY Projects:
There are several unique pallet woodworking projects you can craft for your backyard using salvaged pallets. Outdoor pallet projects are fantastic for people on a tight budget because pallets are often available for free. Building furniture and garden structures, such as raised garden beds or an outdoor pallet sofa, can save you a lot of money when you use free wooden pallets.
Backyard DIY pallet furniture looks fantastic on any deck or patio. Choose a project for your backyard, patio, or garden from the list of excellent outdoor DIY pallet tutorials above. With a little extra preparation before you build, as instructed in this handy guide to building with salvaged wooden pallets, pallet wood can be a durable, attractive material for countless outdoor DIY projects.
The simplest way to prevent rot and enjoy your handmade creations for years to come is to protect them from moisture, promote good airflow, and maintain their finish. You might also enjoy these DIY Projects.
Please visit our About page to learn more about Rhythms of Play. For more information about this website and the author of “DIY Pallet Projects for the Backyard, Patio, and Garden,” please visit the home page for Rhythms of Play or my author page: Nell Regan Kartychok.
You’ve done it again, Miss Nell — this is a great bunch of ideas!
Thanks Harriette – I had a blast searching for them all 🙂
So many creative ideas! I absolutely love the playhouse!
I love them all too… and yes, the playhouse is fantastic!
Wow! what ideas. I like DIY pallet swing bed and DIY pallet playhouse ideas. I need it for my backyard. I think My kids like it. It will build memorable childhood for my kids.
Thanks, Sierra!
My favorite memories are of building and playing in spaces in our backyard. I hope your kids enjoy it!
Amazing ideas. I just loved it specially pallet playhouse & Swing sets ideas. I think it will be great fun for my kids. I want to make like this playhouse for my kids backyard fun. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Marria!
I’m so glad you like all of the pallet projects I have featured. I love this collection… the playhouse is divine!
Hi Nell, you can include my idea of a koi pond made up of wooden pallet frame hehe thanks
Hi Gian! I would be happy to consider your pallet project. If it has nice pictures and a tutorial to go with it, use “contact” to send me the link and I will take a look!