How To Transform Free Wooden Pallets Into A Stunning Backyard Deck
Wooden decks can be one of the best additions to a home, allowing an outdoor living space that is both beautiful and functional. They can also be expensive and require professional builders, often involving concrete footholds, complex structural engineering, and continual upkeep. TikToker @holman_home recently unveiled a great alternative to a more complicated deck construction that is perfect for achieving beautiful results at a low price point. With some labor and very inexpensive materials, it's a wood deck that can be enjoyed immediately — the pallet deck!
Created from existing wooden shipping pallets — often a DIY favorite for constructing everything from bed frames to more complex furniture projects — pallet decks offer a stable alternative for a low-slung DIY deck on a budget. In addition, because the pallets merely rest on the surface of the ground, they are an ideal solution for both renters and dwellers of tiny homes, mobile homes, or RVs, where de-installing or moving them around might eventually be required.
Creating your DIY pallet deck
Wood pallets can be found everywhere, often supporting significant weight limits with amazingly sturdy construction. You can opt for recycled pallets — which can often be found free or cheap from warehouses, retailers, and shipping companies — or purchase brand-new ones directly from a pallet manufacturer. Look for pallets in good shape with no damage or structural flaws for the best results, and be mindful of evidence of pest infiltration or moisture damage that weakens the wood.
To prepare your ground, create a flat surface using a sand base. Concrete cinder blocks — or half blocks — provide a great way to anchor and stabilize the pallets from shifting. You will want to raise your deck slightly off the ground, which helps prevent mold and rot. Many builders suggest attaching the pallets together with large bolts or screws to keep them from shifting over time (they can be removed easily if you plan to de-install the deck at some point).
Customizing your pallet deck
While some homeowners leave pallets visible, others use them as a structural base for other kinds of wood paneling that provides a finished, more polished look, particularly if the pallet slats are too far apart. For pallets already in great condition with narrower gaps, consider arranging them in alternate directions for a patterned look, or placing an outdoor rug over them for a cozy outdoor living spot for a table or other seating options.
You can paint or stain your pallets as desired and seal them to make them more resistant to moisture and wear over time, increasing the longevity of the DIY deck overall. Depending on the size of your deck, most pallet decks can be completed with a small amount of labor for around $100-$150 worth of materials. A pallet deck is also a great option if you want to create a floating freestanding deck elsewhere in your yard since it does not need to be attached to a home or other structure.