The Once-Popular DIY Trend That Makes Your Yard Look Outdated In 2026

If we can sum up the interior decor style of the 2010s in a couple of words, it would probably be: simple and rustic. It was the era of "Millennial gray," minimalist decor, and the heyday of HGTV's "Fixer Upper." The rustic and modern farmhouse aesthetic was all the rage, incorporating traditional and contemporary design elements. Many interiors in this decade used natural materials to emulate hometown comfort. Such was the case in rustic-style outdoor areas, where many were decorated with wood features, like furniture and overhead beams. 

Few patio trends in the 2010s were quite as unique as upcycled wooden pallet furniture: homemade chairs or benches with a matching table crafted out of raw, sustainable pallets. Don't expect to see much of this trend this year. According to some design experts, pallet yard furniture is officially outdated for 2026.

Sustainable and budget-friendly, wood pallet furniture can be customized easily to make a complete furniture set for your yard. The raw simplicity of these furniture pieces captures the rustic decor style that defined the 2010s, and their reputation can be vouched for by the endless DIY inspiration online. On the other hand, there are plenty of concerning downsides to pallet furniture that call safety and longevity into question. For these reasons, you probably want to consider stylish and fresh alternatives that compare to the natural, rustic backyard trend.

As unconventional as it may look now, sustainable furniture was often the practical choice in the 2010s. Furniture is expensive, and in the wake of the housing market collapse and economic uncertainty, people weren't exactly eager to invest in pieces they could probably make themselves. Plus, DIYing your own patio sets out of wooden shipping pallets is equally as helpful for the environment, given how much of that waste ends up in landfills. For these reasons, it's easy to see the hype around this trend.

But as we've shifted away from the stripped-down, raw aesthetic of the time, pallet furniture has lost its charm. Instead, designers are predicting that luxurious, resort-inspired patios are on trend for 2026. "Clients want that elevated, vacation feel, but grounded in materials and plantings that feel authentic to their environment," interior design manager at Revive Design and Renovation, Kaitlyn Hall, said in an interview with Elle Decor.

It's not just their aesthetic that makes palette furniture outdated. Wooden shipping waste that is used for the project poses risks that are worth considering. Some wooden pallets contain toxic pesticides — these are marked with "MB", contain Methyl Bromide, and should never be used for DIY projects. Not only that, but they aren't as long-lasting as other furniture alternatives because of the mix of low-grade hardwoods and softwoods. The environment can easily impact the lifespan of a wooden pallet; rain and moisture can grow mold, which can cause deterioration and attract pests.

For a comparable alternative to pallet furniture, you'll want choices that are sustainable and capture a natural, lived-in aesthetic. Generally, when it comes to patio furniture, it's important that the materials used in the pieces are weather-proof and can withstand the elements. As far as sustainability, opt for furniture sets that are made out of eco-conscious materials, such as reclaimed wood and bamboo. Natural materials are generally safer and contain fewer toxins.

A set of bamboo rattan chairs with a complementary bench can be a bohemian dream, especially when paired with soft, floral upholstery. Add a rattan egg chair for a touch of whimsy and comfort. If you're looking for patio furniture that's classic and rustic, consider wooden sets, like a cedar settee set or glider bench. Pair with mood lighting like traditional wall sconces or lanterns on top of patio tables. These natural silhouettes encapsulate a cottage-core, cabin-type vibe that is full of nostalgia and classic charm.