DIYers Use Old Wood Pallets To Make An Eye-Catching Backyard Bridge

Adding beautiful yard decor to your landscaping doesn't have to break the bank. With just two wood pallets and four two-by-fours, you can build a perfect cottage garden accessory like the garden bridge that YouTuber Jes and her husband built out of store-bought lumber and reclaimed wood pallet planks. This quick and simple project adds tons of rustic charm with low-cost materials and a beginner-friendly level of difficulty.

For her bridge plan, Jes and her husband cut the two-by-fours to form the three beams and braces that support the bridge's planks. These butt joints were reinforced with two metal straight braces each. Once the beams were finished, they were set upright and covered with planks made from disassembled and trimmed-down pallets. For this bridge, which needed about 8 feet of plank coverage, Jes used all but a couple of planks from two wood pallets. After that, it was a simple matter of placing the bridge in the perfect location and digging the beams in slightly so the planks were flush with the ground.

As simple as this DIY project is, it may require some more intensive engineering depending on how large you want to build. A bigger bridge may require a fourth support beam or additional diagonal cross-braces. If you want to add railings to your bridge, that will require more lumber or some scavenged tree branches. They'll also mean extra weight to consider in your bridge design.

Pallet wood is the key ingredient to dozens of affordable DIY projects, but it's not without its drawbacks. Wood pallets are sometimes treated with chemical pesticides that you don't want seeping into your garden. Plus, pallets take a beating during shipping, so they're prone to mold, splinters, rusty nails, and more. When you're selecting pallets for this DIY, avoid wood marked with MB or SF, which indicate chemically treated wood. While you're breaking down the pallet, wear eye protection, gloves, and a mask or respirator for safety. 

Though it's not part of this video, it's a good idea to weatherproof your bridge because untreated pallet wood will start to rot outdoors within months. A couple of coats of exterior-grade latex paint can help customize your bridge while simultaneously protecting it from the elements. If you want to retain the natural wood look, oil-based stains are an option, but marine spar varnish provides better protection from UV damage and moisture. It also moves with the wood as it expands and contracts in changing temperatures, preventing cracks and peeling. Depending on the sealant method you choose, plan to reapply or repaint as often as every year in order to keep your bridge beautiful and safe to use.