I’m not quite sure when exactly it happened, but the internet has exploded with thrifty reclaimed pallet projects and we DIYers are lapping them all up! What’s so great about using pallet wood as material is that you can actually get it for free. Any store that has a garden center (like a hardware store etc.) will have some of these left out, so if you just ask nicely, you’re more than likely to walk away happy with a car full of pallets.
I’ve rounded up some of the most inventive and remarkable outdoor DIY projects made from repurposed pallets. From patio couches to doggy beds to playhouses, some are quick and easy while others will need some serious dedication, but there’s no doubt that they’re all magnificent and wallet-friendly when you consider that the main component—the wood—didn’t cost a thing. There are few things in life that I love more than turning would-be trash into something that is both beautiful and functional.
Safety Tip:
Some pallets may be treated with chemicals, and this can be dangerous to your health. When seeking out your pallets, look for those that have an “HT” marking – this means that they’ve been heat treated rather than chemically, and are therefore safe to keep and use.
Some pallets may be treated with chemicals, and this can be dangerous to your health. When seeking out your pallets, look for those that have an “HT” marking – this means that they’ve been heat treated rather than chemically, and are therefore safe to keep and use.
Patio Benches
This project is perfect for those of you who have a nice big patio area and love to entertain, since these benches offer a lot of seating space. The completed project cost just $40 and took about six hours to make, so there’s really no excuse not to make these!DIY Instructions and Project Credit – SassySparrow
Swing Bed
There’s something about an outdoor swing bed – it’s relaxing, luxurious, calming; the perfect way to spend a lazy, lounging summer’s day, enthralled by your latest book. It’s like a little slice of heaven right outside your house.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – TheMerrythought
Succulent-Center Table
What better way to decorate an outside table than with a striking nature-themed feature in the middle? The planting box in the center is just magnificent, and the use of succulent plants is very clever because not only do they look great, but their also very low-maintenance.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – FarOutFlora
Day Bed
What’s better than spending a lovely day outside relaxing on your day bed, taking in the beauty of the nature around you, enjoying your solitude or perhaps watching the kids play around? This pallet day bed is perfect for this scenario. What makes this specific bed really cool, in my opinion, is the use of PVC piping as a rail.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – OndawaytoSomewhere
Gardening Organizer
I like this project because instead of disassembling the entire pallet, you’re using its regular shape to your advantage and simply adding a few things to improve it. What you get is a fantastic organizer to keep all your tools safe in one place and out of the way.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – OurLittleAcre
Single Planter Box
This is such a cute little project that won’t take up too much of your precious time. I picture having two of these – one on either side of the stairs leading up to the front door. It would make the perfect entrance welcome!DIY Instructions and Project Credit – LiveLaughRowe
End Table and Planters
What I really like about this project is the simplicity of it all. If you don’t have a big porch but still want a small table to rest your drinks or books on, then this small pallet end table is just the thing you need.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Instructables
Sandbox
This is a truly innovative project – of all the things that you can make from pallet wood, a self-contained sandbox is not something I would’ve ever thought of myself. The closing lid ensures that it doesn’t get littered with leaves or other debris, and when the lid is opened it creates a nice little seat for the playful kiddies. Absolutely brilliant!DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Ana-White
Simple Adirondack Chair
You only need one single pallet to create this beautifully simple and rustic outdoor chair. You just need to download the model to get started, and for those of you who have concerns about dismantling the pallet properly, there tutorial features a link to some helpful tips for this important step.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Instructables
Hanging Chair
I’ve seen my fair share of pallet chair tutorials, but I have honestly never seen one as awesomely creative, clever and truly unique as this one. It’s almost like a hammock, but from wood. And although that may sound uncomfortable, the wood panels actually conform to your body when you sit, so it’s very comfy. This one’s definitely going on my ‘To Do’ list!DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Instructables
Gabion Table and Bench
A gabion is like a cage that is usually filled with rocks or concrete; in this case, it’s the gabion that makes this bench and table combo so unique and eye-catching. And I just love the clever, subtle pop of color. This looks like the perfect way to enjoy your morning coffee (or tea, in my case)!DIY Instructions and Project Credit – APieceOfRainbow
Bar with Stools
What I really like about this project is the way that the stools were constructed – I love the boxy look which deviates from the usual open-legged stools. The design is simplistic, neat and bold, and of course, a fantastic addition to any outdoor area.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – StackedDesign
Corner Lounge Suite
This finished project just oozes modern chicness; it’s absolutely beautiful! And what’s great is that you can rearrange the seats if you get bored. This project is ideal for any balcony or patio that you’d like to put to good use – you’ll be spending a lot more time out there once you have this lovely furniture to relax on.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Shanty2Chic
Glass Table and Chairs
With two pallets for a table and one for each chair, you can make your very own outside dining table set. I love the addition of the glass tabletop because it really gives the whole thing a very elegant look.
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Brit+Co
Relaxing Lounger
I am seriously considering making this one for my home! I just love the extensions on either side of the actual seating part since it gives you that extra space – you could put cushions down for kids to sit on or use it as a place to rest your drink; and it also just offers something of a dramatic flair.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Freckles&Fluff
Mobile Table
This is a relatively easy little outdoor table to make with just two pallets. I love the idea of attaching the wheels so that you can move it wherever you want it, from the porch to the patio or the garden, or even inside if you need an extra surface.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – JoyEverAfter
Gardening Fold-Out Table
This little fold-out table for your gardening supplies and potting is just adorable! I love the fact that you can close it up when you’re not using it, so it doesn’t waste space, and it’s a relatively easy project to do, too, so you won’t have to sweat too much!DIY Instructions and Project Credit – JennaBurger
Rustic Sofa
To me, this is the embodiment of what outdoor pallet furniture should be: I love the markings on the wood and the burlap coffee bean sack pillow covers are a stroke a pure genius. This is also one of the less intimidating projects, so it could be a great starter for newbies.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – FunkyJunkInteriors
Quick and Easy Day Bed
If you love the idea of a pallet day bed but don’t actually want to spend too much time making it, then you’ll love this super affordable and easy tutorial. You basically just need to place four same-sized pallets together (double-stacked), screw them together, get two planks to cover the front and then just get yourself an old mattress and cushions for comfort and decoration. It’s that simple!DIY Instructions and Project Credit – LovelyGreens
Playhouse
This is one serious project; it’s going to take a lot of time and a hell of a lot of effort, so you better be in it for the long haul. That being said, just look how spectacular the finished product is! This could make a really fun playhouse for your kids, or perhaps a little shed for yourself.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Instructables
Open Playhouse
This playhouse is much easier to construct since it’s more like an open structure than a full-on house. It serves as a great spot for the kids to play in or read on their own time, and since an adult can hardly fit in there, it’s a nice little spot just for the kids. Have a look in the comments section for some more tips on the build.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – AHappyWanderer
Kids’ Picnic Table
A couple of pallets can provide the wood for this stunning traditional little picnic table designed for kids. There are two sizes that you can make: one for smaller kids and one that is sturdier for older kids – even a small adult.Mini Fence
If you have something in your garden that’s a bit of an eyesore—like a bulky air conditioning unit—you can just use a pallet as a little fence to hide it. What a genius idea! And you don’t even have to do much except paint the pallet as-is, and then add a few embellishment if you feel so inclined.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – CamelotArtCreations
Seating with Table
The entire patio makeover here is absolutely beautiful: the rug, the pillows, the color schemes! Just wow. So lucky for you, you can recreate this at your own home. The building of the seating and the table is actually done in a very simplistic manner so it won’t actually be too tough. And the wheels on the table is a brilliant idea so that I can go wherever it’s needed.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – PlaceOfMyTaste
Potting Bench
This little potting bench is simply adorable – it’s both pretty and useful. I think a coat of chalk paint could really liven it up, too. And luckily, this is one of the easier projects on the list.
DIY Instructions and Project Credit – 2Crafty4MySkirt
Lounger Chair
These large outdoor loungers are perfect to relax on and catch some rays by the pool, or to keep warm by a fire pit. I really like the larger size, and with the right cushioning, you could be spending your days lounging around comfortably.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – ShoestringPavilion
Cooler Stand
So now that you’ve made your pallet chairs or sofas outside you’ll find yourself spending a lot more time there. You’ll also find that it’s rather irritating for everyone to have to go back to the fridge in the house to refill any drinks. Solution? Build this genius cooler stand from some more pallets!DIY Instructions and Project Credit – CharlesAndHudson
Dog Bed
If you’re going to be making yourself all this cool new furniture, then perhaps it’s time you spoil your pup and make him his very own little pallet bed so that he also has a comfy place to relax outside.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Shanty2Chic
Compost Bin
We can all do our little bit towards helping the environment and becoming that little bit more self-sustaining, so a compost bin may be a great way to start. You’ll need a minimum of four pallets for this one and just a few extras like hinges, a latch and wire, but on the whole, it’s a fairly simple project to accomplish.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Instructables
Simple Bench/Table
I really like the simplistic style of this piece of furniture that can be used either as an outdoor bench or as a table. Another reason why I chose this one specifically is because of the fantastic paint job; I just want to remind you that although the natural wood color looks beautiful, you can also give it a great paint job that still retains that rustic/vintage fee.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – BeyondthePicketFence
Bike Trailer
This is a seriously impressive pallet project because not only is it “green”, but it’s a lot cheaper to make than to buy. Try to find a pallet that is made of a lighter wood (like pine or spruce) so that it doesn’t outweigh your bike.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Instructables
Vertical Garden
This is such a beautiful addition to any outdoor area, and I like the fact that it doesn’t use up too much space. Another aspect that I really, really love about this particular project is that you don’t have to go through the whole process of dismantling the pallet and cutting the wood; this one’s nice and easy, yet super effective.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – DIYnCrafts
The Lazy Bike Rack
I call this one ‘lazy’ because it requires practically no effort or special tools. With our busy lives and hectic schedules, sometimes it’s nice to come across a quick fix that doesn’t require a full weekend’s dedication. This gaps in between the pallet slats are perfect for the wheels, and if you want to make it look a bit easier on the eye, just get out some spray paint.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Instructables
Snow Sled
If you live in an area where you get to play in the snow when winter comes around then you definitely need to make the most of it and get yourself a sled. But before you go off to the store, why not make an easy one from just one pallet? This quick little project will yield some great fun.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Instructables
Traditional Adirondack Chair
If you prefer things that are closer to their traditional roots, then you’ll love this incredibly detailed and thorough tutorial for a more classic-looking Adirondack chair.DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Instructables
