The pallet is not just for furniture! In this article, discover how to use pallets to build a terrace deck. A project in only 3 steps, we present here only the steps to make the deck, i.e., the surface.
Our search for the best ideas for decks made from pallet wood, we were particularly impressed with this project, found at instructables.com.
By the way, is it really a good idea to build a deck with pallets? The author of this DIY shares his opinion on the durability of his deck. An interesting opinion to consider before you start, to discover a little further down in the article.
Table of Contents
Why make a pallet deck?
The author of the project explains why he chose the pallet wood as a support for the build of his terrace deck. As a tenant, he looked for an economical solution to create a second terrace in the garden. After some research, he bought cheap pallets on the internet. He even found pallets with no space between the boards, perfectly adapted for constructing a terrace.
What budget should I set aside?
The total budget is about $200, including wood pallets, cushions for the garden pallet furniture (from IKEA), and the varnish. It is important to note that this budget also includes the material and pallets necessary for creating the garden salon. If you only want to build the terrace, i.e., the surface, the cost will be lower.
You can, of course, find free pallets. But when it’s a project that requires a lot of pallets, it can take time! That’s certainly why he preferred to buy pallets.
The 3 steps to building a pallet deck
Step 1 – Choosing the right equipment and tools
The Equipment
- 25 pallets
- varnish to protect the wood
- screws and cleats
The Tools
- a cordless drill and screwdriver
- a sander
- a saw
- a paint gun
- a spirit level
- a shovel
- a spade
- a rake
Step 2 – Setting the Stage
A few tips :
- don’t hesitate to test different layouts
- when you find the ideal position, mark the ground around the pallets using the spade
- take pictures to help you remember the location of each pallet
- remove the pallets and remove the sod
- prepare the surface with the rake and the spirit level (flat surface)
- place the pallets
Land and Surface Preparation
Before placing the pallets on the field, the surface must be prepared, in particular, with the spirit level.
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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| 1 |
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CRAFTSMAN Torpedo Level, 9-Inch (CMHT82390) | 4,607 Reviews | $19.00 $16.98 | Shop Now |
| 2 |
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The Spirit Level: Why Greater Equality Makes Societies Stronger | $10.49 | Shop Now | |
| 3 |
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The Spirit Level: Poems | $11.99 | Shop Now |
Step 3 – Laying the pallets
Once the field is ready, you can start positioning the first pallets.
The pallets are positioned; you can now proceed to sand. A good idea to test the surface? Walk barefoot on your future terrace!
To protect the wood from the pallets, apply varnish.
Here is the rendering after the sanding, and varnishing steps.
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Rust-Oleum 207008 Marine Spar Varnish, Quart | 2,343 Reviews | $15.79 $14.47 | Shop Now |
| 2 |
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Minwax 65555444 Polycrylic Protective Wood Finish, Clear Gloss, 8 Fl oz | 19,243 Reviews | $9.98 | Shop Now |
| 3 |
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Varathane 200061H Water-Based Ultimate Polyurethane, 8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1), Gloss Finish | $9.99 $7.64 | Shop Now |
You can now make the necessary adjustments and screw the pallets together using the cleats to consolidate the whole. There you go! You now have a pallet terrace in your garden!
The complete tutorial to be found on instructables.com also includes garden furniture, with a corner sofa and a small coffee table made with pallets.
The final rendering
The terrace, the garden furniture, the coffee table, everything was made from wood pallets!
Before / After
An Important Notice on the Use of Pallets for a Terrace Project
Is the pallet really suitable for an outdoor patio project? The author of this construction shares his opinion. He acknowledges that after 1 year, the pallets placed on the floor begin to “suffer.”
He, therefore, recommends creating an intermediate surface, in gravel, for example.
What do you think of this construction? Are you going to build a pallet terrace in your garden? Leave a comment below!
Since pallet wood is not pressure treat for outdoor use, how will this hold up to rain and snow, heat and dry weather conditions, over time?