35 Ingenious Outdoor Pallet Projects for All Types of DIYers

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 a 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.

Jump to:

• Patio Benches
• Swing Bed
• Succulent-Center Table
• Day Bed
• Gardening Organizer
• Single Planter Box
• End Table and Planters
• Sandbox
• Simple Adirondack Chair
• Hanging Chair
• Gabion Table and Bench
• Adorable DIY Bed Idea – Easy to Make Hanging Daybed
• Bar with Stools
• Corner Lounge Suite
• Glass Table and Chairs
• Relaxing Lounger
• Mobile Table
• Gardening Fold-Out Table
• Rustic Sofa
• Quick and Easy Day Bed
• Playhouse
• Open Playhouse
• Kids’ Picnic Table
• Mini Fence
•  
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• Seating with Table
•  
• Potting Bench
• Lounger Chair
• Cooler Stand
• Dog Bed
• Compost Bin
• Simple Bench/Table
• Bike Trailer
•  
• Vertical Garden
• The Lazy Bike Rack
• Snow Sled
• Traditional Adirondack Chair
• Pallet Tutorial Videos:
• 10 Easy and Cheap Pallet Furniture Ideas
• DIY Pallet Bench Tutorial:
• DIY Pallet Coffee Table - No Powertools

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.

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

Adorable DIY Bed Idea – Easy to Make Hanging Daybed

A hanging daybed you ask? That’s what we said. This is a really cute idea from Ana White and she offers all of the instructions that you need to make this daybed yourself. You just need to be a little handy with wood and a few tools, but not an expert by any means.

This is a really easy project that would be perfect for your teen’s bedroom and the bed dimensions are large enough to fit a twin sized mattress. There is even a bit of extra room on the sides of the mattress for books or anything else you may want to keep near.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Adorable DIY Bed Idea – Easy to Make Hanging Daybed

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.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – AnaWhite and AnaWhite

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

Pallet Tutorial Videos:

10 Easy and Cheap Pallet Furniture Ideas

DIY Pallet Bench Tutorial:

DIY Pallet Coffee Table - No Powertools