Patio decks are excellent for family gatherings, summer barbecues, or simply for a refreshing glass of lemonade and a book as the sun dips below the horizon.
Hiring a contractor to build your deck can push the price up to astronomical levels, but the costs instantly plummet once you decide to take on the job yourself. Add pallet boards into the mix, and your project will become dirt cheap!
Building a deck by yourself involves a slow process and numerous pounds of lumber and sometimes concrete, so it’s crucial to keep things simple and easy. Furthermore, pallets usually have rough surfaces, protruding nails, and broken pieces, demanding more time to achieve your desired look—you can, however, solve these problems off the bat by purchasing the pallets from a supplier.
We’ve made a list of creative pallet patio ideas you can easily build on your own and will add a beautiful element to your yard.
Take a look!
1. Build on a Gravel Bed
This wooden deck seamlessly integrates with the surroundings, thanks to the gravel bed, pavers, and garden beds around it.
The dark gray umbrella echoes the gray tones on the chairs and gravel for a coordinated look and provides shade for the perfect spot to sit while reading a book, enjoying a snack, or a family outdoor dining area. The minimal approach to furniture keeps the focus on the beautifully maintained yard.
2. Opt for In-Built Benches
Building a patio deck near the house or one that connects to the house may be ideal, but placing your deck at the far end of your yard can also be a welcome respite.
Here, the pallet wood deck features in-built benches for seating. The simple patio deck is designed to allow you to enjoy the view of the landscape beyond.
3. Encourage Conversations
A patio deck that’s not connected to the house but simply hosts a modicum of furniture might just be the ideal addition to your outdoor space.
Here, a set of wooden seats and a wooden table create the perfect place for conversation and provide clear delineation between different areas in the yard. The wood stain on the furniture matches that of the pallet deck for a cohesive look.
4. Add a Fire Pit
This pallet patio deck features a sectional sofa, table, stool, and a cantilever umbrella for shade, creating a warm and cozy spot with undeniable appeal.
A neutral area rug anchors the space, while the fire pit ensures the catching up continues even after the sun sets and the temperatures begin to dip.
5. Create a Container Planter Border
Even the smallest pallet patio deck can be a retreat. This simple patio deck is adorned with small flower planters that introduce a colorful, natural vibe into the space.
A pair of round-back chairs and a side table create a beautiful spot for enjoying a morning cup of coffee or cooling down after your evening walk.
6. Take it to the Side
If your front yard doesn’t have enough space for a porch and the backyard is already catered to, why don’t you go for a side porch instead?! Here, two decks overlap each other for a contemporary look, with some step lights ensuring one doesn’t get tripped.
The brick accent wall at the far end lends the patio deck a more private feel than other traditional decks and combines with the house’s wall for a continuous look. Container planters, creeping foliage, bushes, and trees liven up this timeless deck.
7. Make a Statement
If you’re more of an outdoor-living kind of person, consider the following pallet patio deck idea. Here, several pallets have been combined to create the feel of additional square footage.
A ramp, also made of pallets, creates a path to the patio deck. The comfy sofas, rustic coffee table, and storage chest are also products of upcycled pallet boards, with the arrangement setting the scene for larger gatherings or dreamy celebrations when the weather allows.
8. Built-In Planter
One way of achieving an easy, low-cost patio deck is by doing it yourself. Here, the homeowners covered the side of the deck with wood planks such that you can’t tell the base is made out of pallets.
A built-in planter box adds a personal touch to the deck.
9. Add some Gravel
There’s no need to pay an arm and a leg for a contractor-built deck extension when you can build a pallet patio deck yourself for way less money. Here, a gravel border was added, giving the deck a rustic appeal.
Whenever you’re building a deck using pallet boards, keep in mind they are fairly cheap, low-quality wood. Therefore, ensure you check for nails and splinters, especially for flooring. Also, preserve them by applying a layer of coat or draping a porous, non-biodegradable outdoor mat over them.
10. Raise it Up
Give your pallet patio deck a tiered approach for more added depth. Here, concrete footings raise the patio deck and line it with the house.
The deck floorboards have been laid in a diagonal pattern, creating a sophisticated yet subtle look. The homeowners added a pair of Adirondack chairs and a side table for spectacular results.
11. Build a Floating Deck
Take your pallet patio deck to the next level with a floating deck design. You can build this deck literally anywhere you’d like, so it doesn’t necessarily have to be attached to the house.
Here, the deck has been built at the porch stairs, but some space has been left beneath it to make it float. The porch stairs give the deck further support, while black mulch beds help define the space.
12. Light Some Bulbs
The umbrella on this pallet patio deck breaks up the seating area into sections based on sun exposure. One side of the sectional is dappled in the shade and might be better suited for relaxing or taking a nap, while the other side creates a spot for basking in the rays.
Pallets stacked upon each other form a rustic table, with a side table and a chair bringing in more functionality. String lights hung on the wall add an air of romance when the dark begins to creep in.
13. Beautify with Color
A ground-level pallet patio deck that acts as an extension of your home is an excellent way to bring your conversations, parties, or meals outdoors in a seamless way. Here, bright red cushions complement the patio deck and liven up the space with vibrant color.
The patterned gray covers evoke a modern feel, while a lamp post adds some height to the space. For this idea, consider the location of the deck, the purpose for which you intend to use it, and the indoor room it connects to.
14. Relax in Nature
Put your green thumb to use by incorporating lush planters on your pallet patio deck. Here, potted plants, including Ravenea rivularis (majesty palm), Chlorophytum comosum, and Strelitzia reginae (Bird of paradise), fill the space with green color and infuse it with nature’s touch.
A pallet sectional bench offers enough seating space, while a patterned pink and white umbrella provides some shade.
15. Add Some Colorful Chairs
This pallet patio deck idea creates a mini paradise out of a somewhat barren backyard.
The deck features pink Adirondack chairs that stand out with their pretty color. Other fun details, such as the potted plants and the fan, complete the look in style.
16. Build a House
This pallet patio deck idea was a stroke of genius, as the homeowners decided to build an open house with benches for a chic spot for hanging out with friends.
The house is nestled in a corner between a tree and walls, a place that ordinarily would have been wasted. The tree provides instant dappled shade.
17. Capitalize on the Landscape
If you happen to have a great view of the landscape beyond in your yard, let nature take the wheel with your pallet patio deck ideas. Here, a spacious pallet patio deck with built-in benches delivers charm and elegant simplicity.
A colorful patterned rug anchors the space and adds interest, while a mobile pallet coffee table, pair of side tables, pillows, floral planters, and candle lanterns keep the look cozy and functional.
18. Build a Bar Area
A fridge cooler, a pair of chairs, and a side table on this pallet patio deck create a space for relaxing and having your favorite drink. A Moroccan rug ties the space together while strategically placed potted plants frame the area.
The open layout of this pallet deck idea enables everyone to be part of the conversation, whether they’re enjoying a cocktail at the deck or resting on the hammock nearby while taking it all in.
19. Add a Shade
Within one weekend, you can transform your bare ground into a gorgeous outdoor spot for relaxing and entertaining with this pallet patio deck idea.
Here, a patterned gray and white area rug echoes the white and gray hues on the furniture, cushions, pillows, planters, and a lampshade, tying the space together. A shade sail offers protection from the sun, while the floor lamp and potted plants make the layout feel more intentional.
20. Bring Classic Charm
Avoid definition issues that come with a ground-level deck by placing it on the side of the house and closing off one side of it, as can be seen in the above idea. The small enclosure hides a bar counter behind and works with the home’s architecture and facade to create a cohesive spot that serves as an extension of the house.
A long table flanked by benches on each side creates a place for having merry with friends, with string lights along the wall ensuring the party keeps on going till late in the night.
21. Spruce Up Your Corner Garden
You can build a freestanding deck in any part of your yard. Here, the pallet patio deck was placed next to a corner garden.
The deck matches the wall for a seamless look.
22. Bring a Contemporary Feel
There are endless possibilities when it comes to pallet patio ideas. Here, neutral tones and industrial finishes combine to create a dreamy outdoor dining area. The deck has low-slip properties, making it safe to walk on in wet and wintry conditions.
Furthermore, the light gray color of the decking doesn’t absorb much light, unlike other dark colors, so it’s comfortable to walk and lounge on, no matter the heat. A patio umbrella, plants, string lights, and other garden accents complete this modern and contemporary space.
23. Keep it Simple
This pallet patio deck idea can be dubbed as the simplest and most straightforward pallet deck in the list.
The deck features a trio of chairs and a side table that make an excellent area for afternoon alfresco hangouts.
24. Add Some Depth
Paint your pallet patio deck black to give it some drama and added depth. Here, a jute backdrop provides a subtle contrast to the black pallet floorboards and brings in some warmth.
The gray wooden fence complements the deck for a unified look.
25. Fill in the Gaps
This pallet patio deck creates a natural flow from the patio to the wall. The deck complements the natural stone wall and occupies a space that would have otherwise been wide open.
What sets this pallet patio deck apart from the rest is the placement of the planks vertically and diagonally, which makes it appear more visually interesting.
26. Build a Play Area
Don’t let your kids be left out with your pallet patio deck ideas!
Here, a small trampoline and a slide designate a small play area that’s sure to bring in all the fun. A side table is also included for the kids’ snacks and drinks as they enjoy their time in the nice weather.
