17 DIY Pallet Patio Deck Ideas

Pallets. They’re the unsung heroes of the DIY world—wooden workhorses discarded behind stores or stashed in corners of warehouses. But with a little imagination, elbow grease, and maybe a Saturday afternoon or two, these rough planks can transform your outdoor space into a charming patio paradise.

If you’re looking to build a patio deck on a budget, or you just crave a creative project that puts your hands (and tools) to use, pallets are your best friend.

From simple platforms to intricate lounges, I’ve gathered 17 DIY pallet patio deck ideas that blend functionality with a rustic flair. Whether you’re a first-time DIYer or a seasoned weekend warrior, there’s something in here for you.

1. Basic Pallet Platform Deck

Start simple. This one’s your bread-and-butter build. Lay down pallets in a square or rectangular shape, secure them together, and add a top layer of smooth boards if needed.

Why it works: It’s easy, inexpensive, and gives you a solid, elevated surface to keep your feet off the grass or dirt.

Pro tip: Use weed-blocking fabric underneath to prevent growth between the cracks—unless you like your daisies popping up where your chairs go.

2. Pallet Deck with Gravel Foundation

A step up in both durability and style, this version uses a gravel base to support the pallets. Not only does this improve drainage, but it also levels out uneven ground.

Real-world bonus: I tried this in my own backyard, and the gravel kept bugs at bay far better than bare ground. Plus, there’s something satisfying about that crunch underfoot.

3. Multi-Level Pallet Deck

If your yard has a slope, embrace it with a tiered pallet deck. Stack and stagger pallets to create layers or steps, giving your patio architectural interest and dimension.

Why it’s clever: It visually breaks up your outdoor space, which is great if you’re working with a small or awkwardly shaped yard.

4. Pallet Deck with Integrated Seating

Let your deck double as your furniture. Use some pallets for flooring and others to craft built-in benches, backrests, and even little side tables.

Built-in brilliance: It’s a great way to maximize function without buying bulky furniture. Paint or stain the seats to add color and protection.

5. Pallet Poolside Deck

Have a small above-ground pool? Use pallets to build a surrounding deck, giving swimmers a dry, stable place to walk or lounge.

Swim-smart idea: Add slip-resistant mats or paint the top boards with textured sealant to avoid splinters or slips.

6. Covered Pallet Deck with Pergola

Want a little shade? Extend your DIY prowess upward by adding a pallet-based pergola or frame. Top it with fabric, lattice, or climbing vines.

Personal tip: I once rigged up a canvas tarp on a pallet frame—worked like a charm and cost less than a meal at a fancy restaurant.

7. Painted Pallet Deck

Don’t underestimate the power of paint. Use bold colors or calming neutrals to give your pallet deck a completely different personality.

Why it matters: A splash of color can turn your DIY project from “scrap wood” to “designer rustic.” Try patterns like checkerboards or stripes for a fun twist.

8. Pallet Deck with Outdoor Rug and Cushions

Keep the deck simple and dress it up with textures. Lay down an all-weather rug, scatter some outdoor cushions or bean bags, and suddenly you’ve got an outdoor lounge.

Style secret: Layering soft furnishings over pallets gives it a boutique café vibe—minus the overpriced coffee.

9. Pallet Deck Around a Fire Pit

Create a circular or square deck around your fire pit using cut and arranged pallets. Keep some areas open for chairs, and others flush with the ground for safety.

Heat tip: Always use a non-flammable material (stone or metal) as a buffer between the fire and wood deck. Don’t toast your project—just your marshmallows.

10. Pallet Deck with Garden Borders

Frame your deck with built-in planter boxes made from more pallets. You’ll blend deck and greenery seamlessly, giving your outdoor space a soft, lush edge.

Garden gold: Herbs, lavender, or trailing ivy all look great and smell even better when the wind kicks in.

11. DIY Pallet Tiled Deck

Lay pallet slats in different directions—diagonally, in a herringbone or checkerboard pattern—to give the illusion of a custom wood floor.

Designer detail: This takes a little more cutting and arranging, but the end result will have your guests asking, “You made this?!”

12. Pallet Daybed Deck Combo

Combine your deck with a sunken or raised pallet daybed—stack several pallets, add a foam mattress and cover, and you’ve got a lounge spot fit for royalty.

Nap-worthy zone: I built one of these last summer. My cat claimed it immediately. You’ll have to fight your family members for this spot.

13. Floating Pallet Deck

Want the deck to look like it’s hovering? Use hidden concrete blocks or short pillars underneath, giving the illusion of a floating platform.

Visual win: It’s a modern twist that turns basic pallets into a minimalistic statement.

14. Pallet Deck with Solar Lights

Light it up by inserting solar-powered stake lights or LED strips between slats. The glow at night creates a cozy, safe ambiance.

Safety first: Good lighting not only looks magical—it keeps people from tripping on that one rogue edge you forgot to sand down.

15. Corner Pallet Deck Nook

If your yard is small, or you just want a cozy reading nook, build a corner deck against a fence or wall. Add a chair, lantern, and plant, and suddenly you have your own escape pod.

My nook tip: I used an old trellis behind mine to hang string lights and potted plants—it turned into a Pinterest-worthy corner before I knew it.

16. Full Pallet Patio Extension

Already have a patio? Extend it using pallets to create a larger entertaining area. Match stain color to unify old and new spaces.

Extend the party: It’s a quick way to host more people without digging into your lawn or budget.

17. Pallet Deck with Canopy and Curtains

For a truly elevated experience, build a deck with a four-post canopy using pallet wood. Drape sheer curtains for breezy privacy.

Cottage-core meets DIY: It turns your backyard into a scene from a romantic movie—except you’re the director, builder, and star.

How to Get Started with Your Pallet Deck

Before you dive into one of these ideas, keep a few things in mind:

Find the right pallets. Look for HT-stamped (heat-treated) pallets, not chemically treated ones. Avoid broken boards or heavily stained ones unless you plan to replace or seal them.

Plan for drainage and stability. Always check that your ground is level and dry. Elevating pallets slightly off the ground improves longevity.

Use the right tools. A saw, drill, sander, level, and lots of outdoor screws will be your core crew. Don’t forget protective gear—sawdust in your eyes isn’t rustic, it’s just painful.

Seal or stain your deck. Even if you love the raw look, a coat of weatherproofing sealant will protect your wood from the elements.

Measure twice, cut once. That old saying? It applies here. Nothing’s worse than sawing through your last board only to realize it’s an inch too short.

Conclusion

Building a DIY pallet patio deck isn’t just about saving money—it’s about reclaiming your space. It’s about crafting something with your own two hands that becomes a stage for coffee mornings, sunset chats, and barefoot lounging.

My first pallet deck? It was uneven. It wobbled. The stain job looked like a toddler did it with a blindfold. But it was mine. And every summer since, it’s been the most loved (and upgraded) part of my yard.

So whether you build a simple square platform or go all-in with a canopied retreat, let your creativity—and maybe a few good power tools—lead the way.