This project has been a long time coming. I can’t even tell you how many hours I worked on the pallet deck. I actually started building the deck last summer, but the pallet shed consumed most of my time leaving the deck on hold. So this year I made the deck a high priority.
To make things even more challenging, each pallet had to be cut apart and all of the boards trimmed. Then trimmed again if needed during the entire building project. I spent more time working with the wood then actual building this deck. This project consumed more time than I ever imagined.
In the end… I love it!
Imagine going from…
to this…
In the photo above you can see the upper level and the lower level. Both levels of the deck are simply pallets. Under each pallet, I placed the runners or middle part of the pallet on the ground. Some areas needed more runners than others to achieve a level base.
The lower level was dug down a bit so the pallet would fit under the door. The upper level was then leveled using runners.
To give the outside edge a finished look, I covered the sides with pallet wood.
28 pallets were used to create the foundation ( 7 pallets x 4 pallets).
I’m not sure how many pallets I actually ripped apart to cover both levels. I’m guessing well over 100. The pallets I used were far from perfect and not the same size. I only used narrow boards to cover the deck and saved the wider boards for future projects.
The total cost of this project is well under $200.
I’m thrilled it’s finally finished. It’s almost surreal.
On to the next project. Yes, it’s started and no it won’t take a year to complete.
Updates: Pallet Bar Addition
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This looks fantastic. I love it and I love that it is so cost effective.
This looks absolutely FANTASTIC, and I can’t imagine all the work that went into it! I love the chevron look!
So, I’m working on a pallet deck too minus the taking the pallets apart step. Question: what did you put under the pallets to protect it from ground moisture? You said something about runners? What is that?
Also, the pallet wall looks amazing too!
Thanks,
Lori
I didn’t place anything special under my pallets. Runner is what I call the three inside boards of a pallet. They are usually about two inches wide by three inches. I placed anywhere from 4 to 12 runners under each pallet to level and to keep the actual pallet from resting directly on the ground. Good on your pallet deck!
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That is seriously amazing that it was under $200!!! It looks far more expensive than that–great job!
Cheers,
~Cathy Mini~
OurMiniFamily.com
Wow this is beautiful! Sounds like a lot of work though. I admire your patience 🙂
Thank you so much! It took a lot of patience, but well worth it. Thanks for the commment.
Oh my word. Clever, economical, and absolutely stunning.
where did you get so many pallets?
My place of employment allows me to take as many as my heart desires.
Wow Andrea this is AMAZING! I can’t even believe how much time this must have taken you! Makes me tired even thinking about it, but I can see why it was soooo worth it! Great job!!
Wow! I can only imagine the hours spent creating this beautiful deck! You are one committed woman! I’ve used pallets, too, for a deck, but only underneath for support. And that was enough for me! If I’d had to rip apart more pallets and fit the boards together, the project would never get finished, lol. Enjoy your lovely deck and all the compliments I’m sure you’ll get from guests. 🙂
Thank you for the lovely comment. You’re right, pallets are a lot of work. I was so thankful when it was completed!
such an inspirational idea.
I started pallet planters back in 2004 for a client, I’ve since replaced two of them out of the 6, I hadn’t lined the insides properly originally, so the wood had been rotting, subsequently put roofing felt inside and timber capping over the corner posts, they should last another 10 years.
I just found you are you sure we are not related? Ha! <3 Love the deck! I'm doing this soon myself. How is the deck holding up now that its been a few years?