How to Build a Deck Out of Pallets

So, you have decided to build a deck out of pallets? Great idea! You can create a beautiful and functional place to enjoy with your family and friends for many years. We’ll discuss the right tools, products and materials. We’ll also cover how to lay out your deck and how to build it with step by step instructions. Let’s make it safe, strong, and beautiful!

At present, it can imply a variety of different things. But in the long run, you need to pay attention to some nuances if you want to build wooden pallet deck on your own while paying less. Here are the possible issues with building cheap but durable pallets decks.

🛠️ Step‑by‑Step: Wood Pallet Backyard Deck

“Wood Pallet Backyard Deck : 4 Steps” (Instructables)

Introduction:
“Many years ago, my kids and I cleared out the storage container…
The first step was to gather pallets. Then, the task at hand was to figure out how to take the random sized pallets we had collected and arrange them into a rectangle that would fit in the space we had available. This took way longer than it should have!”

Step 1: The Platform
“The deck was going to be located in a fairly level part of the back yard, so I didn’t bother moving around any dirt.
Weed cloth was laid down, 1’x1′ pavers were placed at each corner of the deck and at the junction of where pallet corners would land, then we arranged the pallets on top. Leftover drywall screws were used to fasten the pallets to each other and scrap lumber was used to fill in the gaps between pallets. We shored up the places where things weren’t quite sitting level on the pavers using rocks and scrap bricks.
2x4s were used to made a frame around the platform to further tie the pallets together and make the edge look sort of finished. Since the 2x4s were 8′ long, we had to piece together along the edges.
The resulting platform was roughly 8-1/2′ by 12′.”

Step 2: Adding the Deck Boards
“Then it was time to put 2x4s on top of the platform. We started at the front edge and placed the first boards so they hung over the front edge by about 1/4″, and at each end by about 1″-2″. Once again, drywall screws were used to fasten the 2x4s to the platform. As more boards were added, the seams where 2x4s butted together were placed so they landed on top of pallet wood and were staggared, using leftover pieces from previous rows to make sure the seams looked random. The ends of the boards ended up hanging over the edge of the deck by various amounts.
After all of the deck boards were fastened down, we trimmed the edges to within 1″ of the frame underneath.”

Step 3 & 4: Finishing the Deck
“The final steps were to apply a generous coat of waterproofing and add deck chairs.
In the end, I spent less than $100 on the project: a second box of drywall screws, four or five 2x4s and a gallon of waterproofing.”

🧱 Tips & Community Insight from Reddit

Reddit discussions note:

“I’m going to build some decking here using the paving stones to lift the pallets off the ground and level the pallets before screwing…”

“Each pallet will have contact with 9 footings each, and each footing will be touching 1 – 4 pallets at the same time.”

🪵 Why It Works:
Weeds blocked with cloth, pallets leveled on pavers.

Screws lock pallets together; 2×4 frame ties edges.

Deck boards capped and overhung neatly.

Waterproofing seals the wood; cost under $100.

⚠️ Builder Tips:

Lift pallets off the ground—pavers or gravel help prevent rot.

Use a frame to tidy edges and lock pallet base.

Pre-screen pallets: no rotted wood or protruding nails.

Stain or seal after install to boost longevity.

The easiest way to build a deck out of pallets is to follow these steps:

1. Determine the size of deck you want to build.

2. Find wooden pallets that will provide enough wood for your deck. Pallets are often discarded by businesses and can be found at local hardware stores or online.

3. Cut the pallet boards into pieces long enough to build your deck. If you’re using 4-foot-long planks, cut each panel into two halves so they fit into your truck bed or trailer. Make sure you cut them all at once so that they fit together perfectly when you’re done.

4. Nail the boards together and then cover them with a thin layer of wood glue, which will help prevent cracking over time (see Resources). You can also paint them if desired once they’re all assembled and dry overnight before moving on to step 5 below.

5. Once dry, nail the blocks together in whatever shape or design you like best! If possible, set up an elevated platform next to your deck so you can stand on it while working on your project (be sure not to stand directly under where someone might be walking — we don’t want any accidents happening!).

Pallet deck ideas are a great way to create something unique and beautiful. There are so many ways to build a pallet deck, whether you want a single level or multiple levels, with stairs or without, and the options are endless.

If you want to build a deck from wood pallets, here are some of the best pallet deck ideas for inspiration:

1. The Simple Pallet Deck

2. The Two-Level Pallet Deck

3. The Staircase Pallet Deck

Step 1: Build a frame

You can use any type of wood for this project, but the pallets will most likely be the cheapest option.

If you have access to a table saw, cut the boards to length. If not, use your circular saw or even a jigsaw if it’s a simple shape like we’re using here.

Cut the boards so they’re as close to square as possible — this will make applying the decking material easier later on.

Step 2: Attach the joists

Use 4×4 posts (or whatever size you prefer) to create a frame that’s about 2 feet wider than your desired finished width for your decking platform. Nail these into place with galvanized nails or screws.

The exact dimensions you need will depend on how many pallets you want to use and how wide they are when assembled together side-by-side (as shown in this tutorial).

Next, attach 2x6s across the top of each joist — this provides additional support for where people will walk and stand while using your new platform. Also nail these into place with galvanized nails or screws.