Pallet fences are an innovative, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly way to build fences using recycled wood pallets. With a little creativity and DIY skills, you can construct gorgeous pallet fences that cost next to nothing!
Introduction
Building a new fence for your home can get expensive, with typical costs ranging from $20-$100 per linear foot installed. However, using reclaimed pallets to construct fences allows you to save big time on materials. Pallets are often available for free or cheap from warehouses, retail stores, and construction sites eager to get rid of extra inventory.
With a simple pallet fence design and the right tools, you can create outstanding fences on a budget using wood you might otherwise discard. Pallet wood brings rustic appeal, character, and visual interest to your landscape. The natural imperfections and varied textures of pallet wood give your fence loads of charm.
Constructing pallet fences is also an eco-friendly choice, as you are reusing and repurposing wood instead of purchasing new materials. You prevent pallets from ending up in the landfill while building yourself an affordable, distinctive fence.
This article will provide 18 inspiring ideas to build stylish, functional pallet fences that cost next to nothing. We will cover simple techniques for constructing the fence framework, stunning designs to enhance your yard, and tips for customizing your pallet fence to suit your needs. Let’s get started!
Planning Your Pallet Fence
The first step to building budget-friendly pallet fences is proper planning and preparation. Here are some key factors to consider:
Design
Think about the overall look and height you want for your fence. Do you prefer a full privacy fence or a short garden fence? Sleek and modern or rustically weathered? Choose pallets in good condition if you desire a cleaner, more uniform aesthetic. For a rustic vibe, mix and match pallets of varying colors and conditions.
Materials
- Pallets: Source free or cheap pallets in standard sizes (48 x 40 inches). Avoid chemically treated pallets. Ensure they are sturdy and intact.
- Posts: Opt for durable, rot-resistant wooden posts, metal posts, or pressure-treated 4x4s. Match the height to your planned fence height.
- Supports: 1 x 4 inch boards help attach pallet wood to posts. Galvanized nails, screws, and brackets also help secure.
- Tools: Hammer, saw, drill, level, tape measure, clamps, post hole digger, shovel, and safety gear. Rent or borrow pricier power tools if needed.
- Paint/stain: Customize the look with exterior paint or stain if desired.
Layout
Map out the fence line space and measure it. Calculate how many full pallet sections you will need plus partially deconstructed pallets to fit any remaining gaps. Mark post hole locations at 6-8 feet intervals.
Simple Single Pallet Fence
The easiest pallet fence design is a single vertical pallet affixed to posts. This style works best for short garden dividers or accents. Follow these instructions:
Materials
- 3-4 posts spaced 6-8 feet apart
- 1×4 inch support boards
- 1 pallet per section
- Galvanized screws
- Post hole digger
- Shovel
- Level
- Drill
Steps
- Dig holes for posts, at least 2 feet deep. Set posts in holes, fill with concrete to secure.
- Check posts are aligned and level using a level and tape measure.
- Deconstruct pallet into vertical boards if needed. Remove unwanted boards.
- Affix support boards to fence posts using galvanized screws.
- Attach pallet boards to support boards tightly. Use screws and clamps as needed to hold pieces flush together as you work.
- Cut partial pallet boards as needed to fit any remaining gaps. Secure tightly to posts and supports.
- Let concrete cure fully before installing adjoining sections.
- Paint or stain pallet wood as desired for extra weatherproofing and beauty.
- Seal exposed wood at cut edges with exterior sealant.
- Stand back and enjoy your budget-friendly new pallet fence!
This simple single pallet fence offers rustic appeal for practically no cost. The varying textures and natural patina of reclaimed pallets add visual interest.
Stacked Pallet Privacy Fence
For a taller privacy fence, you can stack pallets in layers horizontally. Follow these instructions:
Materials
- Posts spaced 6-8 feet apart
- 2-3 pallets per section
- 1×4 inch boards for vertical support
- Galvanized screws and nails
- Hammer
- Saw
- Drill
- Level
Steps
- Set posts 2+ feet into ground in holes, spaced 6-8 feet apart. Fill with concrete.
- Check posts are aligned and level. Measure for pallet sections.
- Deconstruct pallets by removing boards. Separate into sections of 2-3 stacked pallets.
- Screw 1×4 inch vertical support boards into fence posts. Use at least 3 per post.
- Start at the bottom stacking pallet sections. Face the open sides of the pallets inwards so the fence looks uniform from the outside.
- Stack and align pallets horizontally, sealing bottom and top edges together using hammer, nails, and wood glue where possible.
- Use screws sparingly to reinforce stacked pallets, avoiding exterior face. Screw clamps can temporarily hold pallets flush as you work.
- Attach stacked pallets snugly to vertical support boards on posts.
- For privacy, fills gaps with extra wood cut from pallets if needed.
- Let dry fully, paint or stain as desired.
- Seal exposed cut wood edges with exterior sealant.
- Enjoy your recycled privacy pallet fence!
Stacking pallets is a quick way to build a taller privacy fence on the cheap. Get creative with combining different colored pallets for a striking look.
Pallet Fence with Lattice Inserts
Another charming approach is using pallet wood verticals with lattice inserts. The diamonds or crisscross lattice provides elegant detail.
Materials
- Posts
- 1×4 inch support boards
- 1-2 pallets, deconstructed into vertical boards
- Galvanized screws and nails
- Lattice panels, sized to fit pallet framing
- Exterior wood glue
Steps
- Set posts and attach support boards as with other designs.
- Deconstruct pallets into long vertical slats for the frame.
- Arrange vertical pallet slats between posts, using screws and nails to affix to supports.
- Measure openings and cut lattice panels to size. You can use premade lattice or construct your own from pallet wood.
- Working inwards from the posts, glue and nail lattice into the openings between pallet wood slats.
- Use small wood strips along the edges for a finished look.
- Allow glue to dry fully before moving on to prevent warping.
- Paint, stain, or seal the wood if desired. Accent the lattice with a contrasting color for added pop.
- Caulk gaps and seal exposed wood.
- Add decorative touches like flowers or vines growing on the lattice for extra charm.
With slight extra effort, lattice inserts create a gorgeous focal point and visual interest in your pallet wood fence. Play with different colors and patterns for customized style.
Pallet and Brick Fence Combination
For ultra-cheap fencing, intersperse salvaged bricks between pallet sections. Mixing materials adds unique personality and saves money.
Materials
- Posts
- Support boards
- 1-2 pallets, deconstructed
- Construction adhesive
- Bricks or concrete blocks, salvaged for free locally
- Galvanized screws and nails
- Exterior wood sealant
- Gravel (optional)
Steps
- Set fence posts and attach vertical support boards.
- Deconstruct pallets into long, thin vertical slats. Align vertically between posts.
- Place bricks lengthwise between pallet slats. Use construction adhesive to hold in place.
- Alternate bricks and pallet sections across the fence line. Fill gaps between bricks with small cut wood or gravel.
- Use scrap wood pieces, nails, screws, and glue to reinforce pallet wood and bricks. Check for stability.
- Seal exposed wood edges with exterior sealant to prevent moisture damage.
- Consider coating pallet wood and bricks for a more cohesive, finished look using paint, stain, etc. Be creative.
- Stand back and admire your unique recycled brick and pallet fence masterpiece.
Salvaging used bricks is an extremely affordable way to construct fence sections. The eclectic pattern is visually interesting and adds sculptural detail.
Woven Pallet Fence
Weaving pallet wood into funky patterns takes more effort but creates an awesome artistic accent. Follow these tips:
Materials
- Posts
- 1×4 inch horizontal support boards
- At least 5 deconstructed pallets
- Twine, wire, or rope
- Drill with screws
- Hammer and nails
Steps
- Install posts and attach horizontal support boards evenly across, top and bottom.
- Deconstruct pallets into individual long boards.
- Begin weaving pallet boards in your desired pattern. Alternate going over and under support boards.
- Coil pieces back around to fill gaps as needed. Use short overlapping pieces too.
- Secure ends by screwing or nailing into supports while woven tightly.
- Wrap twine, wire, or rope decoratively through fence openings.
- Stain or paint as desired once fully woven and secured.
- Weather seal exposed cut wood edges.
- Step back and admire the handcrafted woven artwork fence!
Get creative weaving different colored and textured pallets. Add bamboo or reeds for accents. The woven texture adds artistic flair.
Pallet Wood Garden Arbor/Archway
An easy beginner DIY pallet project is a simple arbor or archway. It makes a pretty garden focal point or patio entrance.
Materials
- 2 posts
- 5-6 pallets, deconstructed
- Power drill and screws
- Saw (optional to cut boards)
- Paint/stain (optional)
Steps
- Dig holes and insert posts spaced several feet apart where you want the archway.
- Deconstruct pallets and collect long boards. Cut in half if needed.
- Stack 2-3 equal-length boards together, with staggered seams. Screw together using drill forming a thick column.
- Attach one end of column tightly to post. Check it is secure.
- Repeat for second column on opposite post.
- Align column tops and screw horizontal boards across to connect them. Create arched shape.
- Affix vertical pallet boards along the sides for a finished look.
- Let dry fully, then paint or stain if desired.
- Add decorative touches like climbing vines or flowers.
- Install a swinging gate using more pallet wood if you want to close access.
The simple triangular arbor shape is easy to achieve using stacked and screwed pallet wood. Make your garden entrance more inviting.
Pallet Wood Planter Box Fence
Edible garden fences are productive and pretty! Follow these steps to integrate pallet planter boxes into your fence:
Materials
- Posts
- Support boards
- 3-5 pallets, deconstructed
- Exterior screws and nails
- Power drill
- Soil
- Plants, seeds
- Trowel shovel
- Plastic liner (optional but recommended)
Steps
- Set fence posts and attach vertical support boards on each side.
- Deconstruct pallets into long thin boards.
- On one side, affix pallet boards vertically to create the fence face. Leave a 3-6 inch gap between boards.
- On the other side, use full intact pallets laid horizontally to form the planter box backs. Screw to posts.
- Insert plastic liner in gap to contain soil and roots. Fold top over pallet edge.
- Shovel good quality soil mix into the planter boxes.
- Plant seeds or starters for veggies, herbs, or ornamental edibles. Consider sunlight needs.
- Consider adding drip irrigation. Use stones, pebbles or marbles as decorative mulch.
- Maintain your edible fence regularly by weeding, pruning, and harvesting.
- Enjoy convenient garden fresh ingredients right from your fence!
The linear design looks orderly and allows easy access for planting, pruning and picking. Grow tomatoes, peppers, greens, bush beans, herbs, and more.
Pallet Fence with Planter Box Gate
For a pretty entrance, use pallets to construct a fence section with an integrated swinging planter box gate.
Materials
- Posts
- Hinges and latches for gate
- Support boards
- 5-6 deconstructed pallets
- Power drill and screws
- Hammer and nails
- Exterior wood glue
- Soil and plants
Steps
- Set posts on either side of planned gate, plus one additional post where gate will latch/hinge.
- Attach horizontal support boards between posts.
- Deconstruct pallets for boards.
- On sections adjacent to gate opening, affix vertical pallet boards to supports.
- Across gate opening, build an open-backed pallet planter box, screwing pallets horizontally to vertical supports. Leave bottom open.
- Install latch and hinges so gate can swing freely when open.
- Fill bottom of planter box with drainage gravel, then add soil mix on top.
- Plant flowers, herbs, or vines that will cascade attractively over the fence.
- Consider adding decorative tiles, rocks, or marbles as mulch.
- Stand back and behold your charming pallet planter gate! Open it to enter your yard in style.
The swinging gate integrated with flowers blooming out of a recycled pallet planter box makes a marvelous garden focal point.
Pallet Wood Pergola, Archway or Arbor
Add height and drama by constructing an overhead pergola, arbor or archway using pallets for vertical columns. Top with lattice roof panels or criss-crossing pallet wood. Follow these tips:
Materials
- 4-6 posts, dug into ground
- Horizontal support boards
- 8-10 pallets for vertical columns
- Scrap pallets for crisscross roof
- Power drill and exterior screws
- Exterior wood glue
- Hammers and nails
- Paint/stain (optional)
Steps
- Space and dig post holes, filling with concrete to stabilize.
- Deconstruct pallets for vertical column boards. Stack, drill, and screw together into columns.
- Attach column boards to outsides of each post, reaching desired pergola height.
- Affix horizontal support boards across top of vertical columns, spacing evenly.
- Crisscross short pallet boards across for an open-air roof. Or, nail full lattice panels.
- Consider painting or staining posts, columns, and crisscross roof for added color.
- Allow everything to fully dry and settle before enjoying your new pallet pergola!
- Decorate further by growing climbing vines over the structure. Hang lights or a swinging bench.
A pergola covered in greenery and lights makes a magical sitting and dining space in your yard! Splurge on weather resistant curtains to create an outdoor pallet wood pavilion.
Pallet Sliding Barn Door Fence
Barn style pallet wood sliding gates are a charming way to section off yard spaces. Build your own following these instructions:
Materials
- Posts
- 5-8 pallets, deconstructed
- Rollers and guide for sliding door
- Power drill and screws
- Wood glue
- Hammer and nails
- Exterior sealant
Steps
- Dig post holes and fill with concrete where gate will hang. Ensure adequate lateral space for door to slide.
- Deconstruct pallets into vertical boards and horizontal bracing boards.
- Build the fence door frame – two long vertical sides with several horizontal braces in between. Stack boards, gluing and screwing together into a solid, heavy door.
- Affix rollers to one vertical side. Install guide track on adjacent post.
- Smoothly slide door into place, ensuring it rolls properly along guide track. Secure track to posts.
- Adjust rollers and reinforce door as needed until it glides easily.
- Affix additional vertical pallet boards to posts on either side to extend the fence line.
- Consider adding a handle or pull rope to the sliding door.
- Stain or seal wood if desired. Caulk around cracks.
- Slide open your awesome new pallet barn door fence!
The rustic, heavy sliding barn door makes a stylish statement and instantly creates a defined backyard space.
Pallet Wood Shutters or Screens
Decorative pallet wood shutters or screens allow air flow and filtered light while providing privacy. Make your own:
Materials
- Pallets, deconstructed
- Power drill and screws
- Exterior paint/stain
- Mortise hinges
- Window screen mesh (optional)
Steps
- Disassemble enough pallets to create boards for shutter frames and louvers.
- Cut boards to your window size plus a frame. Reclaim extra wood for louvers.
- Build the shutter frame using thicker verticals and horizontals for stability. Drill pilot holes and screw together.
- Cut louvers from pallet wood. Drill and attach them with even spacing across the frame.
- Paint or stain the shutters and louvers your desired colors.
- Allow to fully dry before installing. Apply