Give old pallets new life as a beautiful (and practical) property border
There is already plenty of waste in the world. So, why not build your own fence from existing materials to give them a new life? Pallets are a great way to do this, and they provide all the same benefits as any other type of fence: securing your property, giving you more privacy, and keeping out unwanted creatures. Upcycled pallets come with their own benefits, like being low-cost, durable in harsh weather, and easy to collect.
All it takes to create an eco-friendly barrier for your property is knowing how to build a pallet fence. And we’ll show you exactly that—let’s dive in.
Once you have the materials, this project is a breeze.
The easiest places to find pallets are through small businesses, especially grocery and hardware stores. Their orders often arrive on pallets weekly, and business owners are happy to give them away for free rather than pay for a recycling service. You can also check local message boards or a recycling center to see if anyone has pallets to give away.
If you want your entire fence to be uniform and clean in look, get all of your pallets in the same size. The standard pallet is 40 inches by 48 inches, but they come in various sizes, both square and rectangular.
Level the ground along the fence line so that your pallets have their best chance at standing evenly when installed. First, remove any plants or vegetation that may get in the way. Then, use a shovel to smooth and tamp the ground down.
Now it’s time to install fence posts (either metal T-posts or wood posts) into the ground you just leveled. Measure the inside of your pallets so you can space the posts accordingly, with one on each inner edge of the pallet. The posts should be buried in a hole that’s about one-third as deep as the post is tall, and it’s always a good idea to add some gravel to the hole for extra stability. Drive each fence post down into the soil with a sledgehammer or maul until it’s firmly anchored underground with enough space at the top for the pallets to lean against, then fill in the hole.
If you’re using metal T-posts, it’s likely easier to stand the pallets upright first and then drive the fence posts in place. You’ll slide the post down alongside the wood that runs along the vertical edge of the pallet.
If you haven’t already, stand the pallets upright on their posts. You should position the pallets so the slats are horizontal and the two vertical edges of each pallet slide onto fence posts. You may now be able to see where some ground needs leveling, so watch the top edge of the pallets to ensure they form an even line and adjust as needed.
Once you’ve got your pallets in place with fence posts inside, it’s time to firmly secure them with 2x4 wood boards cut to the height of your fence. Where two pallets connect, place a board and drill it in with eight 2-inch screws; there should be four going into each pallet. Repeat this along the whole fence so that every pallet is fastened to the next with a wooden board.
If you’re building a gate within your pallet fence, add hinges and a handle to one of the pallets at this step rather than a wooden board.
That’s it! Now that your pallet fence is standing upright, consider a few of these techniques to transform those upcycled planks into your home’s aesthetic.
Pallet fences are perfect for gardeners because they’re basically like having a series of built-in planters at your disposal. Herbs and flowers can soften the look of a pallet fence and add a beautiful injection of color to your outdoor space. You can find many types of rectangular planter boxes at your local hardware store or gardening center that will fit like a glove in the interior of a pallet between the inner and outer slats. Attach hooks to the slats to hold up a pot or a circular wire in which a pot can sit.
Pallet fences tend to look drab without any color, especially if they’re made of unfinished wood. Use your imagination and give the slats a rainbow, checkerboard, or ombre effect with paint. You can also give your fence a modern farmhouse look by adding a thin coat of white paint across the entire fence, or go for a classic look with wood stain. However you want to express yourself, adding a new finish will do the trick.
Change things up in your design by rotating each pallet slab of your fence between horizontal and vertical positioning as you build. You’ll add some interest to the look of the fence and an unexpected texture to your property's landscape. Tone down mismatched pallets by painting them one cohesive color, or get even more funky by alternating paint according to their direction.
Ensure your pallet fence stands the test of time and looks good while doing it. Weatherproof the pallet wood by giving it a coat of oil, wax, or deck sealer before you paint or stain it. If you want to see the grain of the wood, use a clear top coat that protects the pallets from water damage.
This project is a DIY in the truest sense, using low-cost, upcycled materials and a few tools you probably already have around the house. If you’d rather build a fence made of more traditional materials (or if you hit challenges that require some extra hands), call a local wood fence builder for advice or their best alternatives.
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