7 DIY Pallet Ideas Inspired by Summer

While timber pallets are known for their strength and durability, there still comes a time when they’re no longer fit for their original purpose. At this stage, they can be recycled into mulch and other wood products or upcycled into functional items for your space. In this blog, we’ve put together a list of innovative pallet upcycling ideas inspired by summer, so you can start living out your DIY dreams!  

Deck Furniture

Summer is the best time of the year for entertaining, and nothing beats sitting on the deck or patio outside with family and friends, soaking up the atmosphere. However, this pastime just isn’t the same without good deck furniture. That’s where quality used pallets come in! With a few tools and a bit of inspiration, you can transform three Euro pallets into a wide lounge or pry apart the deck board of your pallet to create a casual wooden armchair. All that’s left to do is add comfy pillows to your DIY pallet furniture and your outdoor area is ready for the perfect summer party. 

Planter Box or Herb Garden

It’s no secret that the sun is up longer in summer, which allows well-cared-for plants to grow more rapidly. Take full advantage of this situation with these beginner DIY pallet projects. You can create a basic planter using a wooden box or crate. Alternatively, hang up a smaller second-hand pallet to create a hanging herb garden wall. Simply add plastic potting trays between the slots, then voila! On-demand herbs to enjoy with all your summer meals. 

Bar or Wine Rack

Add rustic charm to your summer catch-ups with these budget-friendly solutions, perfect for creating or updating your at-home watering hole. If you’re looking for a bigger project to tackle, disassemble your pallet and use the different parts to build and stabilise a unique home bar. For the less ambitious DIYers out there, a crafty wine rack using the end of a used pallet may be more appealing. The spacing in pallets is ideal for hanging wine glasses upside down while slotting in bottles of wine on top. Gone are the days of hiding away your classy wines for no one to admire! 

Compost Bin

If you’ve been meaning to get into composting lately and have decided now’s the time to get started you’re going to need a heat-friendly option. With their long slots perfect for aerating organic matter, pallet deck boards may as well be designed to hold compost. To create one yourself, bring four pallets to the part of your backyard you’d like to have your compost bin and connect them together in a box shape with zip ties. Face the deck board side (the top part of your pallets) inwards for the best effect. 

Table Centrepiece

What would summertime be without big platters of food and charcuterie boards? ‘Tis the season to share good food with the people you love and there’s no better way to present said food than with a homely table centrepiece made from used pallets. Simply use two or four pieces of deck board supported by the pallet blocks for extra height and you’re ready to display your food with pride. Add a coat of paint to match your timber centrepiece to the rest of your decor. 

Swing Bed

Picture this — after a long day of socialising, you take a seat on a comfy pallet swing bed and sway gently in the cool afternoon breeze. By combining a couple of pallets, tying them to a tree or another solid structure with some rope and adding an outdoor lounge and some pillows, you can recreate this for yourself. 

Christmas Tree Advent Calendar 

Keen to put a fun twist on the traditional chocolate advent calendar? Switch tinsel for timber and upcycle scrap wood from used pallets to craft a unique Christmas tree. From there, wrap up and hang mini gifts for the children to unwrap each day in the lead-up to Christmas. 

There are countless ways you can upcycle second-hand timber pallets — these summer-inspired ideas only just scratch the surface. We stock a range of quality, used pallets at affordable prices for all your DIY needs. For more information, contact Cooperage Pallets. Happy crafting!