Budget-Friendly DIY Platform Deck: Building with Pallets and Fence Pickets

[@kimleegely9311]

GEEZ! Some of these comments.... Simmer down Cyber Bullies.... The guy CLEARLY STATED this was NOT a "perfect" method and meant to be "temporary"... The video serves as a guide and/or helpful idea The video title CLEARLY states "How to Build a Cheap DIY Platform Deck" And, for a novice DIYer like ME, this is AWESOME! I found the video extremely helpful; especially for those on a budget. THANK YOU KIND SIR!

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much!! I appreciate hearing that.

[@Lunabella1222]

Good idea. Not all of us have thousands of dollars laying around and idea like this really help!

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much! I appreciate it!!

[@carolynpayne7128]

Thanks for this video, I just made a very small 4 x 6 deck with wide fencing from this video inspiration. Added blocks and weed blocker on bottom to lift off ground. I took some of the suggestions, but this was very affordable. If it lasts for a year I will redo larger with better wood, but still use the pallets.

[@gabrielriouxsmusic3211]

Nice job! Don't let the bullies get to you

[@stephaniebeseda1006]

Could we get an update on how it’s holding up? Wanting to do a similar deck.

[@lxespitia396]

Nothing last forever but for the price I'd definitely do this. Good job 👏

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much!!

[@firstlastcase]

This should have been my 1st comment.. I should say well done in putting the effort and more importantly thank you for sharing the knowledge. We all learn from each other. Mistakes or not, this is how we evolve our knowledge and wisdom in life. Keep going keep posting. Happy days!

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you so much!! Yes I was definitely a learning experience.

[@bobbisparks7039]

I'm trying this with plastic pallets. Yours turned out great and inspires me.

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much!

[@jabowja]

Me too I’m doing Plastic

[@luvdady]

People in Michigan make deer blinds out of them , and the slip sheet stackers work really good 👍

[@isabellagrimes1922]

How did your plastic pallets turn out?

[@l.a.picasa]

In curious as well how the plastic has faired. 😊 It seems like it would last longer than the wooden ones I used. Wishing I came across some plastic ones!

[@jonirn3751]

I'm building the same kind of deck, using cedar fence pickets, only I sealed my pallets first, and Im not using underlayment so water will drain through. Glad to see someone did this too.

[@MushtaqAli-l7q]

I was working for hard rubbish collection in New Zealand in 90’s. I build a 15 mtr by 10mtr shed with 100% recycled items that l collected during the trips. Yes it took me close to 2 years but it was worth it. It still stand strong. Even all the furniture inside that man cave came from road side collection and my mate just recovered all of them to make look good but not new look we wanted to look old style. We got few seats that we never seen in our life it look very old.

[@firstlastcase]

I feel like the plywood layer is only gonna worsen the rotting problem of the pallets. If I were to put all this effort you've done at the top, I would have paid more attention to the base. For example, at least try to isolate the pallets from the soil with some bricks or paivers for drainage and make them level!

[@she_sings_delightful_things]

I was thinking the same thing. I want to do this and hopefully can come up with a proper way to do that....🤞

[@TheWillToMake]

Yes I absolutely agree. This was my first project of this scale and was learning as I went. I definitely agree I should have put something underneath. As for the underlayment, I use it to even out the tops of the pallets to bring them all on the same plane. But thank you for your comment. This was definitely a learning experience for me.

[@meanwright5195]

Agree. I think it’s just for some quick fun in the sun though. He had to know it wouldn’t last for a long time. He gets his money’s worth and his memories.

[@kelseybarnes7854]

Pavers, then maybe tyvec

[@mylifeinanutshell6931]

We used outdoor weatherproof stain and the deck lasted a long time with the plywood top.

[@MichaelJ674]

Fun project. A friend wants me to help her build a temporary pallet, so this is helpful for advancing my thinking. I’ll probably do something to protect the pallets better as commented on by several others. The one change I’m going to make is to run the deck board at a 45 degree angle so I can omit the underlayment and still have all the pallets tied together. Will provide better drainage which will hopefully help it last a little longer. I’ll just run the deck boards a little long and then trim the perimeter edges with a circular saw. Maybe do a picture frame border around the perimeter as well. We will probably use pressure-treated lumber for the deck boards instead of cedar fence boards which is more expensive obviously, but will allow reuse of the PT boards for future projects (she lives on a farm and always has need for PT lumber for various projects). Thanks for posting.

[@verticalxscape8225]

Doing this same deck concept, except using plastic pallets instead to avoid the rot from ground contact. Your use of dog ear fence panels is genius and wondering how it's holding up to the abuse of being walked on? Its definitely a game changer in terms of cutting cost over deck panels. Also read some of the shrewed but true comments and you definitely are a great sport.

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much, we have since sold this home but the boards were holding up great since they were supported completely underneath and the decking paint we used was very thick and durable.

[@HZ-fg9sf]

Curious how long this deck lasted. 🤔 Was thinking about doing this too for a small area that isn't frequently used.

[@mambi74]

maybe if you use some cheap bricks from the home depot as support to keep the wood off the ground, it could make it last a bit longer.

[@ShantellMarie07]

I'm definitely doing it

[@shawandawhitaker9242]

Definitely me too, I've been wondering if they wld work for a while now

[@adtkxo9570]

Wow thanks to you, you just saved my husband and I over $6,000 in work for our yard thank you so much

[@TheWillToMake]

You are very welcome! Thank you!

[@stacyign]

Does this wood sit on just soil? Would it mold under ? Rotten from the water?

[@katelynaikens2359]

Yes, it will rot over time. This is honestly not a good plan for a deck.

[@molliwilson5639]

J

[@NXRVideo]

This would never work in my rainy location. Laying the pallets directly on the soil with no moisture barrier and no gravel support, those pallets would sink in the mud and decay by the 2nd season.

[@KAL829]

I was thinking about doing this with palletts. I mean it makes sense to me. Then, here you are! I'm going to do this. I think I may put deck tiles or rubber tiles on top. I live in a cold climate. Should I put some type of vapor barrier down? Stones? I knew someone else had to have this idea. Thank you!

[@KAL829]

Better yet, I can use plastic pallets. I didn't know they were a thing. Love it!!!

[@sharonsanchez5415]

This is a great idea for a novice like me. Thank you.

[@leslie6189]

I had a deck like this.. It rotted from contact with moisture(that was project 1). If I did it again, I would have it up off the ground with a moisture barrier between wood and bricks/risers, as my plant platforms also rotted from the bottom up from the bricks I used as risers wicking moisture up to the wood(that was project 2)...so if there was a project 3.. I would ensure no contact with moisture below. Top surfaces were painted and survived well.. Just 1/2 inch plywood, painted.. Lasted very well with 2 coats paint.. It's the bottom exposure to moisture that did them in.. Or I think they'd still be looking great :)

[@markgarcia4260]

This has been uploaded 2 years ago, how's the deck now? Interested to try this

[@knockout123]

Outstanding!! I am inspired to make this for my own yard. Thank you!!!

[@DenniDenicka]

At this point in my backyard life, i would be extremely grateful if my husband would follow suit

[@TheWillToMake]

Haha, happy wife = happy life

[@DenniDenicka]

@@TheWillToMake hey!!happy your deck has been good to you and family, thanks for letting me know, happy wife happy wife= happy life Preach! Thank you

[@julieleblanc5417]

I would omit the plywood too

[@brendanlenane2685]

Great use of some old pallets. Good thinking. Keep up the great work and look forward to your next video.

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!!

[@diesel961]

How's it holding?

[@diogobraga9940]

great job man, you inspire me!!

[@carlosbaker7825]

thank you for this video what should I do if my yard dirt is like clay

[@alisonevans8897]

Easy to follow even when I laid better top deck boards tks

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!

[@dustjunky2000]

How has it held up?

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Wow! Hard to believe that was just a pile of pallets! Great job!

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!! Yeah I got lucky that we were able to find super nice pallets like we did

[@TroySupermanGentle]

Kudos to you my guy, this was a perfect video for the right group of DIYers. The poor man's deck is what I'll dub it. Wish I had access to pallets here in L.A. These business are stingy and the companies who do sell make it not worth investing if you're trying to keep with in a budget. I'll keep looking, I've been looking at ideas to build a slight smaller desk than yours for an area in our yard for our little ones to hang out on. Thanks again. Looking forward to more projects.

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much, I appreciate it!! And would love to see pictures when you do your deck.

[@ramizasanidze9308]

Hey where can you buy some pallets, the cheaper the better lol or is it better to make the pallets yourself?

[@TheWillToMake]

We found these on Facebook marketplace

[@dce2526]

Exactly what Ive been planning to do. Thank you!

[@Vinterfrid]

Nice job! I have to say that I am somewhat puzzled though, since you did not seem to place a weed mat under those pallets; that would have increased the longevity of the deck for sure.

[@hesrey6734]

Nice deck But I personally would screwed the pallets together by sliding a picket or 2 then screw. Leave out the plywood & save. Last the top pickets run them contrary or just fill in the gaps (with a table saw).

[@theloudhouse122]

I want to do this but add some like cement blocks or something underneath it and then I want to put it by my above ground pool this way I can add a little slide to my above ground pool LOL and the kids don't have to walk around in the grass of the mud the great job it looks fantastic

[@Gabriel-i1z1z]

My dad build a pallet deck . 10 years and it's still in good shape

[@iamtreasured]

Thnx for this quick ans easy DIY deck !!

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!!

[@sethdemar8114]

Remarkable idea!I have some upcoming projects as well with pallets. I have found the gold mine for pallets!

[@TheWillToMake]

Very nice!! It's amazing what people will just give away

[@scottschiel1062]

However using untreated luann will absorb all the moistureand will fall apart , so I agree with your statement "it will not last as long" it will not make through 1 year.

[@TheWillToMake]

Cool, but it did

[@judithmirocco1940]

Great Job and easy. Enjoy Thanks!

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!?

[@TheWillToMake]

Woops just meant to put thank you!!

[@MissJnet]

Good job.

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much!!

[@Dez81]

A really well put together video, thanks!

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much, I appreciate it!!

[@zoso1123]

What is with the foam board to use a skill saw who came up with that? Do people know thats its bad to cut breath and never bio degrades?

[@caz2401]

Aware this is an old video, but anyone have any advice on whether using plastic pallets would be a better option to ensure lasting? Obviously trim and top would still be wood, but would they screw in okay to plastic pallets?

[@TheWillToMake]

@@caz2401 I definitely feel like it would be a better option. No chance of them rotting away overtime. And I also feel like depending on the type of plastic it should be fine to screw into, I would just be careful not to strip them out.

[@patronajones1457]

There was no need to add the luan, the wood needs spacing for run off. There was no spacing in the dog-eared wood and the Luan will not allow the water and moisture to escape in a timely manner. Great idea, just a few things to tweak

[@TheWillToMake]

Yeah I agree, my thinking with that was that it would even everything out before putting down the fence pickets but should have at least drilled holes for water to drain.

[@chinearocks]

Sorry if I missed it, but do you have a link for the sander you used before you painted?

[@TheWillToMake]

I do not, we just rented a big floor sander for this.

[@inspiringbuilds]

Definitely a way to cut cost!

[@TheWillToMake]

Yes it was!

[@joserollinson4049]

Hello...cual es la media playwood fino...que va encima de las paletas

[@sarahcosta4882]

It looks Awesome!!

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much!!!

[@Usy122]

Looks great 👍

[@viralvideostrending5782]

looks great.

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much!!

[@angs8068]

I am just curious but what if you set the deck on blocks would that help prolong the life of the deck?

[@TheWillToMake]

Yes it definitely would.

[@henrycorrea9586]

Well done.

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you so much!!

[@brooke_StartatHome]

WOW!! That's AMAZING!!!

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much!!

[@CarieSaad]

You should've put the pallets in opposite directions for more support & screwed them all together instead of relying on the plywood. Should've sanded all the wood too, before applying paint. Also should've applied Thompsons Water Seal before applying paint too.

[@Naplesroyalproperties]

Great tips !

[@lakeshorewoodturner5136]

Looks nice.

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!!

[@lourdesnunez1146]

Super easy. Thanks for sharing

[@Amelia.B-12]

Awesome I’m going to try that! Thanks for the tip👍

[@jelicakutija3914]

PERFEKT

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!!

[@pavman1000]

Without treated footers on the bottom this deck will rot and is suspect to lots of bugs and insects , This is a serious problem.With that litlte cheap fix yeah, the deck would be awesome.

[@TheWillToMake]

Thanks for the comment!!

[@tendr247]

Would laying concrete pavers laid underneath spread apart with vinyl underneath the stone pavers then pallets put on that make it last longer....help water drain only on concrete and not wood?

[@TheWillToMake]

Yes it absolutely would, but we weren't expecting this to last long in the first place. We were doing this temporarily until wood prices came back down

[@tikajoubert2473]

Looks great for your first project. 🙌🏽

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much!!

[@tikajoubert2473]

@@TheWillToMake you’re welcome!

[@gofasters1]

Love it, great job. Thx

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!!

[@yovon91]

Looks Great!

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!!

[@hnubhliyang7477]

We are DEFINITELY doing that! Thanks for the video!!

[@TheWillToMake]

You are very welcome, thank you!!

[@JCAMPOSVA]

Pregunta: si la madera toca la tierra aunque esté bajo techo se pudre?

[@ellalillard6418]

Love this video it’s inspiration I need to extend my patio thanks😘

[@TheWillToMake]

You are very welcome, thank you!

[@andreabond5392]

Hi there I think this is a beautiful patio ❤ I’m sorry but what is the name of the board you laid down on top of the pallets I wasn’t able to hear it .

[@jwpowell158]

This is exactly what I was looking for. My own comments for improving. Mine's going to be 2-3' wide. More of a walkway or maybe even a bench. 1) Weed barrier. Maybe bricks/stones foundation (but can add $). 2) Some sort of treatment/paint on the pallets. Treat/paint all sides of the deck boards, too. 3) Don't do the laminate. Screwing the pallets directly to each other would probably be a lot more stable and allow drainage. 4) Maybe lay the decking boards (I'm going to just use more pallet boards) diagonally (maybe even make a pattern!). 5) Adjust the deck board lengths so you don't have tiny little pieces like the square at the corner. So, basically, what I'm saying is that your idea was sound, and execution was obviously serviceable. Seeing how you did it, I am going to improve upon your design. Good luck on your DIY journey, my brother!

[@judymickens4989]

Great job I'm going to do this thank you

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much!!

[@NuclearCarnivore]

Are termites an issue in your part of the world?

[@TheWillToMake]

They are as far as I know, but we've never had any issues with them

[@victoriacarsin4656]

Excellent video! It was what I was looking for, thanks. What is the spray you apply on the wood? That part of the video has no subtitles. Greetings from Uruguay!

[@TheWillToMake]

The paint I used was super thick and wouldn't get into the cracks so I spray painted them. And thank you very much!!

[@courtneyaikens5949]

What sort of screws & stuff did you use to nail it down

[@real_juice4209]

Doing something similar, how long do you expect it to last? I know alot of people say it won’t last long but i only need 3 years tops. I think alot of people are referring to it lasting 10+ years.

[@TheWillToMake]

We were only hoping for about 2 or 3 just till the wood prices came back down.

[@DenniDenicka]

Great job! Is the patio still holding up? This will makes sense for a rental Home

[@TheWillToMake]

It's held up great and have had no issues at all with it. And thank you very much!!

[@sherrieleak4629]

@@TheWillToMake I am doing my deck now. It is year 4. How is it?

[@GraceLakin]

I am going to add gravel first and a slight concrete topping before I put the crates down and then I’m gonna fill them in with rock pebbles and some concrete

[@Wubanga777]

Nice and simple and affordable.... RYOBI NATION 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much!!

[@kirstie7187]

Brilliant skills 👌

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!!

[@shelly4171]

What about drainage from rain? It seems like th e rain water would jusy sit on top of the deck.

[@jabee7846]

Are kidding....it's perfect

[@she_sings_delightful_things]

This was fun to watch - thanks!

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you so much!!

[@michellehedge8294]

We did this but the plywood (subfloor) rotted after about 4 yrs. The water didn't have anywhere to go. We are trying to figure out what to do now.

[@TheWillToMake]

Yep I figured that would happen with our as well, but our was meant to be temporary anyway.

[@kimberlyquinn9023]

great job like always, love it !

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!!

[@JohnJohn-xu6gk]

How's it holding up?

[@AndersonOliveira-pf7dy]

Olá. Não há problemas a madeira ficar direto na terra? Não haverá problemas com chuva?

[@elmexicanodelnorte5333]

Definitivamente que si la lluvia 🌧 pronto lo dañará, para evitar eso debes poner graba para drenar el agua 💦

[@anniewilson6737]

Love it

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you!!

[@XboxSpecialist]

It's kinda crazy how many people started to get into building stuff out brand name wood just to complain to others on the internet about the price gouging in recent years .

[@XboxSpecialist]

Still a decent video . Thank you

[@h.p.6455]

You said very fast what the board is called you layed on top of the pallet? I couldn't make out what that was before you put on the fence pickets.

[@TheWillToMake]

It was an underlayment, I used it to level out the top of the pallets

[@cuyoung1568]

That is awesome 👍🏼, you should be very proud , I’m proud of you, way to go!👍🏼👍🏼👏👏👏

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you very much!! I appreciate it

[@larrypahl5756]

thanx

[@noellerem]

what's your best pallet screw to buy?

[@BigDaddy5]

how has this held up after a year??

[@TheWillToMake]

It held up very well, better than I expected.

[@evagarcia2080]

The pallets are wood treated to exterior projects?, someone? Thank you

[@jessicaschulze5467]

Can you list the items you used? ie: how many pallets, boards etc.?

[@brendarimel5372]

looks nice but you should of put bricks under the pallets so it doesn't rot and you'd have it last a longer time they rot fast sitting on the dirt I also learned the hard way ☺️

[@TheWillToMake]

Thank you! Yes I know. This wasn't meant to be permanent. It was just supposed to be temporary until wood prices came back down.

[@kaylaschulz7515]

Is water prelified

[@graemeclark2485]

I’ve got a huge ugly concrete back garden and was hoping to do something like this for the back portion. I’m gonna build a 2x3m pallet deck and a 2x4 artificial grass section to just try and make it at least look less like a concrete square 😂 cant complain though the house was cheap

[@kaylaschulz7515]

On the top put no maintenance decking