So, you’ve got an above ground pool. It’s a total summer game-changer, right? But sometimes, the space around it just feels…well, kinda blah.
You can grab some pallets and build a deck. It’s simple, doesn’t drain your wallet, and suddenly you have a cozy spot to chill, hang with friends, or even throw a little shindig.
Pallet decks give your backyard a boost without costing a fortune. They’re creative, fun, and make your pool area way more useful.
Whether you’re into that rustic farmhouse look or want something a bit more modern, there’s an idea here for you. Let’s check out some easy ways to turn those plain ol’ pallets into your new favorite hangout.
1. Stack pallets to create multi-level lounging spots around your pool for that resort vibe without breaking the bank.
Guess what? You can stack pallets at different heights and suddenly you’ve got a super cool, layered deck.
You get comfy spots to sunbathe, stretch out, or just plop down with a cold drink. It’s way fancier than it looks, and it barely costs anything.
Try giving each level its own job. Maybe loungers on one, a table on another.
You’ll get that fun, mini-resort feel every time you jump in. Plus, pallets are everywhere and usually free or super cheap.
No need for fancy tools. Just stack, secure, and toss on some cushions or a rug.
That’s it. You’ve turned your pool hangout into a little getaway.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Start with fewer pallet layers, then add more once you get comfy with the look. It’s all about making a space you’ll love to chill in, without fuss.”
2. Use pallet boards as wide steps leading up to your above ground pool – bonus points for a no-slip finish.
Pool ladders can be slippery and wobbly. I’ve been there, and it’s not fun!
You can use pallet boards to build wide, solid steps. Suddenly, getting in and out of your pool feels safe and easy.
When you make the steps wide, they look super inviting. Plus, they double as a spot to sit and dangle your feet.
If you want to keep things safe, slap on some textured outdoor paint or stick on anti-slip tape. Wet feet? No problem.
Building these steps from pallets saves money and gives your pool area a nice upgrade.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Make sure to sand the edges smooth to avoid splinters. Adding a clear outdoor sealant helps your steps last longer and look fresh.”
3. Incorporate built-in pallet seating with storage underneath for towels, toys, and your secret BBQ sauce stash.
Ever notice how pool days end with stuff everywhere? Towels, goggles, random floaties—yikes.
Built-in pallet seating with storage underneath fixes that. You get a cozy place to sit and a sneaky spot to stash all your pool gear.
Lift the seat and grab a towel without leaving your deck. Or hide your BBQ sauce from the neighbors. (Hey, everyone’s got their secrets.)
It’s easy to make—just stack pallets, secure them, and add hinges on top.
Suddenly, you’ve got storage that keeps your deck tidy.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Keep your storage sealed tight to protect your goodies from weather and bugs. Adding cushions on top makes your seat both comfy and stylish.
4. Make a pallet privacy screen that doubles as a climbing plant trellis to keep nosy neighbors guessing.
Feel like your pool time is a little too public? You can stand up a pallet and make a quick privacy screen.
It’s not just a wall—it’s a trellis, too. Plant some ivy or sweet peas at the base and let them climb.
As the plants grow, you get more privacy and a nice green view. It’s lighter and friendlier than a big fence.
Just stand the pallet up, secure it, and plant away. Your neighbor might start wondering what’s behind all those vines.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Pick fast-growing plants for quicker coverage. Water your plants regularly to keep your screen looking fresh and green all summer.
5. Add pallet planters integrated into the deck edges to bring some fresh greenery and maybe some mint for mojitos.
You might not realize it, but a little greenery around your pool deck changes everything.
Build some pallet planters right into the edges of your deck. Suddenly, you’ve got flowers, herbs, or even a few veggies within arm’s reach.
Imagine grabbing fresh mint for your mojito without leaving your chair. That’s living the dream, right?
Pallets make it easy. Use the slats to make simple boxes and attach them right to the frame.
If you’re not a gardening pro, start with mint—it grows fast and smells amazing.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Place landscape fabric inside your pallet planters to keep soil from falling out. Water your herbs regularly, and you’ll have fresh, tasty additions for any drink or dish.”
6. Seal pallets with outdoor wood sealant to survive the rain, sun, and your wild summer parties.
Wood doesn’t love water—at all. If you leave pallets untreated, rain soaks in and things get ugly fast.
Cracks, warping, maybe even rot. Nobody wants that for their deck.
You can seal your pallets with outdoor wood sealant. That way, water can’t sneak in and the sun won’t fade or crack the wood.
Your deck stays strong, even when your cousin spills lemonade everywhere.
Pick a sealant made for outdoors, especially one that blocks UV rays.
It’s a quick step that saves you a headache (and money) down the road.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Always apply sealant on a dry, clean surface for the best results. Reapply every year or two to keep your deck ready for all your outdoor adventures.”
7. Build a detachable pallet deck that you can move around or store when the pool is winterizing, because flexibility is freedom.
Think a deck has to stay put forever? Nope! You can build a detachable pallet deck and move it when you want.
When it’s time to pack up the pool for winter, just break down the deck and stash it away.
This way, you get to change things up whenever you feel like it. Move it to a sunny spot, or slide it closer to the pool.
It saves space in the off-season and keeps your wood in better shape.
Build it in smaller sections so it’s easy to handle. Use simple hooks or fasteners to keep things sturdy but still easy to take apart.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Keep a few pallets loose for quick moving and storage. Label sections so you don’t get confused when setting it back up next season.
8. Create a pallet bar area on your deck so you never have to leave the water for a cold drink.
Nobody wants to trek back inside every time they want a drink. You can build a simple pallet bar right on your deck.
It’s easy, cheap, and keeps you close to the pool. Plus, it looks awesome.
Use old wooden pallets to make a sturdy bar. The rustic look fits right in.
Your pallet bar can hold drinks, snacks, and maybe a few decorations. Keep it stocked, and you’ll be the hero of every pool party.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Pick pallets that are smooth and well-sanded so your bar looks nice and feels safe. Add a small cooler or ice bucket nearby to keep drinks chilled without leaving the water.
9. Use a stain color that mimics driftwood for that laidback beachy feel, even if your backyard is in Nebraska.
You don’t need an ocean view to get that beachy vibe. Try a deck stain that looks like driftwood.
It gives your wood a soft, weathered look—kinda like it’s been chilling on the shore for years.
Driftwood stains hide scratches and dirt really well. That’s handy when the pool gets busy.
You get a natural, relaxed look without going too dark or too bright. Your deck feels like a little beach escape—even in Nebraska.
If you want to get fancy, layer two stains for an extra driftwood effect. It’s easier than you’d think.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Pick a stain with protection against sun and water. It helps your deck keep that fresh look longer without much fuss.”
10. Combine pallets with LED strip lights underneath for magical nighttime swim vibes that’ll impress your friends and confuse fireflies.
Fireflies might get jealous, but you’ll love how your pool deck glows at night.
You can stick LED strip lights under your pallet deck. Suddenly, the whole area looks warm and inviting after dark.
It’s easy to do and makes your deck look modern. Plus, you’ll actually see the pool edges when you swim at night.
Pick any color—maybe a calming blue, or something bright and fun. Some strips even change colors with a remote.
It’s a quick way to turn your pallet deck into a magical hangout spot.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Always protect your LED strips from water by using waterproof covers. And don’t forget—testing the lights before installation saves you time and frustration.
11. Craft a pallet deck with a built-in cooler hole to keep your drinks icy-cold without the trek to the fridge.
Let’s be real, nobody wants to keep running back and forth to the kitchen for a cold drink when you’re chilling by the pool. I get tired just thinking about it. So why not build a pallet deck with a built-in cooler hole right where you want it?
Grab some old pallets and cut out a spot big enough for your favorite cooler or ice chest. Now your drinks hang out with you instead of making you go fetch them.
Toss in some ice, fill it with sodas or lemonade, and you’re set. The cooler fits snug in the deck, so you don’t have to stress about spills or wobbly setups.
This trick makes your pool deck feel way more fun and way less like a gym workout. Your guests will love it, and honestly, you’ll look like you thought of everything.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Pick a cooler size that fits well with your deck’s design to keep it stable. Also, sealing around the cooler hole helps stop water from leaking inside the wooden frame.”
12. DIY a pallet umbrella stand to keep that poolside shade and style without spending a ton
You might think you need some fancy store-bought thing to hold your umbrella, but honestly, pallets work just as well. I mean, why pay more?
Pallet wood is tough and perfect for outdoor projects. You can cut it, stack it, nail it, or even slap on some paint to match your vibe.
A pallet stand lets you move your umbrella wherever the sun isn’t. Want shade over here? Just scoot it. You can even add stones or a bit of sand inside to keep it from tipping when the wind picks up.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Make sure to seal your pallet wood with waterproof paint or finish. It helps your stand last through all kinds of weather.
13. Layer different pallet sizes for a patchwork deck effect that screams crafty genius.
Who says decks have to be all neat squares and perfect lines? Not me! Mixing pallet sizes gives your deck this wild patchwork look that feels super creative.
Gather up pallets in different shapes and sizes. Lay them out in a way that fits your pool’s shape, then screw or nail them together.
This trick adds texture and makes your deck pop. Plus, it’s way easier to fill in those weird, awkward spots around the pool.
You get to show off your creative side, and your friends will probably ask where you bought it.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Always sand rough edges before stacking pallets. It makes your deck safer and keeps it looking sharp for much longer.
14. Add pallet shelves around the deck perimeter for your sunscreen, pool floats, and the mysterious lost flip-flop.
Ever get that feeling where you know you just saw the sunscreen, but now it’s vanished? Me too. Pallet shelves around your deck’s edge fix that problem fast.
Grab a few spare boards and screw them onto the sides of your deck. Suddenly, you’ve got spots for sunscreen, goggles, towels, and even those sneaky flip-flops.
These shelves keep your deck tidy and help everyone find what they need without tripping over stuff. Plus, they add a cozy, rustic touch to your pool area.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Use weatherproof paint or sealant on your shelves to keep them lasting longer outdoors. Adding hooks below shelves is perfect for hanging towels or hats and saving even more space.”
15. Use treated pallets to build a ramp for easy pool access—great for kiddos, dogs, or your ambitious inner toddler
Getting into an above ground pool shouldn’t feel like climbing a mountain. If you’ve got little kids, dogs, or just want to make life easier, a pallet ramp is the way to go.
Treated pallets handle the weather and hold up through lots of splashing. Clear and level the ground, stack the pallets for a gentle slope, and add some slats on top to keep things from getting slippery.
Kids and pups will love it, and honestly, your inner kid will probably want to run up and down it too.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Make sure to sand the pallets well to avoid splinters. Also, add some outdoor paint or sealant to keep the ramp looking fresh for seasons to come.
16. Make a fold-up pallet bench that doubles as a diving board platform for beginners’ cannonballs.
A pallet bench isn’t just for sitting—why not make it double as a mini diving board? Picture a fold-up bench that flips out into a platform for cannonballs (the safe, beginner kind).
Pallets make this easy and cheap. Use a couple of hinges so the bench folds flat or opens out as a sturdy platform.
When it’s folded out, it’s strong enough for jumping in. Fold it back, and you’ve got a regular bench to chill on.
Pick smooth, dry wood and sand it well, so you don’t get any ouchies on your feet or hands. This bench saves space and adds a fun spot for pool games.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Pick pallets with smooth, untreated wood for safety. Adding a coat of outdoor sealant will help the bench last longer near water.
17. Fashion a rustic pallet gate to create a fenced pool oasis that feels both cozy and secure.
Who says a pool gate can’t be safe and charming at the same time? A rustic pallet gate does both, and it looks great too.
Weathered pallet wood blends right in with your backyard plants. Build a simple gate that swings open easily but stays strong enough to keep kids and pets out of trouble.
Each plank brings its own personality, so your gate never looks boring. Add a latch or lock for extra peace of mind, and paint it if you want a pop of color.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Choose pallet wood that’s dry and in good shape for a strong gate. A clear sealant helps protect it from rain and sun while keeping its rustic look.
18. Incorporate sunken pallet sections for built-in fire pits next to your pool—because warmth is the ultimate poolside comfort.
Fire pits and pools? Oh yes, they totally go together. A sunken pallet section makes an awesome built-in fire pit spot right next to your deck.
Build a little pit area by sinking a section into your pallet deck. It looks cool and doesn’t eat up extra space.
The wood adds a natural, cozy feel that just works with outdoor hangouts. When the sun goes down, you’ll love having a spot to gather and warm up.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: When building, make sure your fire pit has good ventilation and stays a safe distance from the pool’s edge. Small details like these keep your setup safe and cozy.
19. Repurpose painted pallets into a whimsical game board area—pool checkers, anyone?
Who knew pallets could turn into a giant game board? Paint one in bright colors, and suddenly you’ve got a checkerboard or chess area right by the pool.
It’s a fun way to add color and keep everyone entertained between swims. Plus, pallets are tough enough to handle all the game action.
Change up the colors for each season or match your backyard style. You can even get creative and paint your own designs.
This spot invites family and friends to hang out, even if they’re not big on swimming.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Pick pallets with smooth surfaces for painting to get the best look. Seal your painted board with clear varnish to protect it from sun and water.”
20. Build a simple pallet ladder platform on the side of the pool for epic cannonball launches and photo ops.
A regular pool ladder is fine, but a pallet platform? Now you’ve got a launchpad for cannonballs and the best poolside selfies.
Stack and secure a few pallets to make wide, sturdy steps and a little deck space on top. It’s a great spot to stand, jump, or just pose for photos.
A wider platform feels safer for everyone, especially kids. Plus, it makes your pool look like the place to be.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Always check the wood for smooth edges to avoid splinters. Adding a waterproof seal will keep your ladder looking great all summer.
21. Add pallet decking around the pool frame for an effortlessly elegant finish that fools everyone into thinking you hired a pro.
Think pallet decking around your pool sounds tough? It’s actually easier than you’d expect. Lining up pallets around the pool gives you a polished look that feels way more pro than DIY.
Smooth out rough spots with a bit of plywood or flat boards on top of the pallets. This makes it comfy and safe to walk around.
The wood adds a warm, natural vibe that fits in with any backyard. You don’t have to spend a ton or hire anybody—just take your time and keep things level.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Choose weatherproof wood or seal your pallets to keep them looking fresh longer. A simple finish can really protect your hard work from sun and water.
22. Use heat-treated pallets to avoid splinters and keep the whole deck family-friendly and barefoot-approved.
Regular wooden pallets? Oh, those things love to hand out splinters like party favors. I mean, who wants to step out of the pool, all relaxed, and then—ouch!—sharp pain in your foot? Not me, and definitely not the kids.
Heat-treated pallets make life so much easier. The process bakes the wood, so it comes out smoother and way less likely to give you a nasty poke. Plus, it zaps away pests and germs, which is a win for anyone who deals with allergies.
You end up with a deck that feels comfy under bare feet. No more tiptoeing around, just pure summer fun.
And hey, these pallets meet all those shipping and safety rules, so you know you’re working with better wood. Your deck stays sturdy and everyone’s toes stay happy. Honestly, it’s perfect for those long family afternoons outside.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Always throw on a pair of gloves when you’re moving pallets around—your hands will thank you. But once those heat-treated boards are in place, your feet can go wild and free around the pool!
23. Craft a vertical pallet organizer for pool toys to tame the chaos after a splash fest.
Pool toys have this magical ability to multiply and scatter everywhere. After a swim, you’ll find floaties, noodles, and goggles just hanging out all over the yard. It’s like a pool party tornado blew through.
I like using a vertical pallet organizer to handle the mess. Just stand a pallet up, and suddenly you’ve got little slots and shelves for all the gear.
It saves a ton of space and keeps your pool area looking tidy, even if you don’t have fancy storage. You can paint it to match your deck or slap on some hooks for towels if you’re feeling extra creative.
It doesn’t cost much, but wow, it makes cleaning up so much easier.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: “Set your pallet organizer where the sun hits it, so pool toys dry out fast. That way, you avoid weird smells and everything’s fresh for the next swim.”
24. Install pallet wood folding screens that can open up or close off sections of the deck for flexible entertaining.
So, you might hear “folding screens” and immediately picture some complicated project. Actually, it’s way simpler than most folks think.
Pallet wood works great for this kind of thing. It’s cheap, it’s sturdy, and honestly, it just has that cool backyard vibe.
With a few folding panels, you can open things up to catch a breeze. Or, close them off and suddenly you’ve got a private little nook.
You decide how open or hidden your pool area feels. Got neighbors peeking? Just swing those screens shut.
If you’re hosting friends, open them up and let everyone mingle. It’s like magic—one minute, cozy corner; the next, party central.
They give your deck a rustic look too, and you don’t have to spend a fortune.
Oh, and here’s a bonus—on windy days, you can block those gusts but still soak up the sun. It’s a win-win.
Bugs bugging you? Screens help with that too, so you’re not swatting flies every five seconds.
Expert Tip From MrPlanter: Pick out pallets that aren’t falling apart. Give ‘em a good sanding so nobody gets splinters. Trust me, your toes will thank you.