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

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!

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

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 :)

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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!

Exactly what Ive been planning to do. Thank you!

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

Super easy. Thanks for sharing

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.

great job like always, love it !

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

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

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.