Pallet Fence Ideas

Building a fence is no easy task. It requires time and money to buy materials or hire someone to do it for you. However, if you have some pallets laying around, then you are in luck!

In this article, we cover how easy and cheap it is making of pallet wood for railing garden fencing without spending lots money in store but with great look as well.

Here are some popular pallet fence ideas:

Privacy Fences

• Stack pallets side-by-side and zip tie or screw them together to form a solid privacy barrier[1][2][3]
• Vary pallet colors for a more visually interesting look[4]
• Add lattice panels between pallets for a semi-private fence[5]

Picket Fences

• Space pallets apart and insert vertical pallet pickets in between[2][4]
• Paint pickets and pallets for a cohesive look[3][5]
• Add pointed picket tops for a classic style[4]

Planter Fences

• Turn pallets on their sides and attach planter boxes[1][4]
• Plant flowers, herbs or veggies in the planter boxes[4][5]
• Use varying height planters for visual interest[3]

Pathway Borders

• Line a pathway with pallets on their sides[2][6]
• Can break up yard into different functional spaces[5]
• Curving pallet borders look whimsical[1]

Garden Gates

• Use full pallets or pallet wood to form a garden gate[3][6]
• Attach wheels to allow the gate to roll open[5]
• Add signage or decor to customize[4]

The possibilities are endless! Pallets can create fences that are decorative, functional or both.

Citations:

[1] https://www.pinterest.ca/ryanp9878/pallet-fence/
[2] https://offgridworld.com/pallet-fence/
[3] https://balconygardenweb.com/diy-pallet-fence-ideas/
[4] https://www.thespruce.com/pallet-fence-ideas-7557348
[5] https://www.wikihow.com/Secure-a-Pallet-Fence
[6] https://craftbuds.com/how-to-make-a-fence-with-pallets/

Here are the key steps to prepare pallets for building a fence:

Inspect and Select Pallets

• Choose pallets that are in good, sturdy condition without broken boards or nails sticking out[1][3][5]
• Select pallets that are the same size to ensure even spacing in the fence[2][4]
• Avoid chemically-treated pallets, look for heat-treated stamp[3][6]

Dismantle and Clean

• Take pallets apart completely by prying off boards with a crowbar[1][2]
• Remove or hammer down any protruding nails and staples[1][4]
• Power wash boards to remove dirt, stains, or chemical residue[3][5]

Cut to Size

• Measure and mark boards to cut to consistent lengths[2][4]
• Use a circular saw, jigsaw or handsaw to cut boards to size[1][3]
• Cut enough boards to cover planned fence length[4][5]

Sand and Seal

• Lightly sand boards to smooth rough edges[3][6]
• Seal pallet wood with polyurethane or stain for protection[1][5]
• Let boards dry completely before constructing fence[4][6]

Proper prep of pallets creates clean, uniform boards ready for building a long-lasting, great-looking pallet fence!

Citations:

[1] https://www.wikihow.com/Secure-a-Pallet-Fence
[2] https://blessmyweeds.com/pallet-fence-ideas/
[3] https://morningchores.com/pallet-fence/
[4] https://www.pinterest.ca/ryanp9878/pallet-fence/
[5] https://offgridworld.com/pallet-fence/
[6] https://craftbuds.com/how-to-make-a-fence-with-pallets/

Here are the key steps to treat pallets for outdoor use before building a fence:

Inspect and Clean

• Inspect pallets for mold, rot, or chemical contamination. Avoid using those pallets.
• Take pallets apart and remove nails/staples.
• Power wash boards with a dilute bleach solution to kill mold spores.
• Let boards dry completely before treating.

Apply Wood Treatment

• Use an outdoor wood sealant or stain. Tung oil, linseed oil, and polyurethane work well.
• Fully saturate and coat all sides and edges of the boards.
• For extra protection, apply 2-3 coats allowing drying in between.
• Follow the product instructions for application and drying times.

Optional Extra Protection

• Coat boards with a water-repellent sealant like Thompson’s Water Seal.
• Use an outdoor paint or enamel for a more durable and weatherproof finish.
• Epoxy resin finishes provide the most heavy-duty protection for outdoor use.

Construct the Fence

• Once boards are treated and fully dry, they are ready to be used for building the pallet fence.
• Space and arrange boards as desired for the fence design.
• Use galvanized screws and hardware to assemble for longevity.

Properly treating pallet wood is crucial to make it last outdoors and resist moisture damage and decay when used for projects like fences.

Citations:

[1] https://www.woodworkingstreet.com/how-to-treat-pallet-wood-for-outdoor-use/
[2] https://cutthewood.com/diy/how-to-treat-pallet-wood-for-outdoor/
[3] https://improvewood.com/how-to-treat-pallet-wood-for-outdoor-use/
[4] https://blessmyweeds.com/pallet-fence-ideas/
[5] https://aaapalletco.com/treating-staining-pallets-for-outdoor-use/
[6] https://woodworkly.com/how-to-treat-pallet-wood-for-outdoor-use/

Here are some of the best types of oil finishes to use on pallets for outdoor use:

Tung Oil

• Provides excellent water resistance[1][2]
• Penetrates deep into wood for protection[2][3]
• Maintains a natural wood look[1][5]
• Dries to a smooth finish[3]

Linseed Oil

• Traditional oil for outdoor wood protection[2][4]
• Enhances natural wood grain[4][6]
• Must be applied in multiple coats[3][5]
• Takes longer to fully cure than other oils[4]

Danish Oil

• Contains tung oil, varnish resin and thinner[3][5]
• Easy to apply – wipes on and penetrates[2][5]
• Provides a mild amber tone[4][6]
• Dries faster than pure tung or linseed oil[5]

Hemp Oil

• All natural plant-derived oil[2][6]
• Nourishes and protects wood[1][6]
• Has antifungal properties[3]
• Best for unfinished wood or light stain[5]

Polyurethane

• Most waterproof protection for outdoors[3][4]
• Maintains a “wet” glossy look[1][5]
• Should go over oil or stain base coats[2][4]

Tung oil and linseed oil are good natural oil finish options. For convenience, Danish oil is a popular all-in-one oil blend. Polyurethane makes a durable top coat over oil-treated wood.

Citations:

[1] https://woodworkly.com/how-to-treat-pallet-wood-for-outdoor-use/
[2] https://www.woodworkingstreet.com/how-to-treat-pallet-wood-for-outdoor-use/
[3] https://improvewood.com/how-to-treat-pallet-wood-for-outdoor-use/
[4] https://aaapalletco.com/treating-staining-pallets-for-outdoor-use/
[5] https://www.obsessedwoodworking.com/how-to-treat-pallet-wood-for-outdoor-use/
[6] https://www.1001pallets.com/natural-treatments-for-pallet-wood/

You can build your own beautiful and cheap fence using these simple steps:

Measure the area where the fence will be built.

a) You will need to know the height and length of your fence. b ) Measure this area with a tape measure or by using stakes placed around it in order for you mark where posts should go on each side, measuring about one foot from every corner post hole (total 16 measurements). If possible we recommend marking out an irregular shape

Cut posts from the pallets.

a) Make sure that they are long enough to go into the ground at least three feet.

b) Use a circular saw to cut the posts you need. You can also use hand clamps if needed, as well

c) Make sure that each post is about three feet long and at least an inch in diameter or thicker so it won’t break when being pounded into the ground with a sledgehammer (you will learn more below).

Place one post every 12 inches apart onto a level surface

a) Pound each post into the ground using a sledgehammer. You may need to use some clamps or wedges as well

b ) Make sure that you are pounding firmly but not so hard it breaks through other side of pallet wood (you can also pound nails in if they break). If there is no nail, then you can use a screw to secure it

Measure out how much of each side of the pallet should be used for fencing

a) (it’s usually about two feet). Use this measurement as an indication on how high you should cut each of the posts.

b) Use a saw to make an accurate, straight line down one side and then across on your measurement (you can use another pallet if you want it more even). Make sure that when cutting nails are not in way or they will be ripped out with board as well

c) Saw through both sides of pallet boards (it usually takes two cuts), then use a sledge hammer or some type to pound them off.

If On Uneven surface

a) If the fence is not going on an even surface, measure out how much each post should be cut and level with one another in order for it all fit together properly ome clamps as well)

b) Make sure the posts are in the right place, then use a drill to pre-drill each of them. That way you can screw and secure it all together tightly with screws (or nails).

Finally cut down any excess material off so that your fence is perfectly square! Now wait for awhile before painting if desired or let natural weathering take its course.

Note:

You can paint the fence any color you would like or leave it natural. We recommend using a primer to keep your painting job from looking sloppy!