Make Your Backyard An Oasis With This Gazebo Built From Old Wood Pallets

Few things are as charming as a quaint gazebo to create a perfect backyard oasis for entertaining or relaxation. But according to Angi, installation of a gazebo can run from around $1,500 to $7,800! With numbers like that, it's no wonder many people see such a project as out of reach. However, creative DIYers show that you can make your own gazebo, or parts of it, using old wood pallets.

YouTuber Ed Bryan of Krucial Info shows how to create the backyard of his dreams on a budget. In his video, Bryan demonstrates how to construct a floating deck with old wood pallets, and then assembles a premade gazebo on top of it, making things a bit easier than building the entire structure. His project includes leveling the ground with concrete pavers, framing the deck, installing treated plywood, staining the wood, and assembling the premade gazebo. The completed deck cost him $258 for the plywood and stain, plus the cost of the gazebo and furniture. If you decide to build a pallet wood gazebo to top your new DIY deck, you'll need 4x4s or 6x6s for the support posts and 2x6s for the joists. Also plan on galvanized screws, tar paper, and shingles.

Beginners can take on this project pretty easily. You only need to know how to use a few power tools, like a circular saw and drill. Choose sturdy, heat-treated pallets with no broken slats for the deck, because these will not be disassembled before use. Ensure they are roughly the same size to make the layout of your deck easier. For the 10-by-12-foot deck, Bryan used 12 old wood pallets, and you'll need additional pallets for the gazebo.

Before you lay out your wood pallets on the concrete pavers, ensure they are level. It's a good idea to add sand or gravel under the pavers to help prevent sinking. Then, nail a frame around the pallets with 2x4s to keep them in place while also creating a solid lip to nail the plywood floor onto. Once the plywood is secured, add trim pieces around the edges and stains the entire platform. Trim pieces do not go all the way to the corners to allow space for bolting down the gazebo posts.

To build the gazebo yourself, you'll want to follow Vincent Andrew of Garden Patch's instructions and anchor the corner posts in concrete for stability, as well as craft the joists and roof. Or you can build supports from pallet wood and post anchors. This method can reduce total costs because while you'll be spending $45 on post anchors, but won't need concrete or support posts. YouTuber Wineberry Hill demonstrates how wood shingles and a wind skirt are helpful for weatherproofing the gazebo roof. If you want to follow these DIY steps, you'll have your entire project constructed from upcycled, free wood.

To level up your budget-savvy backyard paradise, you can add a table and chairs made from old pallets, or make yourself an outdoor daybed with pallet wood. Add a few custom patio planters to hide the pavers and your backyard will be the perfect getaway without breaking the bank. Like any DIY involving used wood, be sure to inspect the pallets for evidence of mold, like areas of the wood splitting or flaking off, and avoid choosing these options.