DIY Pool-Side Pallet Projects for Perfect Summer Entertaining
Having a backyard swimming pool, whether it is big or small, can make a home the perfect retreat, especially during summer days. If you happen to have a pool in your home, then you must want some poolside projects to provide a sitting area, keep pool noodles or other toys organized, and entertain your guests. These projects do not have to be costly and are easy to do with old wooden pallets. A DIY pallet project is one of the cheapest and easiest to make because pallets can be easily found in local stores and are sometimes given for free. Take a look at the following DIY poolside projects, and I think they will give the area surrounding the swimming pool some flair.
1. Take your pool entertaining to new heights with a backyard pallet pool and tiki bar created using wood pallets:
Start by gathering a few wooden pallets and cleaning them up. Sand them down to remove any rough edges, and add a fresh coat of paint to make them look new again. Next, stack the pallets on top of each other and secure them with screws or bolts. Add some shelving space and a countertop using more pallets, and you’ve got yourself a cool and functional pallet pool bar! It’s a great addition to any backyard pool party, and it’s an easy and inexpensive project to do. Get creative with your pallet pool ideas and have fun!
Related: Top 38 Genius DIY Outdoor Pallet Furniture Designs That Will Amaze You
2. Build a pallet board to keep your pool toys and cleaning tools in the right place (before hanging it, give it a coat of light-blue paint):
Tutorial: jugglingactmama.com
Related: 21 No Money Backyard Pallet DIYs for Kids Summer Fun
3. Pallet steps provide a safer entry to your above-ground swimming pool:
Related: 26 Fabulous DIY Pallet Projects For Your Kids
4. A DIY pallet pool deck can be used as a neat walkway to get to your swimming pool:
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You May Also Like: 45 Budget-Friendly Pool Hacks to Transform Your Backyard
Follow these steps to build your own pallet pool deck for free:
- Step 1: Gather Materials
First, you will need to gather your materials. You’ll need wooden pallets, concrete blocks or pavers, sandpaper, a drill, screws, and a saw. You may also want to consider purchasing wood stain or paint to finish your deck. - Step 2: Prepare the Area
Before you start building, clear the area where you want to build your deck. Make sure the ground is level and free of any debris. Lay down a layer of sand or gravel to help with drainage. - Step 3: Build the Frame
Begin by building the frame for your deck using the pallets. Lay the pallets out in a rectangle shape, and screw them together at the corners. Use the saw to cut any pallets to the right size. Place the concrete blocks or pavers underneath the corners of the frame to keep it level. - Step 4: Add the Deck Boards
Once you have the frame in place, it’s time to add the deck boards. Use the drill to screw the deck boards onto the frame, making sure they are evenly spaced. You can also use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.
5. You must need a nice place to hang dry pool towels. Why not turn a pallet into this fun pool towel hanger?
Image via: funkyjunkinteriors.net
Related: The Best 24 DIY Pallet Projects for Your Bathroom
6. Place a pair of sun loungers made of wooden pallets beside your swimming pool to enjoy the sunlight:
similar project tutorial: instructables.com
Related: Top 30 The Best DIY Pallet Projects For Kitchen
7. Especially when you plan to host a pool party with your guests, a BBQ station built from wooden pallets will be a must-have:
Image via: woodenpalletsideas.com & goodshomedesign.com
Related: 40 Fantastic Ways Of How To Reuse Old Wooden Pallets
8. Are you thinking about adding a pallet fire pit to your pool area?
Image via: amazinginteriordesign.com
Related: 25 Easy and Cheap Pallet Storage Projects You Can Make Yourself
9. A DIY pallet cooler is a must-have possession for your outdoor pool parties:
Tutorial: foxhollowcottage.com
10. Want a place near your pool area to enjoy dinner with your friends? A very practical pallet table would be your best choice:
Image via: woodenpalletsideas.com
build a pool bar with pallet
@themartinzzz Convinced my husband to build a pool bar 😅
@tim_stagramin The best thing you can add to your pool. #PrimeDayDreamDeals #tikibar #poolsidebar #swimupbar #abovegroundpool #abovegroundpoolhack #bestwaypool #texas #pool #poolparty #fyp #diyproject #diy #outdooroasis #pooltime #oasis #paradise #summer ♬ Paradise – TELL YOUR STORY music by Ikson™
How To Build A Pool Deck With Pallets Under $100
Want a budget-friendly yet sturdy pool deck that doesn’t look like a temporary fix? Building one with recycled pallets is possible—as long as you treat it like a serious construction project. Here’s a step-by-step guide that balances simplicity with structural integrity.
Materials You’ll Need
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Heat-treated or pressure-treated wooden pallets (uniform size, no cracks or rot)
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Concrete deck blocks or paving stones (for leveling and moisture protection)
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Pressure-treated 2×4 or 2×6 lumber (for framing and support)
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Exterior-grade plywood (if laying over pallets)
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Wood screws, brackets, joist hangers
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Cordless drill, circular saw, sander
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Spirit level, tape measure, landscape fabric
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Deck stain, sealant, and outdoor paint
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Safety gear (gloves, goggles, dust mask)
🔨 Step-by-Step Construction Process
1. Plan Your Deck Design
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Measure the circumference and elevation around your pool.
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Sketch a layout: is your deck a semi-circle, full wraparound, or partial platform?
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Determine how many pallets you’ll need and calculate spacing.
💡 Tip: Stick to a low deck height if you’re not adding stairs or railing.
2. Prepare the Ground
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Clear all vegetation and debris.
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Lay landscape fabric to block weeds.
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Place concrete deck blocks in a grid under where each pallet corner will sit.
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Use a level to ensure a flat base across the whole area.
This avoids sinking or water pooling beneath the deck.
3. Construct a Support Frame (Optional but Strongly Recommended)
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Use 2x4s or 2x6s to create a rigid outer frame that matches your layout.
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Use joist hangers or metal brackets to reinforce corners.
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Anchor the frame to the ground using rebar stakes if needed.
This frame becomes the skeleton that supports your pallets and keeps everything square and solid.
4. Install the Pallets
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Place each pallet into the frame, ensuring tight placement with minimal gaps.
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Use long wood screws to secure pallets to the frame and to each other.
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For added strength, run 2x4s underneath the pallet seams as support beams.
🛠️ Pro Tip: Avoid stacking pallets unless you reinforce them; it’s safer to raise the deck with concrete blocks instead.
5. Surface Layer (Optional for Smooth Finish)
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If you want a clean, unified look, lay exterior plywood over the pallets.
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Secure it with deck screws and countersink them for a flush finish.
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Alternatively, you can install deck boards or composite planks on top.
6. Sand and Seal
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Sand down all surfaces to prevent splinters—especially around pool edges.
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Apply outdoor wood stain or deck sealant to weatherproof your deck.
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Choose UV-resistant sealers for longevity.
Don’t skip this step—pallet wood is prone to weather damage.
Check out the video tutorial:
