Small mostly freebie backyard deck

This is a small deck I made a few years ago at another trailer we lived in, made from pallets, oversea shipping crates, yard sale stain and polyurethane, junked decorations and tree and railing and garden ties. In the center of the deck I painted a Koi fish pond. I was asked on HomeTalk facebook to post this awhile ago...

67 Comments Displaying 25 of 67 comments | See Previous

Karen B Youngstown, NY

Hey Linda! I used to be a kind of neighbor, I lived in Florence AL

on Apr 14, 2012 · Like 0
Arelis S Marietta, GA

I love this!!! where can I get Pallets, I once asked a placed I shop at ,for building materials. I was told that they use them over again. If someone can give me an idea of where I can purchase or get them for free, I would love to try this.

on Apr 15, 2012 · Like 1
Karen B Youngstown, NY

look on craigslist under FREE, there are sometimes adds for people to come get free pallets, or try out behind home stores, or factories/businesses

on Apr 17, 2012 · Like 2
Mary anne Z Oak Forest, IL

be sure to treat those pallets we have a very bad asian bettle insect invasion traced to pallets shipped from china to usa and ended up in chicago

on Apr 18, 2012 · Like 4
Marg C Middletown, NY

Arelis...my Walmart always have them behind the store. I've gotten a few from there.

on Apr 20, 2012 · Like 3
Lynn M

Well, to all the ppl who think that it won't last - maybe not - but the price is right and how many times do we get tired of things (like permanent decks) and change them around. I love ideas that cost very little because in five years I may want something totally different. I am impressed with the idea.

on Apr 21, 2012 · Like 7
Nyomi R Hillsboro, NH

I think you did an awesome job! And to all the "Negative Nancy's" who are on here, you do what you can with what you've got! Not everyone can afford to go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy pressure treated 2x4's and build a so called "perfect" deck! Who says this wasn't perfect for her?
I think it's ingenious. I love the different levels, the tree in the corner, and the plants bordering it. I love that you Re-purposed things that people were going to throw away. "One man's ...»
trash is another man's treasure." How very true is that quote when it comes to this project. A fantastic job on all levels Karen!

on Apr 25, 2012 · Like 6
Connie E Shawnee, OK

I have several "mini decks" around my back yard from pallets. They're so much you can do with them!

on May 18, 2012 · Like 3
Marg C Middletown, NY

I just saw on Craigslist last week someone had 200 they were giving away :) so keep checking online too!

on May 20, 2012 · Like 2
Leanne L Alliance, OH

adding value to something that you don't own, she lived in a trailor park people. something you add value to is when it's your own property. I think this was a great idea, a fun project and it served it's purpose while was there, and looked just as easy to remove. Great job and great idea!!

on May 20, 2012 · Like 2
Nancy Rhodes C Bessemer, AL

Mary Ann Z said to treat these pallets - treat them with what? Wonder how long it would take them to rot? I would like some out in my private gardens. These look cool.

on May 21, 2012 · Like 2
Karen B Youngstown, NY

I ran into the person who got these after I moved away and they are still good, no rot, need refinishing, but they are still good

on May 22, 2012 · Like 1
Karen B Youngstown, NY

i did own the trailer, but paid lot rent, but yes if it had been a house i would have gone with a real deck and done the pallets as a garden walkway

on May 22, 2012 · Like 3
Marg C Middletown, NY

at least you owned it....we rent the farmhouse we're living in :S It's a great place with 72 acres to roam, a barn and 2 garages but still would love to own something right now ;) this is ideal because it can be easily disassembled when we leave.

on May 23, 2012 · Like 1
Leanne L Alliance, OH

exactly what i mean karen B, you didn't own the property, so why put expense into something you would have either had to leave behind or tear apart. What you created served you and sounds like,continues to serve the next person using that lot. keep creating, you're talented

on May 23, 2012 · Like 2
Terri J York, PA

The bank and I own my property and I still would rather put labor than money into some projects.

on May 23, 2012 · Like 3
Karen B Youngstown, NY

Marg C. I owned the mobile home, not the property, I had to pay lot rent

on Jul 15, 2012 · Like 1
Marg C Middletown, NY

I have an Aunt who owns her mobile home and pays lot rent so I know what you mean. I never did get around to doing your idea this year, but there is always next year :)

on Jul 15, 2012 · Like 1
Marilyn Tolliver Lincoln, NE

Thank you for sharing this. I love your deck and I'm going to try to make one!

on Mar 15, 2013 · Like 0
Edie Maynard Bradenton, FL

Thanks so much for the great idea. I have a big back yard so I have enough room for a deck but unfortunately no cash. This is Perfect....

on Mar 15, 2013 · Like 1
Donna C Manchester, NH

Wonderful deck great idea to save money!!!

on Mar 16, 2013 · Like 0
Connie C Navarre, FL

Loved all these pictures. Great ideas. Love the Koi pond.
Thank you for sharing.

on Mar 16, 2013 · Like 0
Jovanna Columbia, SC

Nice. Thanks for sharing

on May 06, 2013 · Like 0
Kay Bulger Homestead, PA

Hi Karen I was curious as to how you did this from start to finish. I love your idea and will be attempting to do it before memorial day weekend so that i can have a nice yard. How many days did it take you to complete this wonderful project???

on May 08, 2013 · Like 0
Joy D Rouzerville, PA

What an imagination......good job!!!

on May 08, 2013 · Like 0