I’m always itching to get my DIY on, but materials themselves sometimes cost an arm and a leg, and by the time I buy wood, nails, paint, and those 2 or 3 extra tools I need for a project that aren’t already in my toolbox, it all adds up. DIY pallet projects are the answer—with so many damaged ones left abandoned behind my local Costco, I knew I had to pick a few up and see what I could build with them.
It turns out, the ideas are almost endless. Old wooden pallets are the perfect source for project materials to create something new and fun. they’re affordable, they’re plentiful, and just like I did, you can probably get your hands on some pretty easily. Not to mention you can have the satisfaction of upcycling some old materials to give them a new life. No matter your DIY skill level, I’ve rounded up the coolest pallet projects for kids. I personally have the outdoor reading tent on my project list to build for my son in our backyard this summer.
More DIY Home Projects:
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- 15 Epic Target Dollar Bin Crafts That Look Expensive (Yet Cost Almost Nothing to Make)
DIY Pallet Projects for Kids
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Pallet Skyline
Pallet boards are transformed here into a skyline inspired by the houses of Holland. You could create a skyline of any city you like and add it to your kid's decor. See the full project.
image: Haba Fabrics
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Colorful Fence
A colorful pallet fence is the perfect idea to surround an outdoor playhouse or structure. Kids can help pick the colors and paint once the pieces are constructed. See the full project.
image: 101 Pallet Ideas
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Reading Tent
This sweet little reading tent is simple to make and creates a fun little hideaway for your kiddos.
image: TwoBirds Boutique
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Baby or Pet Gate
A baby (or pet!) gate is a brilliant use of an old pallet, and you can stain or paint it any color you like to customize it to your home decor.
image: Finding Purpose Furniture
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Bike Ramp
Use old pallets to put together a bike ramp for your driveway or backyard. Kids will have hours of fun cruising over the top and back.
image: Swiftly Morgan
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Lemonade Stand
A roadside lemonade stand is extra charming when it's made from some beautifully weathered pallets. This one was constructed for about $3.
image: The Clueless Girl
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Potty Step
If your kiddos are potty-training age, a step can be priceless. Make yourself one with an old pallet using this tutorial.
image: ClenseYourPallet
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Bedroom Hideaway
Pallets were used to create this awesome bedroom in an attic space. Can't think of a kid who wouldn't love this one.
image: Recyclart
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Kids' Table and Chairs
This little table and chair set is adorable and super functional with some hidden storage inside.
image: Her Tool Belt
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Outdoor Mud Kitchen
Mud kitchens provide hours of creative play, and you can customize them to your heart's desire. This one is chock-full of fun nooks and crannies to store play pots and pans.
image: 101 Pallet Ideas
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Cornhole Game
Let the kids help you construct this cornhole game, and you can have family tournaments all summer long.
image: Flynnside Out Productions
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Indoor Swing
A pallet swing is simple to put together and can be put indoors or outdoors. Use a full pallet for a larger bed-swing feel.
image:
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Pallet Sandbox
Talk about awesome---this pallet sandbox has a lid that closes fully, but it converts into seating when it's open.
image: Ana White
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Pallet playhouse
Instead of buying a pre-fab playhouse, use a few old pallets and some building materials to create an outdoor play space for kids.
image: Built By Kids
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Kids' Bench
Here's the prettiest little pallet project you ever did see. This kids' bench and arbor is so lovely you'd never guess you could make it from some upcycled boards.
image: Ana White
