Using wooden pallets is an inexpensive and easy way to create an attractive picket fence for your yard. This is also a great great recycled-items project.
Step One
Get pallets. Many local businesses will give away their excess wooden pallets if you just ask. Some businesses will allow people to take as many pallets as they can haul away, while others will limit the number of pallets taken at a time. Look for pallets that are uniform in size and slat spacing.
Step Two
Decide upon the style of fence. With a pallet fence, you can choose to attach one pallet between two posts, or run 2-by-4s for support between two posts, then attach two pallets to the 2-by-4s. The style of pallet fence you plan to build will determine the spacing of your posts.
Step Three
Set posts for the fence. You will need to use cedar posts, treated 4-by-4 posts or metal fence posts for your picket fence. Wooden posts will probably be more aesthetically pleasing than metal posts and will be easier to attach the pallets to. If you choose to use cedar posts or wooden 4-by-4s, you will need to dig holes with a post-hole digger. Measure your pallets to get an estimated distance between posts. After setting the posts, you will need to secure them with fast-setting concrete (unless you are using metal posts). Follow the manufacturer's instructions for doing this. Allow the concrete and posts to harden before proceeding. Set two posts spaced for one pallet to create a gate.
Step Four
Attach the 2-by-4s. If you have chosen to use 2-by-4s to secure your pallets, the boards should be spaced so the top of the pallet will rest against the top 2-by-4 and the bottom of the pallet will rest against the bottom 2-by-4. Screw the 2-by-4s into place on the posts.
Step Five
Pallets can be broken apart for use or used intact for a heavier (and quicker) fence. To break apart, use a pry bar and a hammer to remove the nails. If the nails are difficult to remove, you could use a reciprocating saw with a metal blade to cut the nails.
Step Six
Attach the pallets. The spacing between posts and between 2-by-4s should be such that you can easily and quickly secure the pallets or pallet pieces. Screw two pallets (or the correct number of pieces) in between the posts and onto the 2-by-4s.
Step Seven
Create a gate. The two closely spaced posts will be the location of your gate. You may need to brace these posts with a diagonally placed 2-by-4--one end attached at the top of each of these posts and the other end attached to the bottom of the next post. Attach the heavy gate hinges to the pallet, then lift it into place and attach the hinges to one of the gate posts. Then attach the gate latch.
Step Eight
Paint the fence. The last step to creating an inexpensive and attractive pallet fence is to paint the whole thing. The paint will create continuity and add beauty.