You can skip this step if you want, but you’ll be surprised by how easy it is to end up building a leaning or wavy fence without realizing it!
Putting the pallet’s slats in a horizontal position means that there is solid wood along the vertical sides where the pallet fence panels meet together. Putting the slats vertical leaves open gaps (meant for forklift tines) along the vertical sides.
For a “kind of sturdy” fence, drive in only one post, on the edge of the pallet that is either the endpoint or a corner of the fence. For a “pretty sturdy” fence, drive in two posts, one on each edge of the pallet. For a “really sturdy” fence, check out the other method in this article! To build a fence made of typical 40 in × 48 in (100 cm × 120 cm) pallets, use 5 ft (1. 5 m) metal fence posts.
Try to keep the second pallet lined up while you pound in the post, but don’t worry if it moves a little. You’ll be attaching it to the first pallet shortly. If you’re looking to build that “pretty sturdy” fence instead, go ahead and drive 2 posts into the second pallet, one at each end.
Repeat the process on the opposite side of the fence with the other board.
Corners: Line up the 2 pallets at a 90-degree angle so that one overlaps the edge of the other at the corner. Drill through each of the interior slats of the overlapping pallet and into the side vertical support of the covered pallet, then drive in 2. 25 in (5. 7 cm) screws. Cut pallets: If you need to cut a pallet to fit your fencing area, aim to cut through the horizontal slats right up alongside the vertical support that runs up the center of the pallet. You’ll basically end up with a half-width pallet fence panel that will install in the same fashion. Gates: Check out the next step!
Leave the gap for the gate opening about 1–2 in (2. 5–5. 1 cm) wider than the width of a pallet. Secure the pallets on either side of the gate opening with 2 pound-in posts apiece. Lay scraps of wood on the ground to prop up the gate pallet about 1–2 in (2. 5–5. 1 cm) off the ground. Screw in at least 3 gate hinges on one side of the gate pallet and the fence pallet beside it. [10] X Research source Install the gate latch on the side of the gate pallet opposite to the hinges.
If you’re making a gate opening, leave only 41–42 in (100–110 cm) of space between a pair of fence posts in that location.
30 in (76 cm) is typically the minimum digging depth for fence posts, and it works well for a 4 ft (1. 2 m) high pallet fence. At this depth—and after adding some crushed stone to the bottom—at least 1/3 of the total length of your 4x4 posts will be buried underground, making for a sturdy fence.
Repeat this process with the other posts.
Do the same with all the other posts. Let the concrete set up for at least 3 days (or whatever is recommended on the package) before proceeding. If you’re using a quick-set concrete, pour the dry mix into the hole, then pour in water, all according to the specific product instructions.
Repeat the process with each pair of pallets you’re using. If you want to conceal the joints between your pallets, cover each connection with a piece of 1x4 lumber cut to length and screwed or nailed into place.
The extra 2 in (5. 1 cm) is for ground clearance so that your pallets are flush with the top of the posts but not touching the ground.
While it’s possible to do this job solo, it’ll definitely be easier with a second (and even third) set of hands! Repeat the process with the remaining posts and paired pallet panels. Once you get into a groove, you’ll be surprised just how quickly your fence comes together.
Use scraps of wood to prop up the gate pallet about 1–2 in (2. 5–5. 1 cm) off the ground and level with the fence posts. Screw in at least 3 gate hinges on one of the gate posts and the gate pallet beside it. [20] X Research source Install the gate latch on the side of the gate pallet opposite to the hinges.
To make your double-height fence more sturdy, consider setting your posts with 40 in (100 cm) spacing instead of 80 in (200 cm) so that each stacked pair of pallets is secured to two posts. Check for any fence height restrictions where you live before building this kind of fence. If you’re limited to a 6 ft (1. 8 m) high fence, for example, you’ll have to cut each top pallet in your stacked fence in half.
Connect a series of pallets side-by-side with gate hinges (2-3 hinges per connection). Alternate the sides of the gate hinges so your standing fence can have a zig-zag (or accordion-style) pattern. Install 2 heavy-duty caster wheels on the bottom of each pallet fence panel. Stand the fence upright on the wheels and adjust the panels into a zig-zag/accordion pattern so they’re sturdy. Wheel the fence into position (this fence works best on a flat, hard surface, such as a patio or driveway). When you’re done with the fence, fold the panels flat for storage.
