This brilliant DIY garden tool storage is made using an old wooden pallet

Make your own garden storage solution in four easy steps

Fancy trying your hand at making your own garden tool storage? Follow these easy steps for upcycling an old wooden pallet, turning it into a DIY storage solution – for minimal cost.

More: Brilliant budget garden ideas to boost outdoor space without breaking the bank

The understated pallet garden storage features hooks for hanging tools with ease. Plus an extra storage space at the back, for all your garden knick-knacks.

gardening tools with a pair of scissor water sprayer and wall hooks

(Image credit: ManoMano)

What you will need

A pallet and 3 extra pallet boards

Orbital sander

Mitre saw or hand saw

Drill or screwdriver

Wood screws

Wall hooks

Wood varnish

Paint brush

Step 1: Sand the pallet

wooden pallet with orbital sander and white wall

(Image credit: ManoMano)

 The first step is to sand the pallet. Do a thorough job by using an orbital sander, sanding both the top and back. Also sand three extra boards – taken from a second pallet.

If the pallet's in very bad condition, it's recommend to start with a highly coarse grain paper – to remove splinters and flaws. Once those are removed give the whole pallet a once over with a medium grain sand paper for a smooth finish.

Step 2: Cut and drill the extra boards

Increase the storage spaces potential on the pallet, by adding hidden storage in the back – using the three extra boards.

Cut the boards to the width of the pallet. It's recommended to use either a mitre saw or a hacksaw.
Screw the boards on to the back of each crossbeam on the base of the pallet.

Doing so creates three spaces on the back which can be used to store small tools and implements. You could even use this extra space as a planter, to incorporate the pallet seamlessly into its garden surroundings.

Step 3: Protect and decorate

varnishing wooden pallet with painting brush and white wall

(Image credit: ManoMano)

The next step is to preserve your handiwork.  A coat of varnish will protect against the outdoor elements. Choose a secondary coloured varnish to add a decorate touch.

When applying varnish, you will need a minimum of two coats to allow the product to penetrate the wood fully and offer proper protection.

If you want to add a colour, the varnished pallet is no ready.

More pallet ideas: How to make your own pallet bed – a step-by-step guide

Step 4: Attach hooks

white wooden pallet with storage hooks and drill machine

(Image credit: ManoMano)

To complete the garden tool storage you'll need handy hooks. It's recommend to use plastic or stainless steel hooks and mounts, to weather the outdoor elements.

Attach several different styles to provide all manner of handy storage purposes. ManoMano suggest:

Hooks to hang a garden hose
U-shaped mounts to hold a spade/rake
Various coat hooks
Handles to hang S-shaped hooks from

DIY garden tool storage

gardening tools with a pair of scissor water sprayer and wall hooks

(Image credit: ManoMano)

And there you have it, a DIY garden storage solution that, once safely affixed to the wall or shed, is ready to fulfil all your garden tool storage needs.

Related: Savvy DIY fan creates a bespoke coat rack from an old wooden pallet

Do you have a fabulous upcycled pallet project?

Contributor

Tamara was Ideal Home's Digital Editor before joining the Woman & Home team in 2022. She has spent the last 15 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, both now at Future PLC. It’s with these award wining interiors teams that she's honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing. Tamara is always ahead of the curve when it comes to interiors trends – and is great at seeking out designer dupes on the high street.