I’m not quite sure when exactly it happened, but the internet has exploded with thrifty reclaimed pallet projects and we DIYers are lapping them all up! What’s so great about using pallet wood as material is that you can actually get it for free. Any store that has a garden center (like a hardware store etc.) will have some of these left out, so if you just ask nicely, you’re more than likely to walk away happy with a car full of pallets.

I’ve rounded up some of the most inventive and remarkable outdoor DIY projects made from repurposed pallets. From patio couches to doggy beds to playhouses, some are quick and easy while others will need some serious dedication, but there’s no doubt that they’re all magnificent and wallet-friendly when you consider that the main component—the wood—didn’t cost a thing. There are few things in life that I love more than turning would-be trash into something that is both beautiful and functional.