Halloween is hands-down one of my favourite holidays. Between the costumes, the candy, and the excuse to make my home look like a spooky movie set, it’s the perfect time to go all out with decorations. The problem? Those big Halloween yard props can get so expensive. A few years ago, I set out to find a way to create something fun, creepy, and budget-friendly, and that’s when the DIY wood pallet Halloween fence was born.

Not only is it affordable, but it also has that rustic, weathered look that makes it extra spooky without even trying. And the best part? You can make one in an afternoon with just a few basic tools and materials. If you’ve got kiddos like mine who love “creepy but fun” decor, this project is going to be a hit.

Let’s dive in and I’ll walk you through exactly how to make a DIY pallet Halloween fence, plus a few decorating ideas to take it to the next level.

Why Build a Halloween Fence from Pallets?

Before we jump into the tutorial, let’s talk about why pallets are the perfect material for Halloween projects:

• They’re cheap (sometimes free). You can often find them at hardware stores, local brickyards, or even listed online for free pickup.
• They already look rustic. That old, weathered wood gives you instant haunted-house vibes. No need to distress or paint unless you want to.
• They’re versatile. Pallets can be broken down and used for fences, signs, coffin props, and so much more.

When you set them up in your yard, they instantly make your space look like a spooky cemetery, haunted house, or creepy old barn.

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Materials You’ll Need for a DIY Pallet Halloween Fence

Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need. I’ve also linked to common hardware store items so you know exactly what to look for:

• Old pallet wood or 1×4-inch weathered wood
• (2) Wood pieces at 3-4 feet long (for the fence base)
• (6) Wood pieces at 2-2.5 feet long (for the fence posts)
• PVC pipe – 3/4 inch (two strips, 2 feet long)
• Rigid 2-hole conduit straps – 3/4 inch (four pieces)
• Rebar – 1/2 inch by 2 feet (two pieces)
• Black wood screws (about 32)

Tools:

• Mallet or hammer
• Hand drill
• Circular saw (or a hand saw if that’s what you’ve got)
• Safety glasses (always!)

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Step 1: Sanitize and Prep Your Wood

If you’re using old pallet wood, it’s really important to clean and sanitize it first. Pallets are often exposed to moisture, dirt, and bugs, and you don’t want to bring that into your home, or even set it out in your yard without a little prep.

1. Scrub the boards with a stiff brush and soapy water.
2. Rinse and let them dry fully.
3. If you’re using them indoors (like by a fireplace), give them a wipe with vinegar or a wood cleaner to make sure there’s no hidden mold.

This extra step only takes a little time and will keep your decor looking good year after year.

Kelly Tip: I’ve actually written an entire post on cleaning and sanitizing wood, you can check it out here

Step 2: Cut Your Fence Pieces

Now it’s time to cut your boards to size. Grab your circular saw (and don’t forget those safety glasses).

Cut the base pieces – You’ll need two boards about 3-4 feet long. This will determine how wide your fence is.

Cut the posts – Slice six boards at 2-2.5 feet long. Mix up the lengths a bit to make the fence look old and uneven.

Add pointed tips – Angle the top of each post so they look like rough arrowheads. Don’t stress about making them perfect, the more crooked and jagged they are, the spookier your Halloween pallet fence will look.

Step 3: Assemble the Fence

Time to put the pieces together!

1. Lay your two base boards on the ground, parallel to each other about 1.5 feet apart.
2. Arrange your fence posts on top. Lean some slightly crooked for that “abandoned cemetery” vibe, but make sure the bottoms line up with the base boards so your fence will stand up.
3. Using your drill, screw each post into the base: two screws at the top and two at the bottom.

At this stage, you’ll have a simple wooden pallet Halloween fence that can lean against a wall or fireplace for indoor use.

Step 4: Add the Fence Stand

If you’re planning to put your DIY Halloween fence outdoors, you’ll need a stand so it doesn’t topple over.

1. Flip the fence over.
2. Attach your PVC pipe pieces vertically to the second and fifth fence post using the conduit straps and screws.
3. Make sure they’re secure, you’ll be sliding the fence onto rebar through these pipes.

Step 5: Install Your Fence in the Yard

This is the fun part, bringing your spooky fence to life in the yard!

1. Take your mallet or hammer and pound the rebar about 10 inches into the ground.
2. Space them the same distance apart as your PVC pipe holders.
3. Slide your fence onto the rebar. It should feel snug and sturdy, even in the wind.

If it ever loosens, just reset the rebar a few inches over and slide the fence back down.

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Decorating Ideas for Your Pallet Halloween Fence

Building the fence is just the beginning. Here are a few ideas to make it even more festive and frightening:

• Add spooky signs. Use leftover pallet wood to make crooked “Beware,” “Keep Out,” or “Haunted Cemetery” signs.
• String up cobwebs and spiders. Stretch fake spiderwebs across the boards and add a few plastic spiders for an easy creepy effect. Or maybe even just one giant spider!
• Hang lanterns. Battery-powered lanterns or string lights make it glow at night.
• Pair with tombstones. Place foam tombstones behind the fence to create a full haunted graveyard scene.
• Paint details. Dry-brush some black or grey paint over the wood to give it an aged, spooky look.

Other Halloween Yard Decor You Can Make from Pallets

Once you’ve tried your hand at the fence, don’t stop there. Pallet wood is perfect for other DIY Halloween decorations:

• Wood pallet Halloween signs – Cut boards into planks and stencil creepy words on them.
• DIY coffin props – Nail together pallet boards into a coffin shape for a haunted house setup.
• Rustic yard stakes – Make jagged wood stakes and stick them around the yard for a vampire-themed scene.

The best part about working with pallets is that each project looks a little different, so no two Halloween setups are ever the same.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly Halloween yard idea that makes a big impact, this DIY pallet Halloween fence is it. It’s cheap, easy, and fun to make. And it adds that perfect spooky touch to your outdoor decor.

Your kids will love it, your neighbours will admire it, and you’ll feel proud knowing you built it yourself. Plus, you can keep reusing and re-decorating it every Halloween to fit whatever theme you’re going for.

So grab those pallets, pull out the drill, and get building. And when your fence is up and looking creepy, don’t forget to add some signs, cobwebs, and maybe even a glowing jack-o’-lantern or two.

Happy haunting friends, and happy building!

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DIY Halloween Pallet Fence – Frequently Asked Questions