# How a couple built a backyard bar from pallets > Ed and Jan Wright transformed free materials into a personalized pallet bar that cost almost nothing and took just a few weekends. - Title: How a couple built a backyard bar from pallets | Shortify - Summary: Ed and Jan Wright transformed free materials into a personalized pallet bar that cost almost nothing and took just a few weekends. Repurposing materials you… - Keywords: diy, backyard bar, pallet project, home improvement, budget friendly, ed wright, jan wright, family handyman, diy diaries, woodworking, outdoor furniture, repurposing materials - Source: Family Handyman — https://familyhandyman.com/article/backyard-pallet-bar-diy-diaries - Author: Rebecca Wright - Published: 2026-09-21T20:37:23+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: diy, backyard bar, pallet project, home improvement, budget friendly, ed wright, jan wright, family handyman, diy diaries, woodworking, outdoor furniture, repurposing materials ## A DIY couple's pallet bar story Ed and Jan Wright built a personalized backyard bar from free pallets in just two or three weekends, decorated with Ed's vintage license plate collection. ## Where the idea came from After re-landscaping their yard, Ed and Jan noticed the pallets their pavers arrived on were in great condition. Jan found a pallet bar idea on Pinterest and suggested they build one. ## Adding personal touches with license plates Ed's vintage license plate collection became the bar's decoration. Each plate has a story tied to a place they visited or a friend they saw. > There's a story behind every plate. ## Building the bar top The pallets stretched eight feet, so Ed and Jan extended the design to ten feet using pine wood they stained dark and sealed with polyurethane for durability. ## Careful assembly and finishing Ed took extra time ensuring screws were only visible from one side, then assembled the pallets, added legs, mounted the top, and installed the license plates. ## Solving the leveling problem The uneven yard caused the bar top to flex too much. Ed added black iron pipes for reinforcement, making one side shorter to account for the terrain. > It was easier to level the bar than the yard. ## Overcoming the staining challenge Ed felt intimidated by staining and sealing since he's not confident with painting, so he let Jan take the lead on that portion of the project. > Staining and sealing were intimidating because I'm not good at painting. ## Smart budgeting hacks Ed and Jan repurposed pallets and used leftover four-by-four pressure-treated lumber from other projects instead of buying new materials. > We tried to use as many materials that we already had left over from other projects as possible. ## The proudest moment Getting the bar top level and sturdy enough to withstand people leaning on it was the most challenging and rewarding part of the entire project. > Getting the top leveled and super sturdy. ## What he'd do differently Ed wishes he'd used leftover decking lumber for the bar top instead of buying new pine, which would have made the project nearly free except for pipes and screws. > We could have done it for free except for the pipe and screws. ## Learning DIY skills takes time Ed credits his wide range of skills to his apprenticeship with his dad, who taught him to break projects into manageable parts and prioritize safety. > Break something down to smaller parts because each part is manageable. ## Start small and adapt freely Ed's main advice is to begin with smaller projects to avoid feeling overwhelmed, and don't be afraid to adapt designs to fit your space and available materials. > Don't be afraid to adapt projects to make them fit your space. Don't be afraid to make it your own. ## Teamwork makes the dream work Ed and Jan balance each other perfectly. Jan spots design ideas and big-picture inspiration while Ed handles the design and building, making them a powerful DIY team. > Jan is the big picture person, I'm the 'design and build' guy. ## Key takeaway Repurposing materials you already have and being willing to adapt your design to fit your space can turn a Pinterest idea into a finished project without breaking the bank.