I actually helped a friend set up a pallet bar last summer, and honestly, it turned out way better than I expected. We found some pallets behind a local store (asked permission, of course—didn't want to get chased off mid-project haha). After sanding and sealing them, we added a coat of outdoor stain. It looked great at first, but here's the catch: after one rough winter, it definitely needed some TLC. Pallets can warp or split if they're not well-sealed or protected from moisture.
Bamboo, on the other hand... I've seen it hold up pretty well outdoors, especially if it's properly treated. But it can fade over time depending on how much sun it gets. Still, bamboo has that laid-back, tropical feel that's hard to beat.
I guess it depends on your style and how much maintenance you're willing to put in. If you're going for a rustic look and don't mind occasional upkeep, pallets are a solid choice. Bamboo might be less hassle long-term, but personally, I think pallets have more character—plus they're usually free. Can't argue with free, right?
Your pallet bar sounds awesome—love that you went the DIY route. Yeah, pallets can be a bit finicky with weather, but honestly, that worn-in look after winter kinda adds to the charm... gives it character, ya know?
Your pallet bar sounds pretty cool, and I totally agree—weathered wood has its own charm. I'm thinking of building something similar myself... any tips on sealing or treating pallets to keep them sturdy but still get that rustic vibe?
"any tips on sealing or treating pallets to keep them sturdy but still get that rustic vibe?"
Totally agree with you on weathered wood—nothing beats that authentic, lived-in look. For sealing pallets, I'd recommend a matte or satin finish polyurethane. Glossy finishes tend to ruin the rustic feel, IMO. Also, sanding lightly before sealing helps remove splinters without losing character. And don't skip checking for moisture content first; damp wood sealed too soon can warp or rot later. Learned that the hard way...
I second the matte polyurethane suggestion—glossy finishes just scream "new furniture store" to me, and that kinda defeats the whole rustic vibe. Personally, though, I've had even better luck with natural oils like linseed or tung oil. They're eco-friendly, soak into the wood nicely, and leave a subtle, natural finish that ages beautifully over time.
Last summer, I built a pallet bar for our backyard hangouts, and I went with boiled linseed oil. It was super easy to apply—just brushed it on, waited a bit, wiped off any excess, and let it dry. The wood stayed protected but still looked like it belonged outdoors. Plus, it didn't feel plasticky or overly sealed, which was exactly what I wanted. One thing though: linseed oil can take a while to fully cure, especially if it's humid out. Mine took about a week before it stopped feeling slightly tacky. But once it dried completely, it was perfect.
Also, good call on checking moisture content first. I skipped that step once when building some raised garden beds from pallets and ended up with warped boards after a few months of rain. Lesson learned the hard way here too...
Anyway, whichever route you go, just make sure you give the pallets a good once-over for nails or staples sticking out. Nothing ruins happy hour faster than snagging your shirt (or worse, your hand) on a rusty nail. Trust me on that one.
