DIY Pallet Walkway: a Wheelchair-Friendly Garden Path
A walkway made of reclaimed wooden pallets laid end to end on a bed of bark, so people on foot, with wheelbarrows or using mobility aids can cross muddy, uneven ground. The pallets can be lifted and moved when the farm changes.
The finished pallet walkway across the farm. Photo: Elarose13, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Appropedia (resized)
The story behind this build
The new student farm sits on soft ground that turns muddy in the rain, which made it hard to get around, especially for visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. The farm wanted a path that was inclusive, low-cost and easy to change as the farm grows.
The team built a path of pallet tiles following the natural lines of the land. Round pallet pieces at the corners let the path change direction in a zig-zag, a nod to the farm's wish for a design inspired by flowing water.
How it is designed
Each tile is a reclaimed pallet that has been reinforced, sanded and sealed.
The bottom boards are removed from every pallet so they do not sit in the wet and rot.
The tiles rest on a levelled base of soil covered with 1 to 2 inches of bark or wood chips, which drains water away and stops the pallets sinking.
Tiles are laid close together so the joins have as little height change as possible, and 4 inch wooden blocks join neighbouring pallets.
Round sections at the bends let the path change direction.
Materials they used
Sturdy reclaimed wooden pallets with few cracks
Replacement boards for damaged slats
Screws
Exterior wood sealant
Bark or wood chips for the base
4 inch wooden blocks to join the pallets
Marking flags
How they built it
1Prepare the site
Mark the route with flags, clear sticks, rocks and leaves, then scrape and level the soil with shovels, rakes and a hand tamper. Look for low spots where puddles will form and fill them.
2Lay the drainage base
Spread 1 to 2 inches of bark or wood chips along the route and rake it even. Step on it to check it compresses evenly without showing bare soil, and add more where it sinks.
3Prepare the pallets
Choose sturdy pallets, replace damaged boards, remove the bottom boards so they cannot rot, sand the top surface smooth and seal the wood.
4Reinforce the pallets
Add extra supports underneath where needed, screw down any loose slats and make sure every nail is removed or driven fully in.
5Place and level the tiles
Set each pallet on the bark, adjusting the bark underneath until the surface is level and does not shift under weight. Butt the pallets close together and join them with 4 inch wooden blocks.
6Test and adjust
Walk the whole path to find wobbly or uneven spots and pack more bark under them. Pour water on the path to check that it drains away.
Use and upkeep, from the builders
Check the path regularly for loose boards, nails working up and pallets that have settled, especially after heavy rain.
Top up the bark base where it has washed away or compacted.
Our notes if you build one
Use pallets stamped HT (heat treated). Avoid pallets marked MB or with no stamp, and any that are stained or smell of chemicals.
Wet wood can be slippery. A grit-coated deck finish or anti-slip strips help on slopes and in shade.
The builders aimed for a path that works for wheelchairs, but a path meant for public use should be checked against local accessibility rules.
Credits and license: Built and documented by Team The Mooos (page by Ella Owen), engineering students at Cal Poly Humboldt. Originally published on Appropedia: “CASA Student Farm accessible pathways” under CC BY-SA 4.0. This page is our summary of their documentation and is shared under the same license (CC BY-SA 4.0); photos are credited individually. Measurements and costs are the builders' own and refer to their site and year. DIY Outdoor Builds did not build this project.
Building work can be dangerous and may need a permit. Check local rules and use a qualified professional for electrical, gas and structural work.
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