There’s something incredibly rewarding about turning a small, overlooked space into something beautiful and even better when you can do it sustainably. Our balcony had been in desperate need of a refresh, so we grabbed a few tools, got a little creative, and got to work. The highlight of our makeover? A DIY pallet planter made using upcycled materials, especially products packaged in metal.

Here’s how we gave our balcony a mini makeover, adding a splash of colour.

What you’ll need

• Wooden pallet
• Paint brushes 2 inch & 3 inch are great
• Sandpaper
• Dustpan and brush to clear any dust
• Cardboard or dust sheet to cover ground
• Rust-Oleum Garden Paint
• Plant pots to hang or fix onto the planter

Step 1: Decide on your balcony vision

We wanted our balcony to feel like a colourful little retreat  – a cosy, green filled corner with plenty of personality and a project the kids could help with. With limited space to play with, vertical gardening felt like the perfect solution. That’s where the idea of a pallet planter came in, compact, customisable, and full of rustic charm.

Step 2: Source a wooden pallet

First, we sourced a wooden pallet. If you’re looking for one, check local hardware stores, garden centres, or even Facebook Marketplace where you can often find them for free. I was lucky enough to bring one home from work in great condition.

Next stop: the hardware store to find a paint that works on outdoor surfaces. One key thing I was looking for was metal packaging. Why? Because it’s far more sustainable and environmentally friendly than plastic alternative plus, it’s endlessly recyclable.

I was immediately drawn to the Rust-Oleum Weather Resistant Garden range, not only for its gorgeous colour options but also because it’s packaged in metal. The range includes both paint tins and spray cans in different sizes depending on your project needs. I opted for tins so I could get stuck in with a paintbrush.

Step 4: Refreshing the balcony wall

Our balcony wall was looking dark and drab, and the contrast between the bricks and the leadwork at the bottom made it feel untidy. Giving it a fresh coat of paint completely transformed the space it looks brighter, cleaner, and even a bit larger now that the brick and lead blend together more seamlessly

The shade I used on the wall is ‘Flint’ – a fresh, modern tone that really lifted the space. This was a super simple job that just needed a dry day and a bit of time. I gave the wall a quick sweep, then painted straight on. The coverage of this paint was amazing with minimal prep, quick drying, and a smooth finish.

To bring even more colour and life to the space, I got started on the pallet planter. The kids love growing little bits of fruit and veg, and there’s something so special about picking your own food even, if it’s from a balcony! With limited floor space, vertical planting made perfect sense, it freed up room and brightened up the wall.

Step 5: Prep and paint the pallet

The pallet was already in great shape, so I just sanded a few rough spots and painted it with a smaller tin from the same Rust-Oleum range. I chose a lovely soft green shade called ‘Bramwell’ that complements the plants beautifully and again, the coverage was brilliant.

Step 6: Add hook on metal pots and plants

Once the pallet was painted and dry, I found some adorable metal pots that hook right onto the slats (you could also screw them in if needed). We planted strawberries, basil, cucamelons, and pepper each one in its own little pot, creating a mini vertical garden.

Step 7: Add cosy finishing touches

To finish the glow up, we added some cosy outdoor cushions to our seating, a butterfly light on the wall, and a floral garland across the top of the planter. Now it’s a dreamy little spot for morning coffee, after school snacks, or evening wine.

Final Thoughts

This project was not only fun and family friendly, but also a small way to support more sustainable choices like using products in metal packaging that can be recycled again and again. Plus, it turned our once neglected balcony into a beautiful, functional space we love spending time in.

Got a balcony or small space of your own that needs a little love? A pallet planter might be just the thing to transform it with a bit of colour, a few herbs, and a lot of charm.

Blog by Alex Beattie @lifewithmythree_