I saved hundreds by building my own decking – I used freebie pallets, did it on a budget & people think it looks ‘pukka’
RATHER than paying thousands of pounds for a professional to build her decking, a DIY enthusiast has revealed that she and her partner decided to do it themselves on the cheap.
The savvy blonde confirmed that they were able to keep the costs low and save hundreds by using second-hand buys.
Eager to show off her DIY decking, the content creator who posts online under the username ‘Myrtle Makeover’, shared a before and after look at her garden, leaving many totally stunned.
The influencer confirmed that she used freebie pallets to build the decking and now people think it looks “pukka.”
Posting on social media, the mother, who is from Suffolk, uploaded a snap prior to the garden overhaul.
But what was once a very empty and plain corner, has since been given a mega makeover and is now the perfect place to relax during summer nights.
Alongside her post, the DIY fan wrote: “DIY decking on a budget, made from pallets and wood cut offs given to us!”
The savvy mum confirmed: “Spent less than £200 on building the decking where we would’ve been charged more than double that and the rest for someone to come and do it for us!”
The DIY fan then explained that to do the decking, her partner first levelled out the ground.
They then used second hand pallets, which they laid flat so they were all level.
Following this, the couple drilled in the decking on top of the pallets and drilled the sides into the fence to ensure there was no movement.
Thrilled with the quick, easy and affordable makeover, the mother beamed: “So pleased with how this came out!”
And not only did this woman and her partner build the decking, but they also kitted out the area with garden furniture, plants and lighting.
The bargain hunter confirmed that she purchased her string lights from TikTok Shop, and claimed they were “incredible at night time.”
Garden features that add the most value to a house
A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property.
Sellhousefast.uk carried out a study and consulted 36 estate agents, garden designers and property professionals from across the UK.
And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed.
- Shed – 82%
- Patio or paving – 76%
- Secure fencing, walls or gates – 72%
- Outdoor lighting – 66%
- Sturdy decking – 62%
- Water features eg. fountain or pond – 58%
- Modern garden furniture – 54%
- Artificial lawn/grass – 40%
DIY fans beam
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @myrtlemakeover, has clearly impressed many, as it has quickly racked up 58,900 views.
Not only this, but it’s also amassed 701 likes, 26 comments, 403 saves and 233 shares.
Wow love this, looks amazing! TikTok user
Social media users were gobsmacked by the DIY decking and raced to the comments to express this.
One person said: “It looks so good.”
Another added: “This is amazing!!!”
Top gardening trends of 2025
Gardening experts at Barnsdale Gardens has shared the top gardening trends of 2025.
Matrix planting
It seems that a top planting trend for this year is going to be Matrix Planting.
In essence, planting in groups or blocks to give an effect of being wild whilst actually being carefully managed.
Selection of the plants is essential, to give year-round interest either with flowers, seed heads or frosted/snowy spent flower heads. Some recommend using plants that seed around, but this could make managing your matrix planting harder to keep under control.
Chrysanthemum comeback
I hope that the humble Chrysanthemum makes as much of a comeback this year as Dahlias have over recent years, because the simple single flowered types, such as ‘Innocence’ and ‘Cottage Apricot’ would be spectacular within a matrix scheme.
The hardy varieties are so easy to grow in a sunny spot and give such a valuable burst of late summer and autumn colour that would lift any dull- looking border.
Blended borders
For some time now we have been promoting the growing of veg within ornamental borders and I think this could really take off this year.
The choice of ornamental-looking varieties available in seed catalogues is phenomenal and, if managed correctly, visitors to your garden will not even realise that you have veg growing!
Must-have tool
My secret is out. I discovered the Hori Hori a couple of years ago and now it seems so is everyone else.
It is such a well-made, adaptable tool that can be used as a trowel or weeding tool in the garden that and everyone I speak to who have used it absolutely would not now be without it. Enough said!
A third commented: “Wow love this, looks amazing!”
Meanwhile, someone else simply beamed: “Pukka.”
At the same time, one user asked: “Did you put it straight on top of the grass? Was it easy to do?”
To this, the DIY fan explained: “Dug up underneath, used some pallets that were treated, levelled it all out and then bought the decking boards and screwed them all in.”
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