Your front yard glowing with Christmas lights, and sitting proudly against the backdrop is a handmade pallet truck hauling home the family tree.

Painted in cheerful red and green, it brings the nostalgia of small-town holidays, when families would pile into pickup trucks to choose their perfect tree.

Specially, the charm of this piece lies in its simplicity, each brushstroke turns ordinary wood into a holiday scene that feels timeless.

Materials Needed

• 1 standard pallet (40”×48”)
• 4 additional pallet planks
• Jigsaw for cutting wheel and cab shapes
• Sandpaper (80-120 grit)
• Outdoor acrylic paint (red, green, white, silver, black)
• Paintbrushes (medium flat and small detail)
• 1 large outdoor bow (red or glittered)
• Wood screws and drill
• Clear outdoor sealer

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Sand down your pallet to smooth any rough edges, especially around cut areas.

Step 2: Sketch the outline of the truck, including wheels and cab, directly on the pallet.

Step 3: Use a jigsaw to cut out the truck shape. Keep the planks intact where possible for sturdiness.

Step 4: Cut 4 pallet planks diagonally to form the layered tree for the truck bed.

Step 5: Paint the truck body red, the wheels black with white rims, and add silver centers.

Step 6: Paint the tree planks green, then screw them into place at an angle to create a tiered look.

Step 7: Attach a decorative bow to the top of the tree for festive flair.

Step 8: Seal with a clear coat to protect from weather if used outdoors.

Notes:

For extra fun, string a small set of battery-powered fairy lights around the tree to make your truck glow at night.