Pallets to make decking diy

Question

I’d like to use pallets for a small decking area that will have garden furniture to sit on. I know the wooden pallets will rot, so was thinking to use membrane before putting pallets down and tearing them with oil. Is there anything else I need to put under them? And what would be best to put on top of them? 

Alternatively, I thought plastic pallets might last longer but still not sure what to put below and on top of them and additionally, how I would make them secure and start together?

Graham · Accepted Answer

Hiy Whitney using pallets for decking is doable.. Go for plastic ones wood are cheaper but would have to be treated and there are size and quality issues pallets come in all shapes and sizes..so no good ordering them over the phone...plan of attack... firstly put wood chippings down on designated area then a breathable membrane..it comes on a roll.. make sure you overlap it well..to secure pallets together use a upright length of timber all the way round the edge.. then put your decking timber on the top preferably long planks to tie the pallets together..l hope this has been some help.. good luck with your project 🙂

Paul · Answer

You could put decking boards over the top.of your pallets and use a weed membrane to stop anything growing though the pallet to the deck

Merlyn · Answer

Hi There,

Pallet wood is an affordable way to make furniture items however would not recommend for use outdoors regardless of the treatment applied as they are generally made from soft Pine and as a result not durable.

If, however you find pallets made from Saligna/Gum tree timber, this is a hard wood that is very durable and would be a much better choice for decking. Red Balou, Yellow Balou, Teak & Saligna timber is used officially for decking as they are very durable and hence suitable for outdoor use.

The choice of timber will be the most important decision, not so much the treatment or the laying a plastic membrane.

Plastic pallets could work but there is something about timber that plastic can't match in terms of look, feel & beauty.

I hope this helps!

Kind regards,

Merlyn Jackson T/A Mint Projects

Mantvydas · Answer

The correct answer would be recommendation of trying to avoid the pallets using for decking for H&S reason. Wood of pallets usually may change the shape itself in short time because of weather, it might do movements itself from a place (bending, twisting). We have examples from Customers who tried DIY Decking from wooden pallets, and next season it looked very dissapointing, unsafe to use.
Another reason is Rot. Even if you cover the place under, condensation and humidity may damage the pallets anyway, it means covers under it might helps last longer but not forever.
The best thing to do DIY from pallets are some kind of furniture. 
Hopefully we answered honestly to you query! Be safe!

Andy · Answer

Not really tantalise timber and composit decking is better and durable

Cameron · Answer

For wooden pallets, using a membrane underneath will help prevent moisture from the ground reaching the pallets, which is essential to minimize rotting. Treating them with oil is a good step, but I’d also recommend using a wood preservative to add extra protection. To further improve durability, you could place the pallets on top of concrete blocks or pavers to lift them slightly off the ground, allowing for airflow and keeping them dry.

For the surface, you can add decking boards or outdoor plywood on top to create a smooth, comfortable platform for garden furniture.

Alternatively, if you go with plastic pallets, they are more resistant to weather conditions and won’t rot like wood. However, you’ll still want to place a membrane and possibly some pavers underneath for added stability and drainage. To secure the pallets together, you can use outdoor screws or heavy-duty cable ties, depending on the pallet design. For a top layer, you could still use decking boards, or even outdoor mats or tiles for a more finished look.

Let me know if you have any more questions! I’d be happy to help with your project.

Brian · Answer

I wouldn’t recommend going down this route. It might seem a cheap way of doing it but long term  false economy. Pallets are too variable in thickness /width etc and rough sawn to splinters are the order of the day! And trust me pallet splinters are painful and can cause infections if you don’t get them out! Save up and buy the correct item for the job decking boards are not really that expensive considering how long you will get out of them.

Andrew · Answer

not really the correct way to do it they will rot and won't last also you can be sure unless you use matching pallets directly on top of each other you can be sure there will be load areas when it has traffic that will only be supported by the lats on the pallet.

Pallets to make decking diy

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