Pallets to make decking diy

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?

Asked by Whitney on 20th Jun 2024
Expert Trade Answers
Best 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 🙂"
Answered on 21st Jun 2024 - Member since Dec 2023 - report
"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"
Answered on 20th Jun 2024 - Member since Oct 2023 - report
"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!"
Answered on 2nd Sep 2024 - Member since Sep 2023 - report
"Not really tantalise timber and composit decking is better and durable"
Answered on 20th Jun 2024 - Member since Mar 2024 - report
"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."
Answered on 21st Jul 2024 - Member since Nov 2020 - report
"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."
Answered on 3rd Jul 2024 - Member since May 2024 - report
Find Tradespeople, compare up to 3 quotes!
It's FREE and there are no obligations
Ask a Trade
Got a question that only a tradesperson can answer? We have thousands of trades ready to answer any question you may have.
Ask your question
Ask a Trade

Are you looking for advice on a DIY project or have a question for our tradespeople?

We'll email your question to tradespeople who are skilled in your chosen category.

Your question will be made public - please do not include any personal details.

{{ first(ask.errors)[0] }}

By continuing you agree to the Community Guidelines.

Report Content

{{ first(reportForm.errors) }}

Thank you

Your report has been created and will be investigated shortly.

Ready to get a price for your home improvement project?
Get started

Over 1 million homeowners and over 50,000 tradespeople
use MyJobQuote nationwide each year