Platform Decks

Is it a good idea to build decking on top of pallets?

I want to put decking on my well drained 14 m2 enclosed patio. 4x2 joists would cost a fortune, so do you think it would be a good idea to use pallets as a base?

Public Comments

1. you mean like shipping pallets? Is so then no... they are really low quality wood and will not hold up.
2. You better check with your city building code first. If they don't approve it don't even bother because they will make you tear it down if it's not up to code.
3. i would say probably not the best idea, might be unsturdy and or unsafe
4. no no and no pallets are not durable enough besides they are reused hundreds of times for shipping you never no what has been spilled on them plus in the event of a fire they go up quick do it right use pressure treated pine or cedar
5. Only if you built it for you cabin in the woods ... might want to check out building codes on that sort of thing... wouldn't want to upset the neighbors ... I know where you live, lol...
6. NO. Pallets will start to rot after three years
7. no cause when the pallets were built the wood was green cut less than 2 days before becoming a pallet
8. Pallets are not strong, and shouldn't be used as a foundation. They weren't designed for that purpose.
9. If you have ever tried to dismantle a pallet you will know how well the are made, if you get pallets in good condition, and you can get amost new pallets quite cheap there is no reason why they can't be be used under decking but you MUST make sure the are based on a damp prevetion barrier, the best way to achieve this is to put bricks under the pallets and ordniary roof slates between the pallets and the bricks, roof slates are one of the best damp proof barriers there is, make sure that no part of the pallets are in contact with the ground, or will be in the future, and as a precaution treat the wood with a good preservative. They might not last forever but the will last a very long time.
10. I SAY ITS A GOOD IDEA,ONLY IF YOU USE THE BLUE PALLETS THE ONES LIKE WALMART USES FOR THEIR MERCHANDISE
11. Yes it would cost a fortune yes it would be a very good idea to use pallets as a base as i have done this my self and the advange is it is cheap and you can design the decking to your liken go for it
12. Ive heard it all............until now!!!!Some people just never learn.Pallets make a fantastic base.......for a bonfire!!!
13. pallots would only be suitable if it was just for storage as i work for travis perkins i know that would not be safe or suitable as a base it might be costly but well worth it as they aint as streardy as they look !!
14. nope, but will keep it of ground level until decking supports have been placed using appropriate methods. may even save that deck crashing bar-b-cue.