Base for shed - are pallets a no-no?

socks_uk

We are thinking of building a shed from scratch on a concrete or paving slab base but was wondering if it would be a good idea to get some pallets to build the shed on. We are pricing up the timber for an 8ft x 8ft shed and the pallets would lift it up should we get any flooding although we haven't had any yet.

I've often seen pallets stacked up and thought they'd make a good ready-made base for a shed but I'm sure someone will give me advice if it's a good idea or not.

Thanks in advance.

munkypuzzel

Pallets would work, as would almost anything. Its about how long you want it all to last really.

Personally, I have build several, depending on location, the minimum i would recommend is paving slabs layed down on level ground (earth) so they slighty raise the shed. If you want to do a slightly better job, bed them on sand/cement mix.

Best way, dig out, make some form work up, a little hardcore and lay a a concrete base,

socks_uk

Thanks for your reply...

I was wanting to raise the shed up on the concrete base with the pallets. The garden never flooded in the bad floods but it was very, very wet. I guess raising it up would give me a little peace of mind, well, about 6-8 inches worth anyway!

munkypuzzel

Oh i see!!

Yeah, guess that would work for a bit of extra protection.. :beer:

socks_uk

I would probably screw decking planks along the edge and around the sides too if there was any space.

I can picture what I would want it to look like but was just wondering if anyone thought the same, tried it but it didn't work out. I'd create a type of wooden ramp to help me get the lawn mower out.

ic

I put a bed of sand down, flags on that, then spaced out driveway blocks, then fence posts across the blocks. This has lifted the shed a good six inches or so. The fence posts are treated, so shouldn't rot if wet. I then just screwed through the base of the shed to the posts.

27col

The last couple of sheds that I was involved with were put down on concrete blocks laid on sand or gravel. If you used blocks they would raise the shed to much the same height as if you used pallets. Pallets would rot I would have thought.

markie1980

I've probably built over 500 sheds in the past and 99% of those went on a 4" deep concrete base with tanalised (treated) 2x2" bearers.
the bearers (or pallets in your case) need to be treated, or they will rot as they are constantly in contact with the damp concrete.

I think for the extra £20 i would get a few lengths (5 or 6) of treated 2x2 or even 3x3.

With proper bearers, it easy to pack one corner to get the door lined up and there is no movement under the floor which will make the shed last a lot longer.