Decking made from pallets

stef73

I did this , membrane down 1st then bolted the pallets together big long coach bolts . Used decking boards over the top .
Lasted approx 5 years before pallets rotted  .when I removed it there where signs of rat nests underneath.

Niv

This sounds like quite a bit of work to save a few quid on a proper base. Is this a case of 'I have these pallets now what can I do with them', don't get me wrong, I have had similar conversations with myself when I have something i no longer need (anyone need some double glazed panels i bought on a whim and no longer have a need for? - maybe i could make a icerink with them in the back garden )

FreeBear

Niv said: Is this a case of 'I have these pallets now what can I do with them',

Make some garden seats out of some of them.

Also useful for constructing compost bins.

seatbeltnoob

pallet would is a terible idea. Pallet wood is designed for level non-moving loads which really reduces the strength requirement for it.

Secondly the 3 beams that run tangentally to the top pallet are super wide. Because of the flimsy pallet wood the beams have to be super wide. to stop them from sagging. If you put the same pallet wood nailed into the narrow side of decking beam which spans 2inches IIRC, then it will sag.

As you walk on it and make it sag, it will have the oppsite (lifting force) on the end of the strip of pallet slowly prying the nails up.

You need to use proper decking wood for decking.

Also it will just look really bad with lippage everywhere and any inspector/parent will get alarm bells ringing.

seatbeltnoob

This guy did it, looks terrible and a trip hazard and splinter hazard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z8PmAI8Gj4

Brie

Should you ever get to the point of putting in some decking you could consider making it less slippy by painting it and then while still damp sprinkling a decent layer of rough sand on it.  Guaranteed to scrape a knee badly of course but less likely to slide straight across.

ashe

Take patio stones out, put rubber chips down, cheap, safe, non-slip, child friendly 

https://safetyplay.co.uk/shop/chippings/safety-play-green-chipping/?gclid=CjwKCAjw2P-KBhByEiwADBYWCjdPhJgyBB-LEMkP7AWcraUvb1TntDlgUuetQm7W7BsXSsdWt2oy4RoC780QAvD_BwE

cybertortoise

Thank you all for your comments, I have never had decking before and hadn't realised how slippery it can get.

Sounds like I'll be better off just keeping the patio that is already there. At least it's pretty good condition near the house.

Thanks again.