Build a patio deck or any other outdoor structure and furniture from recycled pallets. Pallet wood is strong and plentiful, available free everywhere. This tutorial shows you how to create a patio deck, but you can use the same technique to build anything you want out of pallets. A patio deck is the perfect addition to any home. Not only does it expand a home’s usable space, but it can also increase a home’s value. But before you dive into building one, it’s important to know that there are several factors and variables involved in construction. In this post, we will cover some tips for building your own DIY patio from pallets. A patio deck is a great way to add more living space to your home. A patio deck is often constructed over a pre-existing deck, balcony or porch. A patio deck is an attractive addition to your home and provides a great place for barbecues, dining and more.
There are all kinds of things to do with pallets, including making furniture out of them. If you would like a deck with a wood finish but don’t have the money for expensive decking boards or labor costs then take a look at this top tip for a clever way to get it done on the cheap:
1. First you need to find yourself some pallets.
You can buy pallets in bulk from a local distributor or find them on the side of the road.
- There are many places to find pallets: some grocery stores will give you their old ones, you might be able to get some from local farmers and builders, or you could look for people selling them online.
- Look for pallets that are straight and without any major damage such as broken boards or nails protruding from the sides. They should be no more than two years old, but preferably less than one year old.
- You want to make sure your deck is sturdy enough so that it doesn’t fall apart when it gets wet from rain or snow – this means using pressure treated lumber rather than pine boards (since pine tends not stay as sturdy when exposed long term).
2. Next you need to lay the pallets out in the shape you want your deck to be in.
Now that you have all of your pallets, it’s time to lay them out in the shape you want your deck to be in. The first thing to consider is how many pallets you’ll need for the size of the deck. This will depend on what size and shape you’re looking for, but generally 4x8s are used for building small patios while 8x8s are used for larger patios or decks with multiple levels. Also consider whether or not this is going to be a permanent fixture or something temporary that can be moved around as needed. If it’s going to be permanent then make sure there won’t be too much weight on top when people stand on it. You’ll also want to decide if there will be any rails between each step (usually one less than the number of steps).
If using 8x8s then seven steps should do just fine depending on how high off ground floor level they are placed; however if using 4x8s then only four steps work best since they’re lighter than their bigger cousins at half their size yet still sturdy enough because they’re made from wood instead of metal like some staircases would use instead (and don’t forget about safety!). A good rule: start with two sets before adding more later so that first set serves as prototypes unless otherwise specified by client/architect/engineer etc…
3. Next you need to hammer nails through the sides of the outer pallet boards into the boards that lie across the middle of the frame, as well as nailing them into each other.
Next, you need to hammer nails through the sides of the outer pallet boards into the boards that lie across the middle of the frame, as well as nailing them into each other. These will act as your joists, so make sure they’re spaced evenly apart. You can use a tin snips or a hacksaw to cut down new boards if necessary.
Make sure that when you hammer in those nails at a 45 degree angle (to stop them from protruding too far outwards) and make sure they sit flush with their neighbour so no gaps appear between them. It’s also important to make sure all your nails are hammered in straight and not just left hanging around like an unfinished job.
4. Lay down a sheet of plywood across your frame and make sure it’s level by placing a spirit level on top or using a surveying app on your phone.
- Check your frame and make sure it’s level. If your pallets weren’t cut or laid down perfectly flat and straight, you’ll need to adjust them before nailing down the boards.
- You can use a spirit level to check or use an app on your phone (like this one) that will give you a quick reading of whether or not things are level.
- Once you’ve got everything as close to perfect as possible, it’s time to start nailing down those boards.
- Try finding all of these supplies at once so that when it comes time for assembly, you don’t have to go looking for each individual piece one by one. It will save a lot of time in the long run if everything is ready when needed.
5. You should now have what resembles a frame for your deck.
You should now have what resembles a frame for your deck. You want it to be square, level and strong while also being secure and looking good. This can be done by simply measuring the distance between each beam and making sure they’re all equal, then adding or subtracting lengths as necessary – if one has to be longer than another then simply add some wood or cut off some of the excess.
6. The next step is to make sure everything is square by measuring from corner to corner both ways and then adjusting if necessary until the measurements match perfectly, then secure the corners with screws.
- If you’re not handy, bring in someone who is.
- Make sure you have all of the right tools and materials on hand before starting the job.
- Have enough experience with what you’re doing so that nothing will be too much of a surprise if something unexpected happens (and it probably will).
- Be prepared for any problems that may arise or mistakes that might happen during construction, as well as ways to fix them in an efficient manner
7. Now you need to decide which way up you want your decking boards, imagining how they look when wet and remember that once they are finished they will be upside down compared with how they look now (that way they will shed water rather than retain it).
- If you want the deck to shed water, lay the pallet boards upside down.
- If you want the deck to retain water, lay the pallet boards right side up.
- If you want your patio decking waterproof, use a waterproofing product before laying them down and let it dry for 24 hours before continuing with attaching joists and then fixing each board in place using nails or screws.
- If you don’t fix your frame securely and leave gaps at either end where there are no walls securing against it (e.g., corners), then people walking across will cause movement that can damage their knees by catching on anything protruding from underneath like rusty nails etc., so be careful.
- And finally…use treated wood if possible because untreated wooden decking will rot away in a few years.
8. When you’ve decided how you want them, start nailing them down ensuring that they are all flush with one another and there are no gaps anywhere along the surface edge.
- Make sure that you have the right tools for the job
- Make sure that you have the right materials for the job
- Make sure that you have the right safety equipment for the job
- Make sure that you have the right experience for the job
- Make sure that you have the right attitude for the job
- Final words
Overall, building a patio deck is a great way to spend the time and money, and our guide has shown you how to do it. After you have constructed your deck, you can use it as a space for BBQs with friends or relaxing in the sun. Don’t forget to add some lighting if you are using your deck at night.
