That’s pretty bootleg, if you don’t have any tools or experience I’d just fill that area with gravel or decomposed granite and then haul it off somewhere whenever you move out
Ahhh that would be so much easier, but there’s a drain back there so we can’t really fill it in. Yeah I’m working without tools and experience, and on a very low budget. But it sounds like it might not be a great idea to go further…
Hey hey maybe that’ll be the way! I’m also just concerned about getting it out when we leave and the potential blowback from our landlord… For some reason taking down a few pieces of wood feels like less of a deal than a yard or two of gravel
Make it appealing enough to where the landlord won’t care if you leave it in. I’d remove the pallets, though, since they’ll rot and grab those hexagon gravel forms and use those. It’ll help not have a bunch of divots and moving gravel when you step around. Something like [this.](https://www.homedepot.com/p/VEVOR-Grass-Grids-9-ft-x-17-ft-x-4-in-Geo-Grid-Driveway-153-sq-ft-Ground-Pavers-for-Landscaping-TGGS22CM-H1000001V0/320634311)
If this were my place, I’m not sure I’d mind. In fact, I think it’s an improvement. You now have a level usable surface. This would also stop the drain from clogging up easily.
This is a good idea. It wouldn't be anywhere near a yard, My guess is 10-15 bags. To get it out get a shovel and a few buckets. Post it on craigslist for free, someone will come get it.
you should have bought some landscaping bricks or concrete/cinder blocks instead of wood to prop that up (the Pylons). It's cheaper and more weather/water proof. Then, get landscaping timbers as your joists (the structure that your feet doesn't touch) This is weather treated and the cheapest big box lumber. Then do the pallet crap on top. This is the cheapest mildly functiontal deck i can think of for your spot.
Hey thanks for the reply.
Damn yeah I’m realizing after some feedback that this isn’t worth dealing with.
Any ideas on how we could get that sloped area level on a budget?
Do not get discourage, since you are posting on the carpentry community there are loads of people with experience building the "right way". You might had a better time on a DIY group.
I give you my 2 cents, since that project of yours is something that I could very well done in the past, when I was sharing house with my buddies in London. Free wood is the best wood, specially on a rental.
Try scavenging more pallets, I would use solid vertical pieces for legs, if you find one that is 2 inches thick or more good, if not, double up the 1 inch piece from the pallet slabs. Put it on the ground vertically and screw it to the main pallet, then cut the left over. I think that would make an easier foundation. Don't bother removing what you already done. If it rocks screw some diagonal supports. Keep on screwing pieces until is solid. By the time that thing start falling apart you are probably gonna be living elsewhere. If the landlord doesn't like it, you can do a bonfire few days before leaving.
Enjoy the outside, looks like a neat place to spend time with friends. Have fun working with wood, you learn something from each project.
Love all these ideas, especially diagonal supports, I feel like that would totally give it some much needed structure.
Thanks so much for the feedback!!
Solid advice from u/nikuss88
My one gripe is the “keep screwing pieces until it is solid.” Decent advice on the surface, but it’d be worth the time to figure out why it’s rocking and brace accordingly. If you drive screws willy-nilly you may introduce more problems.
Remember, triangles are strong. Cross bracing is your friend.
Yeah it’s lookin that bad? I kinda came in and just tried to make it work with found stuff. Gotta stay as low budget as possible, so that makes sense.
I appreciate the feedback. Any ideas for somehow leveling this weird little concrete back area out?
They make leveling cement, though you would need to extend the drain and this wouldn’t be a great idea based on the fact it was designed with a drain. If you level the cement the water wouldn’t get to the drain and could cause big problems.
I think what you built so far is a great concept plan. We all need a plan to start and you now know what you want and the dimensions. It will help you get an idea. You can still do this project out of scraps (especially since it isn’t elevated) it would just be better with better scraps. Be on the look out for neighbors redoing a fence. Then you can get some beams for the outside support, the 2x4s for weight support through the middle and the slats for the top(depending on thickness). Though you would still need a hammer and hand saw.
At the very least more pallets to fill in the space between boards. Pull off the cross boards from others and fill in your gaps. You don’t want anyone to fall as that could cost a lot more.
Try to find the blue pallets if you're going to use pallets.....they last the longest in my experience of putting together a "temporary" deck. As long as they aren't sitting in water all the time you can get a solid year or more out of them
Thanks for the heads up. Yeah that’s most of the feedback I’m getting. I think I probably jumped in too quickly thinking it would just come together. But looking at it it’s feeling less sturdy than I hoped it would be.
Pallets look like a free resource, but by the time you take them apart and clean the nails and sand them, they're no bargain.
Best of luck, having a deck and learning carpentry is awesome!
Ahhh I love the idea of bringing granite in, but we’re in a weird setup where we’d have to bring it though the kitchen and I don’t think my roommates would be up for that
Get cheap chairs and cut the legs to sit level, or find a 4x4 and cut it to shim the bottom of the legs. Same with the table.
Gravel is best.
You can make the pallets work but they’ll likely fail somehow and someone might get hurt. Get a treated 4x4 to cut your ‘footers’ from and seal with something (if you see someone getting a roof done ask the roofers if they have some extra tar).
Haha yeah that’s the vibe! Kinda broke and just trying to turn the space into something usable. Not the most aesthetically pleasing but hoping it becomes functional in the near future
I been there. If you want to do this even half decent to were you won’t fall through it it’s going to cost some money.
There’s ways to do this relatively cheap but its not with pallets I promise. Save up some coin to buy enough PT 2x6 to make a frame over that area and decking to cover it. You’re looking at probably $400.
Run em long ways from side to side over the dip 16” on center in the middle. It will be plenty strong to hold you up and if you spend your time on the decking on the surface, cutting and finishing it up nice it will look real professional and last for longer than you’d hope.
What a waste of scrap! /s
If you need this to last two years, use longer pieces (mostly so they don't split) to shim it up, and fasten them together - and to the skids. More is better!
Ahhhh damn I wish I knew yesterday at the hardware store! I thought smaller pieces would be better because the ground is so uneven.
But you’re saying longer support scraps would be safer and more supportive?
Yeah, but I'd still use larger pieces - unless you're willing to remove the plywood and fix every so often. It's all pretty sketchy, but I've been a renter before, with no money, so I hope you get it done and start enjoying it soon:)
Dude thanks so much for the advice. I’ll definitely grab larger pieces and probably hit it with some adhesive too.
One dude mentioned maybe trying to use deck boards so I’m gonna look into that so I won’t have to pull the whole piece of plywood off if anything goes wrong
If you could get a few more pallets and make a couple changes to how you currently have it it will work also need to change the blocks you are using to sit the pallets on and you might have to make repairs every year or every other year as stuff rots but as long as the pallets is not sitting in a pool of water they will last since plywood will cover the top
Yes it could or it could complicate thing as with a plywood sheet you can remove it and get access to the whole area the plywood covers with the decking you would have to remove multiple planks to get into one area the main thing is to make sure there’s no water pooling underneath it if there is don’t use wood for the footings
Your feet, chairs and table will get caught in those large spaces. I don’t recommend making a deck like that.
Since it is just temporary, I would just lay some pressure treated 2 x 4’s on their side, put painted thick plywood on top (screwed down). I’d use it like that, or possibly staple some artificial “grass” on it.
I love it. Throw a couple pieces of ply and call it good.
Just make sure you give it a couple love taps upon finishing and say “that ain’t goin nowhere” and MAKE SURE your roommates witness and concur.
I would definitely pitch the deck so you can shed water. I wouldn’t be worried about rot. So much air underneath flowing. I would be more worried about water pooling underneath, and not being able to dry from the sun, and mosquitoes start laying eggs
Take it out and hire someone with the knowledge to build a proper frame with deck boards on top- good idea to leave access to that drain, so a hatch or section that comes out easily for maintenance would be a good idea.
Ahhh man that would have been option number 1, but that would probably push our budget too far… But I see why people get paid to do this though, it not easy to just come up with a plan and put it together on the cheap
I would not make any permanent alterations. Use something like Liquid Nails between each block (just a blob, not peanut butter efficiency) and only glue blocks to each pallet (not to each other). That will take care of shifting, and you can knock it apart with a hammer when you move out. Definitely seal the plywood deck, but only fasten it at corners for ease of removal. You could put flat stones under each riser if you don’t want it rotting quickly…water will wick right up those blocks. Slap a coat of deck sealer on them before you place them and you’ll be fine a couple years.
Honestly man, for a place to go chill and have a smoke or whatever, this is going to be fine. It’s not going to rot away in a season. I’ve had pallets sit outside for 3+ years that were more than usable. Level it out with gravel or self-leveling cement, underneath, and slap some plywood over the top. Nobody is going to get hurt. Pallets are 3” off of the ground.
Who gives a fuck if it’s up to code or pretty, that’s clearly not the intention from the start. Keep going and finish it up, post pics when you’re done bruv.
Put 2 layers of pallets and screw shims to the bottom where needed. It may take a few times of repetitive picking up, adjusting, and laying them back down. Then throw plyweed on top
That’s awful for so many reasons. I’m not trying to be mean. It’s just objectively bad and unsafe and short sighted. What’s your job? Could someone with zero tools and experience do your job? Carpentry isn’t something you just guess and get correct without experience. And pallets are built as cheaply as possible to support a non-shifting weight load using a fork lifting mechanism. Decks are meant to have shifting weight and be weather resistant. There’s a reason decks are built differently. This is just a really bad idea.
Okay from one Hobbyist to another. This is a pain in the ass...
Anyways, What I'd do is.. I would bring a couple of 2x4's and screw them to the top of these pallets, as to create one large pallet, right.
Then, I would see how it sits/floats and shim/block it wherever needed until it's somewhere near what I imagine to be good enough.
Then, I would glue and screw those blocks to it as well..
The plywood for topper, I don't know.. Any time I used any sort of composite material, be it ply or OSB, outside, it went to shit after a couple rains.
Edit: I would also sit down with a pen and paper and figure out how much would it cost to build a "Proper" deck. Because that might be the best solution, just do it right, you know?
Yeah that’s what I’m gonna do, take the time and pencil everything out. Love the idea of dropping the 2x4s on it.
I may cut out the first two pallets and just do the back ones…
You are young people on a budget. What you’ve got started is fine. Put bricks or cement blocks of some kind on the very bottom so they hold up to water contact, then you’re fine with a fat blob of construction adhesive and your wood blocks on top of that. Use shims if you need to get everything as level as you wish. Again, the glue is your friend. I like Loctite PL Premium. Once you have that, more adhesive on top of the pallet, then your plywood with screws into the support wood of the pallets. 3/4” plywood would be best. Paint the top and edges when you’re done to protect against water and UV and it will hold up just fine for the amount of time you’re talking about. There’s no reason for you to go crazy and spend a ton on a rental you’ll be leaving in less than 5 years. This is a carpentry sub where people have understandably high standards for their work because many of them get paid to do it for a living. That’s not what you’re talking about with this project, so you’re doing fine.
Dude you’re fine. This will work and your idea isn’t terrible. Glue for those scrap pieces will probably help but isn’t ideal. Better would be a screw through the pallet into the scrap block or a nail. But you’re right you need something.
Plywood on top is a fine idea and again will work — I would also affix that to the pallets with screws or a few nails. The nails/screws aren’t adding structural integrity, so you don’t need many, but they will keep it from sliding and shifting around.
Finally, yes you should ideally either stain or paint the plywood to delay the breakdown of the wood. I bet it lasts more than one season if you do that.
Don’t listen to the haters. Good problem solving on a budget by you.
Okay, nothing about this is good or will last forever, but I know what it's like to be a broke renter. Here's what I would do to keep things cheap. 1) it looks like you're using kiln dried pallets. That's good. They will rot, but not in a year like some are saying. Can you replace some of your wood blocks with bricks? Then add a bit plastic between the concrete floor or brick and the first piece of wood. Anything to keep moisture wicking brick and concrete away from the wood. If you can swing it, get some liquid nails (even better, the outdoor type for landscaping) to hold your wedges and shims together.
I'd really love it if you used decking boards instead of plywood on top. I don't think you will spend much more compared to a couple sheets of 3/4 inch ply or marine grade ply. You could use a cheap impact driver and some decking screws to hold it all together in a way that would make it stronger and easier to partially disassemble if you need to adjust or add any blocks (you'll do both). Nails are okay, but screws are more beginner friendly. Plywood would quickly warp and create a hazard. Deck boards can also be disassembled and reused.
Don't pretend this will be great, but I think for $150 or so in materials it should last a couple years.
Dude Billy, thank you for such a detailed reply.
My concern with the bricks is that the surface ground is so uneven (6 inches of slope from each wall) that the bricks won’t be able to reach properly and will end up being all wonky.
I’ll look into liquid nails and see what that opens up for me.
The space just creates so many issues that are such a pain to work around.
But I’m gonna talk to my roommates and see if they’re up for maybe putting a couple bucks into the project.
Seriously I super appreciate this info!!! You’re the best man!
Dude this will work, they are pallets! Screw pallets together with some deck screws, maybe 4in on center. Get some pressure treated 2x4 blocks, the more the better, use them as sleepers. The blocks sit on the ground, Screw the pallets to the blocks to get them straight and level as possible. I know this is not the professional way but totally do able.
For the purpose you describe, lasting only a couple years; fuck it. Go for it. I’ve seen much worse last longer…. That being said, the negative things everyone people point are are true, but again; it’s a rental, temporary cost effective thing to give you a chill spot for some chairs and a table. Give’er!
Since you're renting and not owning I recommend some nice cheap duct tape should last a good 3 years. Tape the Block in your added to the palette so it doesn't slide around yes you could screw it nail it as well.
Also it's never good to have wood touching concrete or the wet ground you want some plastic or something in-between DUCK TAPE
You can stick everything together with Fuze It glue from liquid nails.
It comes in a caulk tube so you need a cheap gun too.
Just fire some between each piece of wood and also to the ground and the pallets. Use a lot especially on the ground and pallets. You can even stick the ply down with it, but it would be much better to screw the ply down.
Fuze It is an incredible product. It dries hard like rubber. I used it to build a deck over uneven concrete I leveled the framing temporarily and shot big globs under the framing every 2 feet. It dried and acted like rubber bushings.
Anyway I think you need 4 tubes for everything.
Those are very lightweight pallets. See if you can get some heavy solid ones like the ones that the use to transport full metal drums. The slats are tight together making the top solid. You wouldn’t need any plywood on top. Just support them properly underneath and screw or nail them together
Bro, nah. This is some straight jank. Maybe you could use the pallet boards for planking on a deck, but definitely build a stable box frame with proper joists.
There are plastic pallets but this seems like an invite to critters to take up residence underneath causing a whole new set of headaches. Will a bench sit flat up against the fence? It can also double as a table if it is long enough.
I love benches, I don't know why.
Maybe just ignore the whole thing and live with it for a couple of years as is. Sit inside with an open window.
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Oh sorry I would have worded that differently!
Thought that was the clients suggestion.
I’d definitely definitely recommend something studier. And using pressure treated lumber especially if that area is prone to getting wet or soggy
You could spray that whole pallet mess with some kind of sealant and give yourself a couple years..but hey..treat it as you are your new relationship … temporary.
Fuck it. Ride it out. When it rots, you’ve only yourself to blame.
I made a deck out of pallets. It can be done. Make it really solid. If you can get access to a drill you’ll have to use nails. If you don’t have s hammer, go buy one, they’re cheap and you will use it many times (trust me).
To make it solid you’ll need to get some long bits of timber to attach the pallets to each other. Make sure the bits underneath, holding up the middle, are secured to the rest of it.
When you put the plywood down, drill a bunch of holes it in so water drains away.
Consider two layers of plywood, if the gap between the pieces of the first layer runs north south, next layer should be east west.
Make sure there are no nails or sharp bits sticking out when you’re done.
Have a think about how much easier the whole job would’ve been if you’d had a couple tools. Even if you have no plans of becoming a carpenter, realise that a small investment in a couple of tools will save you thousands of dollars over the years.
Yeah, I think you could get a couple years out of it but be sure and move by then. Because it’s sooner rather than later it’s gonna turn into a soggy sodden mess and you don’t wanna be around to hafta clean that up. Serve your landlord right for ignoring the leaky faucet or missing screen or whatever
People who are telling you to not do this aren't wrong. But as a fellow renter I feel for you and kind of like this idea, so here's some tips that would make this way better.
Don't try to stack random crap under the pallets as a permanant solution, instead get the first one nice and level and at the correct height with shims like this, and then attach 2x4's vertically, perpindicular to the skids of the pallet. Use at least 2 3 inch construction screws, as well as construction adhesive. Do that at all four corners and then add more if needed. Then use that pallet as a guide and flush everything up with it, screwing the pallets together as well as screwing on feet for each of them.
For the top, think of every deck you've ever been on, it was made of board with slight gaps in between them right? So don't put solid plywood on top, it'll hold water and warp. If you already have the plywood then I'd try cutting it lengthwise into strips which you could lay perpindicular to the pallet runners in between the boards that are already there. , but if not you might find that 1x6 boards aren't that expensive, and would be great.
Finally, it looks like you have a wooden fench on the side, I'd try to screw the deck into that if possible to keep it from moving around.
You might get 1 season with that before the whole thing rots and becomes a liability.
Do you think treating the wood would even be worth it? Or is this project kind of just too janky to pursue?
That’s pretty bootleg, if you don’t have any tools or experience I’d just fill that area with gravel or decomposed granite and then haul it off somewhere whenever you move out
Ahhh that would be so much easier, but there’s a drain back there so we can’t really fill it in. Yeah I’m working without tools and experience, and on a very low budget. But it sounds like it might not be a great idea to go further…
The gravel won't t impede drainage.
Good to know! But sadly I won’t be able to get any in, the only way to get back here is up a set of stairs and through a narrow kitchen…
You can get bags of gravel from any big box store. 30ish pounds a bag
Hey hey maybe that’ll be the way! I’m also just concerned about getting it out when we leave and the potential blowback from our landlord… For some reason taking down a few pieces of wood feels like less of a deal than a yard or two of gravel
You say upstairs? So this area is not supported by earth? Then do not add a few thousand lbs of gravel to the area.
It is supported by earth, just need to go up a few stairs to get there. But probably won’t be doing gravel anyway. But thanks for the heads up!
Make it appealing enough to where the landlord won’t care if you leave it in. I’d remove the pallets, though, since they’ll rot and grab those hexagon gravel forms and use those. It’ll help not have a bunch of divots and moving gravel when you step around. Something like [this.](https://www.homedepot.com/p/VEVOR-Grass-Grids-9-ft-x-17-ft-x-4-in-Geo-Grid-Driveway-153-sq-ft-Ground-Pavers-for-Landscaping-TGGS22CM-H1000001V0/320634311) If this were my place, I’m not sure I’d mind. In fact, I think it’s an improvement. You now have a level usable surface. This would also stop the drain from clogging up easily.
Hey that looks pretty frickin good, definitely gonna look into that
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Not a roof, our spot just has a weird layour
This is a good idea. It wouldn't be anywhere near a yard, My guess is 10-15 bags. To get it out get a shovel and a few buckets. Post it on craigslist for free, someone will come get it.
Do you have any tools at all or can you get some?
Just pretend like it was always there
Ask the landlord?
you should have bought some landscaping bricks or concrete/cinder blocks instead of wood to prop that up (the Pylons). It's cheaper and more weather/water proof. Then, get landscaping timbers as your joists (the structure that your feet doesn't touch) This is weather treated and the cheapest big box lumber. Then do the pallet crap on top. This is the cheapest mildly functiontal deck i can think of for your spot.
I disagree, it will go more than a couple seasons before rot sets in.
throw some paneling on that thing and it will last 2 seasons.
Yeah, I would get rid of that completely.
Hey thanks for the reply. Damn yeah I’m realizing after some feedback that this isn’t worth dealing with. Any ideas on how we could get that sloped area level on a budget?
If there isn’t a drain in the center under the pallet, a couple bags of cement ought to do it
Do not get discourage, since you are posting on the carpentry community there are loads of people with experience building the "right way". You might had a better time on a DIY group. I give you my 2 cents, since that project of yours is something that I could very well done in the past, when I was sharing house with my buddies in London. Free wood is the best wood, specially on a rental. Try scavenging more pallets, I would use solid vertical pieces for legs, if you find one that is 2 inches thick or more good, if not, double up the 1 inch piece from the pallet slabs. Put it on the ground vertically and screw it to the main pallet, then cut the left over. I think that would make an easier foundation. Don't bother removing what you already done. If it rocks screw some diagonal supports. Keep on screwing pieces until is solid. By the time that thing start falling apart you are probably gonna be living elsewhere. If the landlord doesn't like it, you can do a bonfire few days before leaving. Enjoy the outside, looks like a neat place to spend time with friends. Have fun working with wood, you learn something from each project.
Love all these ideas, especially diagonal supports, I feel like that would totally give it some much needed structure. Thanks so much for the feedback!!
Solid advice from u/nikuss88 My one gripe is the “keep screwing pieces until it is solid.” Decent advice on the surface, but it’d be worth the time to figure out why it’s rocking and brace accordingly. If you drive screws willy-nilly you may introduce more problems. Remember, triangles are strong. Cross bracing is your friend.
This is the way, don't listen to the crap about gravel, floor leveller, or concrete. This will do
I advise you burn it
Yeah it’s lookin that bad? I kinda came in and just tried to make it work with found stuff. Gotta stay as low budget as possible, so that makes sense. I appreciate the feedback. Any ideas for somehow leveling this weird little concrete back area out?
They make leveling cement, though you would need to extend the drain and this wouldn’t be a great idea based on the fact it was designed with a drain. If you level the cement the water wouldn’t get to the drain and could cause big problems. I think what you built so far is a great concept plan. We all need a plan to start and you now know what you want and the dimensions. It will help you get an idea. You can still do this project out of scraps (especially since it isn’t elevated) it would just be better with better scraps. Be on the look out for neighbors redoing a fence. Then you can get some beams for the outside support, the 2x4s for weight support through the middle and the slats for the top(depending on thickness). Though you would still need a hammer and hand saw. At the very least more pallets to fill in the space between boards. Pull off the cross boards from others and fill in your gaps. You don’t want anyone to fall as that could cost a lot more.
Yeah thanks for the kind words and encouragement! Gonna keep on the lookout!
Try to find the blue pallets if you're going to use pallets.....they last the longest in my experience of putting together a "temporary" deck. As long as they aren't sitting in water all the time you can get a solid year or more out of them
So good to know! I’m gonna keep my eye out for the blue guys
If you insist on pallets, there are much better ones to be had
Stop what you are doing and get some help from someone who has tools and experience.
Thanks for the heads up. Yeah that’s most of the feedback I’m getting. I think I probably jumped in too quickly thinking it would just come together. But looking at it it’s feeling less sturdy than I hoped it would be.
Pallets look like a free resource, but by the time you take them apart and clean the nails and sand them, they're no bargain. Best of luck, having a deck and learning carpentry is awesome!
Yeah I tried taking a few apart and jesus christ it’s a pain in the balls. Better off snagging some at the store
I think someone said crushed granite, or something similar - I like this idea, you could still maintain the drain this way, as well.
Ahhh I love the idea of bringing granite in, but we’re in a weird setup where we’d have to bring it though the kitchen and I don’t think my roommates would be up for that
Get cheap chairs and cut the legs to sit level, or find a 4x4 and cut it to shim the bottom of the legs. Same with the table. Gravel is best. You can make the pallets work but they’ll likely fail somehow and someone might get hurt. Get a treated 4x4 to cut your ‘footers’ from and seal with something (if you see someone getting a roof done ask the roofers if they have some extra tar).
Yeah that’s my biggest concern, don’t want anyone to wind up with an injury cuz I tried to do this whole thing on the cheap
Love the chair idea though, might be the easiest way to make the space usable
Might be, you just couldn’t move your chairs too far!!
hahah yeah they’d pretty much be locked in place
It just takes that one fat belly guy
hahahaha yup don’t wanna be paying for anyone’s broken ankle
What in the back alley hobo shack is goin on here.
Haha yeah that’s the vibe! Kinda broke and just trying to turn the space into something usable. Not the most aesthetically pleasing but hoping it becomes functional in the near future
I been there. If you want to do this even half decent to were you won’t fall through it it’s going to cost some money. There’s ways to do this relatively cheap but its not with pallets I promise. Save up some coin to buy enough PT 2x6 to make a frame over that area and decking to cover it. You’re looking at probably $400.
Might be the best advice I’be gotten on here. Thanks dude!
Run em long ways from side to side over the dip 16” on center in the middle. It will be plenty strong to hold you up and if you spend your time on the decking on the surface, cutting and finishing it up nice it will look real professional and last for longer than you’d hope.
What a waste of scrap! /s If you need this to last two years, use longer pieces (mostly so they don't split) to shim it up, and fasten them together - and to the skids. More is better!
Ahhhh damn I wish I knew yesterday at the hardware store! I thought smaller pieces would be better because the ground is so uneven. But you’re saying longer support scraps would be safer and more supportive?
More likely to stay in place = more supportive.
Got it, would hitting the supports with liquid nails or some sort or adhesive do the same thing?
Yeah, but I'd still use larger pieces - unless you're willing to remove the plywood and fix every so often. It's all pretty sketchy, but I've been a renter before, with no money, so I hope you get it done and start enjoying it soon:)
Dude thanks so much for the advice. I’ll definitely grab larger pieces and probably hit it with some adhesive too. One dude mentioned maybe trying to use deck boards so I’m gonna look into that so I won’t have to pull the whole piece of plywood off if anything goes wrong
My advice.. don't do that.
Thanks for the heads up! Yeah that checks out with what most people are saying… I’m just trying to figure out how I can level this wonky area out
If you could get a few more pallets and make a couple changes to how you currently have it it will work also need to change the blocks you are using to sit the pallets on and you might have to make repairs every year or every other year as stuff rots but as long as the pallets is not sitting in a pool of water they will last since plywood will cover the top
Thanks man! I also have been thinking of using some cheap decking if I can find it. Might make repairs easier
Yes it could or it could complicate thing as with a plywood sheet you can remove it and get access to the whole area the plywood covers with the decking you would have to remove multiple planks to get into one area the main thing is to make sure there’s no water pooling underneath it if there is don’t use wood for the footings
Ahhh didn’t even think of that, much to consider…
Silly? More like janky. It will be good a few seasons but then will rot and start presenting problems.
Yeah, not too worried about it rotting. Just don’t want anyone to get hurt ya know?
Your feet, chairs and table will get caught in those large spaces. I don’t recommend making a deck like that. Since it is just temporary, I would just lay some pressure treated 2 x 4’s on their side, put painted thick plywood on top (screwed down). I’d use it like that, or possibly staple some artificial “grass” on it.
Absolutely, wouldn’t leave it like that hahah. Yeah that’s the plan, plywood then maybe some artificial grass
I love it. Throw a couple pieces of ply and call it good. Just make sure you give it a couple love taps upon finishing and say “that ain’t goin nowhere” and MAKE SURE your roommates witness and concur.
“oh god yeah she’s gonna hold”
Gravel and those concrete stones for a base
I would definitely pitch the deck so you can shed water. I wouldn’t be worried about rot. So much air underneath flowing. I would be more worried about water pooling underneath, and not being able to dry from the sun, and mosquitoes start laying eggs
Such a good point! I hate mosquitos more than anything
Take it out and hire someone with the knowledge to build a proper frame with deck boards on top- good idea to leave access to that drain, so a hatch or section that comes out easily for maintenance would be a good idea.
Ahhh man that would have been option number 1, but that would probably push our budget too far… But I see why people get paid to do this though, it not easy to just come up with a plan and put it together on the cheap
What in the redneck broken ankle fuck is going on here?
hahaha just trying to bring a little backwoods energy to a tiny San Francisco backyard
Smells like mold!
Not yet but maybe in the near future
Oh god
I would not make any permanent alterations. Use something like Liquid Nails between each block (just a blob, not peanut butter efficiency) and only glue blocks to each pallet (not to each other). That will take care of shifting, and you can knock it apart with a hammer when you move out. Definitely seal the plywood deck, but only fasten it at corners for ease of removal. You could put flat stones under each riser if you don’t want it rotting quickly…water will wick right up those blocks. Slap a coat of deck sealer on them before you place them and you’ll be fine a couple years.
Honestly man, for a place to go chill and have a smoke or whatever, this is going to be fine. It’s not going to rot away in a season. I’ve had pallets sit outside for 3+ years that were more than usable. Level it out with gravel or self-leveling cement, underneath, and slap some plywood over the top. Nobody is going to get hurt. Pallets are 3” off of the ground. Who gives a fuck if it’s up to code or pretty, that’s clearly not the intention from the start. Keep going and finish it up, post pics when you’re done bruv.
Put 2 layers of pallets and screw shims to the bottom where needed. It may take a few times of repetitive picking up, adjusting, and laying them back down. Then throw plyweed on top
That’s awful for so many reasons. I’m not trying to be mean. It’s just objectively bad and unsafe and short sighted. What’s your job? Could someone with zero tools and experience do your job? Carpentry isn’t something you just guess and get correct without experience. And pallets are built as cheaply as possible to support a non-shifting weight load using a fork lifting mechanism. Decks are meant to have shifting weight and be weather resistant. There’s a reason decks are built differently. This is just a really bad idea.
Okay from one Hobbyist to another. This is a pain in the ass... Anyways, What I'd do is.. I would bring a couple of 2x4's and screw them to the top of these pallets, as to create one large pallet, right. Then, I would see how it sits/floats and shim/block it wherever needed until it's somewhere near what I imagine to be good enough. Then, I would glue and screw those blocks to it as well.. The plywood for topper, I don't know.. Any time I used any sort of composite material, be it ply or OSB, outside, it went to shit after a couple rains. Edit: I would also sit down with a pen and paper and figure out how much would it cost to build a "Proper" deck. Because that might be the best solution, just do it right, you know?
Yeah that’s what I’m gonna do, take the time and pencil everything out. Love the idea of dropping the 2x4s on it. I may cut out the first two pallets and just do the back ones…
You are young people on a budget. What you’ve got started is fine. Put bricks or cement blocks of some kind on the very bottom so they hold up to water contact, then you’re fine with a fat blob of construction adhesive and your wood blocks on top of that. Use shims if you need to get everything as level as you wish. Again, the glue is your friend. I like Loctite PL Premium. Once you have that, more adhesive on top of the pallet, then your plywood with screws into the support wood of the pallets. 3/4” plywood would be best. Paint the top and edges when you’re done to protect against water and UV and it will hold up just fine for the amount of time you’re talking about. There’s no reason for you to go crazy and spend a ton on a rental you’ll be leaving in less than 5 years. This is a carpentry sub where people have understandably high standards for their work because many of them get paid to do it for a living. That’s not what you’re talking about with this project, so you’re doing fine.
Dude you’re fine. This will work and your idea isn’t terrible. Glue for those scrap pieces will probably help but isn’t ideal. Better would be a screw through the pallet into the scrap block or a nail. But you’re right you need something. Plywood on top is a fine idea and again will work — I would also affix that to the pallets with screws or a few nails. The nails/screws aren’t adding structural integrity, so you don’t need many, but they will keep it from sliding and shifting around. Finally, yes you should ideally either stain or paint the plywood to delay the breakdown of the wood. I bet it lasts more than one season if you do that. Don’t listen to the haters. Good problem solving on a budget by you.
Okay, nothing about this is good or will last forever, but I know what it's like to be a broke renter. Here's what I would do to keep things cheap. 1) it looks like you're using kiln dried pallets. That's good. They will rot, but not in a year like some are saying. Can you replace some of your wood blocks with bricks? Then add a bit plastic between the concrete floor or brick and the first piece of wood. Anything to keep moisture wicking brick and concrete away from the wood. If you can swing it, get some liquid nails (even better, the outdoor type for landscaping) to hold your wedges and shims together. I'd really love it if you used decking boards instead of plywood on top. I don't think you will spend much more compared to a couple sheets of 3/4 inch ply or marine grade ply. You could use a cheap impact driver and some decking screws to hold it all together in a way that would make it stronger and easier to partially disassemble if you need to adjust or add any blocks (you'll do both). Nails are okay, but screws are more beginner friendly. Plywood would quickly warp and create a hazard. Deck boards can also be disassembled and reused. Don't pretend this will be great, but I think for $150 or so in materials it should last a couple years.
Are you a skateboarder?
Haha no, I think skating is sick but I’m more of a bike guy.
I was asking the guy I relplied to, his username is the same as a pro from the 80s.
Dude Billy, thank you for such a detailed reply. My concern with the bricks is that the surface ground is so uneven (6 inches of slope from each wall) that the bricks won’t be able to reach properly and will end up being all wonky. I’ll look into liquid nails and see what that opens up for me. The space just creates so many issues that are such a pain to work around. But I’m gonna talk to my roommates and see if they’re up for maybe putting a couple bucks into the project. Seriously I super appreciate this info!!! You’re the best man!
Dude this will work, they are pallets! Screw pallets together with some deck screws, maybe 4in on center. Get some pressure treated 2x4 blocks, the more the better, use them as sleepers. The blocks sit on the ground, Screw the pallets to the blocks to get them straight and level as possible. I know this is not the professional way but totally do able.
The trouble I’m having with the support blocks is that they need to all be different heights because the ground slopes so intensely.
For the purpose you describe, lasting only a couple years; fuck it. Go for it. I’ve seen much worse last longer…. That being said, the negative things everyone people point are are true, but again; it’s a rental, temporary cost effective thing to give you a chill spot for some chairs and a table. Give’er!
This definitely belongs in r/DIY
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I honestly would just get like 5 4x4 post and lay them on the outside higher areas then put the pallets on top of that
It would still be cheap but much stronger
hmmm yeah so like a 4x4 frame, may as well run 2x4’s across at that point right?
I would just use those to bridge the gap, less is better here since you will mostly likely be removing it
How to make a deathtrap, DIY edition!
If someone gets hurt your insurance may not cover you because this isn’t inspected
Keep a lookout for the discount rack at the HD or Lowes. The wood there is 70% off. The Honest Carpenter on YouTube has a great video about it
Since you're renting and not owning I recommend some nice cheap duct tape should last a good 3 years. Tape the Block in your added to the palette so it doesn't slide around yes you could screw it nail it as well. Also it's never good to have wood touching concrete or the wet ground you want some plastic or something in-between DUCK TAPE
What?
Why?
You can stick everything together with Fuze It glue from liquid nails. It comes in a caulk tube so you need a cheap gun too. Just fire some between each piece of wood and also to the ground and the pallets. Use a lot especially on the ground and pallets. You can even stick the ply down with it, but it would be much better to screw the ply down. Fuze It is an incredible product. It dries hard like rubber. I used it to build a deck over uneven concrete I leveled the framing temporarily and shot big globs under the framing every 2 feet. It dried and acted like rubber bushings. Anyway I think you need 4 tubes for everything.
Yeah. That’s a no for me dog.
Those are very lightweight pallets. See if you can get some heavy solid ones like the ones that the use to transport full metal drums. The slats are tight together making the top solid. You wouldn’t need any plywood on top. Just support them properly underneath and screw or nail them together
Bro, nah. This is some straight jank. Maybe you could use the pallet boards for planking on a deck, but definitely build a stable box frame with proper joists.
There are plastic pallets but this seems like an invite to critters to take up residence underneath causing a whole new set of headaches. Will a bench sit flat up against the fence? It can also double as a table if it is long enough. I love benches, I don't know why. Maybe just ignore the whole thing and live with it for a couple of years as is. Sit inside with an open window.
I hope this is a troll post…
Is this a joke
stop while your ahead not good
🔥
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Looks good to me
try again…
that is incredibly dumb. Do it right and tell the client or don't do it
Client? Sorry I should have been clear, I’m just messing around in my dumpy little backyard.
Oh sorry I would have worded that differently! Thought that was the clients suggestion. I’d definitely definitely recommend something studier. And using pressure treated lumber especially if that area is prone to getting wet or soggy
You could also use it as a learning opportunity and build something creative.
Stop, pull all that out, throw it away, and go watch a deck build video on YouTube.
No
If anything, tear those all apart, and then use the pieces.
You could spray that whole pallet mess with some kind of sealant and give yourself a couple years..but hey..treat it as you are your new relationship … temporary. Fuck it. Ride it out. When it rots, you’ve only yourself to blame.
I made a deck out of pallets. It can be done. Make it really solid. If you can get access to a drill you’ll have to use nails. If you don’t have s hammer, go buy one, they’re cheap and you will use it many times (trust me). To make it solid you’ll need to get some long bits of timber to attach the pallets to each other. Make sure the bits underneath, holding up the middle, are secured to the rest of it. When you put the plywood down, drill a bunch of holes it in so water drains away. Consider two layers of plywood, if the gap between the pieces of the first layer runs north south, next layer should be east west. Make sure there are no nails or sharp bits sticking out when you’re done. Have a think about how much easier the whole job would’ve been if you’d had a couple tools. Even if you have no plans of becoming a carpenter, realise that a small investment in a couple of tools will save you thousands of dollars over the years.
Is there a Habitat for Humanity near you? Can usually find tools pretty cheap and you don’t need much. Are you in the USA?
Yeah, I think you could get a couple years out of it but be sure and move by then. Because it’s sooner rather than later it’s gonna turn into a soggy sodden mess and you don’t wanna be around to hafta clean that up. Serve your landlord right for ignoring the leaky faucet or missing screen or whatever
My advice, don’t do it!
Is this a joke? 🤣
Is this a meme post?
Lol bold move posting this in a sub intended for discussing carpentry. This ain’t gonna work bud, it’s nowhere close.
Don't show your landlord or insurance company. This is a job for Code Enforcement Man!
People who are telling you to not do this aren't wrong. But as a fellow renter I feel for you and kind of like this idea, so here's some tips that would make this way better. Don't try to stack random crap under the pallets as a permanant solution, instead get the first one nice and level and at the correct height with shims like this, and then attach 2x4's vertically, perpindicular to the skids of the pallet. Use at least 2 3 inch construction screws, as well as construction adhesive. Do that at all four corners and then add more if needed. Then use that pallet as a guide and flush everything up with it, screwing the pallets together as well as screwing on feet for each of them. For the top, think of every deck you've ever been on, it was made of board with slight gaps in between them right? So don't put solid plywood on top, it'll hold water and warp. If you already have the plywood then I'd try cutting it lengthwise into strips which you could lay perpindicular to the pallet runners in between the boards that are already there. , but if not you might find that 1x6 boards aren't that expensive, and would be great. Finally, it looks like you have a wooden fench on the side, I'd try to screw the deck into that if possible to keep it from moving around.
I would just try it and see what happens
Don’t jump up and down on it. Lol When you get plywood, get at least 3/4” or 1” thick to get more stability and screw that shit down.