How can I build a temporary deck out of pallets?

Question

I want to make a small deck to use beside my 52" above-ground seasonal pool, on the cheap. I just had the idea to stack free pallets, nail them together to the proper height, and put decking across the top of it (and add stairs). Any reason this won't work? Pallets are built to hold weight, aren't they? Any other great ideas to contribute?

Answer 1

Pallets are built from the cheapest wood available including stuff that has a lot of splinters and maybe protruding nail heads or twisted staples. People who make stuff from recycled pallets put a lot of effort into pulling all the nails and probably running the pieces of wood through a jointer/planer to get them smooth.

If you use the pallets make sure any surfaces that you might come in contact with are free from anything that could be dangerous to touch. You might be able to face the edges that show on the sides with 3/16" external plywood for smoothness.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

This shouldn't be a problem. As you stack them, use Liquid nails or some other adhesive caulk. They will not move if you do it that way. To form the steps, cut the free pallets in 12, 24, and 36 inch lengths and stack them against the pile. Let's see, each pallet is about 6 inches high, so 9 pallets high, (just guessing), per section,(4' x 4'), then for the stairs, 2 -4', 2 -3' 2-2' and 2-1'. You can fudge the stacks so the stairs come out with even rise for each one. 1/2" exterior plywood will suffice for step treads and the top of the platform.

You might want to invest in the following; 2 x 4 railings, outdoor carpet for the stairs and top platform, 6 mil white plastic skirting, or, they sell green and brown tarps that can be used as skirting.

I built a 10' x 10' deck out my back door using pallets as a base over treated 5/4 x 6 deck boards, 8 years ago and just now it is deteriorating to a point of replacement.

Answer 4

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RE:
How can I build a temporary deck out of pallets?
I want to make a small deck to use beside my 52" above-ground seasonal pool, on the cheap. I just had the idea to stack free pallets, nail them together to the proper height, and put decking across the top of it (and add stairs). Any reason this won't work? Pallets are built to hold...

Answer 5

thats a good idea, one thing you will want to do with the pallets is stagger the joints..... where the ends butt together. Don't stack them straight up put your first layer down then start your next layer half way over from the end of the first layer
good luck.
oh yea one,well 2 more things use decking screws instead of nails, and you can get skirting to put oround the pallets when your done to make it look a little nicer and hid the pallets

Answer 6

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Answer 7

I have no idea where you live but this kind of reminds me of making a hot tub out of a pick up bed. It will look trashy and cheap.
The only thing I ever used pallets for was a temporary hog pen. If you opt to do this you should buy lattice and plywood and cover the structure and then paint.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

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Answer 10

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