Do you like to treat your friends to barbecue or sit by the fireplace on winter evenings? Then you definitely need to stock up on firewood. Therefore, at a dacha or in a private house, a woodcutter with a supply of firewood is always useful. We suggest you figure out how you can do it quickly and inexpensively.
DIY woodshed from pallets
Our portal “Construction and Repair” recommends building a woodshed in any case, even if you use firewood very rarely. It can be made very small, and if necessary, the firewood will always be at hand, will not get wet or damp. In addition, you can decorate the building and it will fit perfectly into common or outbuildings.
Types of woodsheds
In general, there are only two types of such buildings:
- Attached.
- Freestanding.
- Open.
- Closed.
It is better to give preference to separate buildings, since those that are not attached are not always appropriate. They can cause wood bugs to enter the house. The extension may not always meet the standards fire safety. But if it is not possible to build separately, then the wall of the house is treated against harmful insects and reinforced with a metal sheet. The sheet size should be larger than the planned woodshed. You can also attach a firewood shed not to residential building, and to other outbuildings.
A separate firewood shed can be open/closed, with a canopy or a roof. For the winter it needs to be covered with plywood, and in the spring it can be opened.
Choosing material
To build DIY woodshed from pallets need to be selected suitable material. Wooden pallets must be in good condition. Often wood can rot if vegetables and fruits are not stored properly, become damp, crumble into dust in places, and smell unpleasant odors, become moldy. Such pallets are not suitable for work.
Existing pallets should be carefully checked/sorted and only those suitable for use should be selected. construction work. The selected material is cleaned of dirt, disassembled, ground with a grinding machine and processed by special means, which will extend the life of the wood. How to choose an angle grinder for your home, if you often make something, read the tips in our review.
Preparing the site
The construction of a woodshed begins with clearing the area. We find a platform whose length and width will be a multiple of the length of the pallets. The site is leveled, formwork is made, a “cushion” of sand and crushed stone, and filled with concrete. That is, the simplest foundation is made. Read more in the article Pouring the foundation for a house with your own hands. After hardening, you can proceed directly to the construction of the woodshed.
We are building a woodshed
Let's start buildingDIY woodshed from pallets from the floor. To prevent the firewood from becoming damp and moisture from rain entering, we place the floor on a slight elevation. To do this, beams are placed, and logs are placed on top of them. We place boards on top of the laid logs.
To prevent wood rotting and mold, the material must be treated with special wood products.
All wooden elements connected by anchors.
Next, after the floor, we build walls or small frame depending on the woodcutter's idea. They must be strengthened strictly vertically, starting from the corners. They will be given additional strength by crossbars fixed at the top, middle and bottom. You can make more or fewer crossbars, the main thing is that the structure is strong and stable.
Now the finished frame can be sheathed with prepared pallets. This way we get the finished walls and proceed to the roof.
The roof can be any: single-pitched or gable. Its frame can also be sheathed with pallets, and a flooring made of the necessary waterproofing film can be made on top, and any material can be laid on top roofing material optional: roofing felt, slate, metal sheet, etc. We have written more about roofs in many articles. Of course, a firewood rack will not require a full-fledged roof like for a house, but a general idea and the main points of roof construction can be borrowed, for example, here How to build pitched roof do it yourself step by step .
The final stage
To done DIY woodshed from pallets served for a long time; all wooden elements must be protected from moisture and precipitation. And for this it is advisable to paint them with oil regular paint. It is waterproof and tolerates environmental fluctuations well.
Now all that remains is to decorate the woodshed. If you wish, you can give such a structure any design and fit it into the adjacent space. The woodshed made from pallets looks good and is not inferior in appearance to other outbuildings made from modern materials.
Moreover, from wooden pallets many other different structures can be made.
A country or city house is wonderful, even wonderful. But no achievements of architecture and design, no landscaping can cancel the fact that auxiliary structures must also be prepared. For their construction they can sometimes be used exclusively original materials and designs.
Peculiarities
Almost every homeowner can build a shed from pallets with their own hands. Wooden pallets are already used in the manufacture of tables and sofas, beds and flower beds, but there is every opportunity for more serious construction. Theoretically, these structures are not intended for construction work, and externally the structure does not look very solid. However, for simple business purposes, this solution turns out to be quite acceptable, especially considering the minimal costs.
There is no need to buy the pallets themselves; they are simply thrown away after the completion of large construction projects; money must be paid for:
- nuts;
- self-tapping screws;
- other fasteners;
- boards;
- roofing products and some other elements.
A typical pallet is 120 cm long and 80 cm wide. Parts placed in the very first row should be mounted on block supports. It is recommended to cast them from concrete. Since wooden elements are used for work, you will have to take care of protecting them from rotting and fire. It is very important to immediately calculate the need for the material used and take into account all the design features of the barn.
Sequence of work
Carrying out the work step by step, after forming the foundation, you need to attach the pallets to each other using bolts, and drill holes in the mutually transverse boards. Through these holes the blocks are tightened with bolts. It is possible to accurately select the fastening only by taking into account the design of the pallet. The second row is fastened not only to each other, but also to the blocks placed in the first line. By calculating the required roof slope, you can make a pitched roof as reliably as possible, eliminating negative incidents.
The sheathing under the roof is made of boards, and on top of them it is permissible to use any roofing material. Most people choose profile metal sheets, because they are mounted simply and without unnecessary problems. Next comes the turn of painting, manufacturing and installation of the gate. After this, sometimes the building is painted again. At this point, the work on preparing the barn ends, and you can already master it and use it.
In most cases, the foundation is formed from standard concrete blocks. They should be poured at the same level, spaced according to the width of the tray. Then the load level in any part of the circuit will be uniform. The size of the bolts for connecting the pallets is determined individually, focusing on the thickness of the main beam. To connect the tiers, you need to twist them with the same bolts (2 pieces on each side). The front part of the barn is equipped with an insert designed for rafters, so tilting towards the rear is simplified.
Attention: to form the roof it is permissible to use the same pallets or boards with dimensions of 2.5x10 cm. Among roofing sheets from metal, preference should be given to galvanized options. They reflect well Sun rays and help make the atmosphere cooler even on the hottest days. You can increase the resistance of the particle board to moisture by covering it on the outside oil paints. This is exactly the case when the disadvantages of such materials are not too significant.
For decorative cladding of outbuildings made of wooden pallets, you can use chipboard. It is not advisable to use already painted pallets. After all, it cannot be guaranteed that previously used paint of unknown composition will be safe for health. By painting all surfaces themselves, homeowners eliminate this problem altogether. For the same reason, it is advisable to abandon pallets that are marked with the abbreviations IPPC or IPPS.
Such designations indicate that the material was subjected to sophisticated processing with special reagents. This means that, by definition, it is not safe for humans. You should also be careful when using pallets that have previously been used elsewhere. After all, when used on the market, on industrial enterprise or at a transport hub, wood easily absorbs foreign odors. It is almost impossible to eliminate them: you will have to put up with pungent aromas for months and even years.
The standard instructions for constructing a shed for a summer cottage cannot ignore the fact that it is very important right choice places. For obvious reasons, you should not place storage of tools, firewood and similar items in the most visible place. But moving it away from the house, from the entrance to the site, is also impractical. The most rational option would be to place the auxiliary structure at the same distance from all important places or directly behind the house.
It is not advisable to build a shed in a low area or even in a depression in the middle of a hill. This may result in flooding due to precipitation or melting snow. To realize the plan, the pallets will have to be cleaned. The best way To do this, use a brush with stiff hair, which helps remove all dirt and dust. Taking pallets apart with a nail puller is more difficult than sawing them, but it helps ensure the integrity of the material.
Please note: if the design of the pallets includes twisted nails, you will not be able to remove them with a nail puller. You will have to cut off the problematic fasteners with a grinder.
Installation strip foundation with shallow depth it turns out to be very simple. The required area is covered in layers with sand and gravel, after which concrete is poured. Dismantling of formwork is allowed 14 days after pouring.
You can attach corner posts to the bottom trim:
- metal corners;
- dowels;
- self-tapping screws.
The logs on the floor are connected to the strapping in a similar way, and boards are attached to them on top using nails 150 - 200 mm long. The flooring is formed only when the original concrete floor does not suit the owners. It doesn’t matter which side exactly to start building the barn from. The doorway should be formed before laying the second line of pallets. The ceiling covering is made mainly of timber with a cross-section of 100x100 mm, which is fixed around the perimeter.
The roof of a pallet shed, like a regular one, must be equipped with a layer of waterproofing. It is done using roofing felt or on the basis of a special film. It is allowed to cover the roof not only with sheet iron, but also with slate and any other not too heavy material. Interesting ideas There are many different options when building a shed using pallets, but each one needs to be carefully considered. You don’t have to limit yourself to just choosing an attractive color.
A completely rational step is to combine the barn with small greenhouse. This solution is especially good when there is enough space on the site, you need to store little equipment, and you cannot find a better site for it. It is not recommended to make a shed that is snow-white in appearance, because caring for it will be too difficult. You should always carefully ensure that the exterior and interior match each other. Lilac and other pastel colors get dirty relatively little, and at the same time bring joy to the owners of the site.
To learn how to wash a shed made of pallets, see the following video.
It would seem that pallets are a simple material that is often considered akin to garbage. However, with a little resourcefulness and hard work, you can build a comfortable shed in your country house. And such a barn in terms of strength and appearance will not be inferior to similar buildings made from other building materials. The idea of building a shed from pallets will especially appeal to those who protect their own budget and know how to save money.
Construction Technology Review
Savvy craftsmen came up with a simple and quick way construction from pallets. These elements are cleaned and fastened together with boards, slats, chipboard sheets, screws, nails, staples, wire. The structure is assembled from pallets, like a construction set.
Choosing pallets and pallets for your shed
Pallets or pallets are containers that ensure the safety of goods during transportation. Such containers are made of plastic or wood. Moreover, for the construction of a barn it is worth paying attention to wooden pallets. One of best options– larch . This wood has sufficient strength and is resistant to moisture. A larch barn will last a very long time.
In Russia, wooden pallets are made in the following sizes:
- 80x120 cm, flooring thickness 2.2 cm;
- 100x120 cm;
- 120x120 cm, board thickness up to 2.5 cm;
- 120x160 cm;
- 120x180 cm.
Pallets are also available in other sizes, for example, 32x40, 36x42 and 48x48 inches. Euro pallets have dimensions of 120x80x15 cm and 120x100x15 cm. Pallets with a deck thickness of 2.5 cm are best suited for construction. 
Design of a change house
A barn is a stationary building that should ensure the safety of country tools, personal belongings and other similar items. Based on your own preferences and free space on the site, you should determine the desired dimensions of the building. Ideally, the length, height and width should be multiples of the pallet dimensions. In this case, you will not have to cut the elements.
You may also be interested in construction technology.
Example: if pallets of 120x120 cm are available, then the optimal dimensions of the barn are 480 (L) x 240 (W) x 240 (W). You will need 24 pallets for the walls and 8 for the floor.
It is better to make the ceiling covering from boards. Also, boards will be needed to fasten the pallets together. And it is recommended to use timber 100x100 or 150x150 cm as the lower, upper trim and corner posts.
For construction you will also need: sheets of moisture-resistant plywood, fasteners, a screwdriver, vapor barrier film, insulation, fire-retardant impregnation, roofing material, roofing felt, bitumen mastic.
Calculation of approximate costs, prices of materials
New pallets are sold at a price of 250-300 rubles. Used pallets are half the price. Pine timber will cost approximately 5-6 thousand rubles per cubic meter, larch timber - two and a half times more expensive. A 25x100 mm edged board made of pine costs from 3,500 to 6,500 rubles per cubic meter.
Moisture-resistant sanded birch plywood:
- 8x1525x1525 mm – 550 rubles per sheet;
- 12x1220x2440 – 1050 rubles per sheet.
A set of doors with fittings or a gate for a barn can be purchased for 1-5 thousand rubles. Ruberoid costs about 300 rubles. per roll, bitumen mastic - from 270 rubles per container weighing 16 kg.
Materials for the roof and foundation arrangement will cost 2-5 thousand rubles. Mineral wool (8 pieces per package, 1,200×600×50 mm) costs from 65 rubles/m2 or 385 rubles/pack. Izospan (vapor protection) costs approximately 1,650 rubles/roll (70 sq.m).
How to build it yourself
Laying the foundation
It is not necessary to make a capital foundation. For example, you can clear the area, fill it with sand, crushed stone and pour a floating concrete pad, which will also serve as the floor of the barn. 
Another option is a columnar base. In this case, concrete will be poured into pre-dug holes, the walls of which are wrapped with roofing felt. It will be necessary to install metal rods into the freshly poured solution, to which the walls of the shed will be attached.
Making the bottom trim
You can skip this point of work, saving on building materials. The beams are cut according to the dimensions of the poured foundation. At the corners, 4 beams are joined using the “wood floor” or “paw” method.The frame is connected to the foundation with anchors through holes drilled in the beams.
Installing corner posts
This point is also a recommendation. The lower trim and racks will increase the rigidity of the structure, but if you need to save money, you can do without these beams. Corner posts are attached to bottom harness dowels, metal perforated corners and self-tapping screws. Additionally, jibs are nailed for reliability. 
Laying the subfloor
The floor joists are connected to the bottom trim with metal plates (fastening perforated corners) and self-tapping screws. Edged boards are laid on the joists. The lags and boards are fastened with nails (20 cm long).
You will find all the information about the construction of wooden outbuildings and cabins.
Walling
Work begins from any of the corners of the barn. The first pallet is taken, placed on its edge (with the flooring inside the shed), screwed or nailed to the bottom frame and vertical beam. It is advisable to check verticality with a bubble level.
The second pallet is nailed in the same way. The structure can be further strengthened with perforated mounting angles.
The first row of pallets must be fastened with boards, nailing them into the grooves between the pallet decks. Don't forget to pre-cut the opening for the door or gate. Pallets can also be fastened with wire.
Even if they were installed vertical beams in the corners, before installing the second row, it is necessary to nail vertical boards to the pallets of the first row. They will become stiffeners and prevent the walls of the barn from tilting. 
Roof and roofing
Before installing the roof and roofing the ceiling is constructed and the upper trim is attached. The latter is either a 100x100 beam, nailed along the perimeter of the shed walls, or double 25x100 boards installed on the edge. If the roof of the barn is single-pitched, then the framing is done only on two sides - from the rear of the building and from the facade.
Floor boards are laid edgewise on the mounted frame, which can simultaneously serve as rafters.
The roof structure may vary, however general rules the arrangement of the roofing pie remains unchanged.
A waterproofing film (or roofing felt) is stretched over the rafters and the sheathing is stuffed. Next is the installation of the roofing finishing coating– profiled steel sheet, ondulin, slate, etc. If necessary, roof overhangs are sheathed.
Insulation, vapor barrier and cladding of the structure
The roof of the barn can be insulated from the inside. To do this, insert mineral wool slabs between the rafters, stretch a vapor barrier film, nail thin slats of additional sheathing and attach the material finishing, for example, moisture-resistant plywood sheets. 
The walls of the barn also need insulation. Selected insulation ( budget options: polystyrene foam scraps, straw, wood sawdust) will have to be inserted with inside walls into the space between the flooring and the pallet runners. The inside walls are also covered with a vapor barrier (the film is stretched horizontally, the second row should overlap the first by 10-15 cm). It is convenient to secure the film with a stapler.
Plywood, OSB or other sheathing material will be attached over the vapor barrier. Additionally, the cladding can be plastered or painted to extend its “life.” wooden walls barn.
One of the most economical ways finishing - plastering the walls with clay.
To make the plaster mortar, only environmentally friendly components are used: sand, clay, dung, sawdust, wool, straw, felt, pine needles. Occasionally add a small amount of cement.
For finishing for a barn, a clay-sand mixture with the addition of any fiber (in decorative purposes). It is better to experiment in advance by mixing various components in small quantities. The clay must be soaked for a day before adding it to the solution. 
Before plastering, a fine mesh mesh is stretched over the walls of the shed. Clay plaster is molded onto the mesh in pieces. Optimal thickness finished coating – 3 cm.
Before applying the second finishing layer, you will have to wait for the already applied solution to dry. This may take up to 4 weeks. The second layer of plaster is quite thin. When applied, it is leveled with a spatula.
Door installation
The door to the barn can be made from edged boards, nailing it on both sides to a rectangular frame made of bars. It is better to assemble the door frame from high-quality lumber, securing the structure with long screws and polyurethane foam. When the box is secured in the opening, all that remains is to screw the hinges, door handle and locking hardware (such as padlock lugs).
How to ensure long service life
A long service life for your shed can be achieved by treating everything wooden parts antiseptic. The wood will not rot or deteriorate.
- It is also advisable to arrange ventilation in the barn so that the air does not stagnate and conditions are not created for the growth of mold and mildew.
- If you plan to store vegetables in the shed, it is important to ensure that there are no rodents and insects that will damage the wall material.
- For convenience, floor shelving can be installed in the barn. It is convenient and functional, and from the use of classic wall hooks and wall shelves It's better to refuse.
How to properly build a chicken coop is outlined.
Video
In this video you will be shown how to make a shed from pallets.
Conclusion
A pallet shed is unusually cheap, but with proper finishing it looks presentable and fits well into the design summer cottage. There is no longer any need to spend huge amounts of money on building materials, because any utility block can be easily built with your own hands from scrap materials.
If you have a summer house, then the first thing you will need to do is build an object such as a barn. Otherwise, where will you store inventory, tools and building materials at first?
If you want to build a shed with your own hands quickly, on a budget and with a minimum of effort, pay attention to materials such as used wooden pallets, which can be bought for pennies. In general, they make a lot of things from old wooden pallets: furniture, houses and various outbuildings, etc.
Since the barn lightweight design, it does not require a capital foundation. In this case, the foundation is done like this. We dig holes and insert reinforcement into them. We create a rectangular section by laying blocks.
At the corner of the pallet we attach the embedded part with its curved end extending beyond the base of the pallet. It will be inserted into the recess of the formed pit.
Fill the pits with concrete. After the concrete has hardened, remove the blocks.
We level the pallets. fastening them together.
We level the first row of pallets, fastening them together.
The second tier of pallets is placed on the first. The pallets are fastened together using bolted connections.
Racks and crossbars are attached to the top of the pallets. Rafters are installed on the crossbars at an angle. We lay sheathing boards along the rafters, on which slate or corrugated sheets are laid.
We cover the walls of the shed with siding or corrugated sheets.
We install a gate in the niche.
