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What to use for base of medium sized shed?

bkjan

Hi, I am hoping to use treated pine pallets as the flooring to put my shed on. Shed is 3m x 1.5m.

I cannot use concrete as it is a rental property.

However, I am finding it very difficult to find this type of pallet.

I will be laying builders film under the pallets as a waterproof barrier.

My questions are:

1. does anyone know of where to get treated pine pallets in the Frankston, Mornington Peninsula areas in Victoria.

2. Or are there other EASY to use (I'm disabled) options to use as the flooring.

3. Would plastic pallets be weatherproof and strong enough to sit the shed on.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated, but as I said I'm disabled and cannot build anything.

Thanks so much from Jan.

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EricL

Hello @bkjan

Thanks for sharing your question about what base to use for your shed. The common pallets that come to the store are either "HT" or heat treated and "MB" which is methyl bromide. The pallet treated with methyl bromide is not meant to be used for anything else as the chemical treatment on it can cause severe skin irritation. I suggest giving your local store a call in order to find out if they have any pallets to give away.

In regards to using pallets as a base for your shed, I don't recommend using pallets as they are not structurally sound and will not be able to hold the shed down in case of a severe windstorm.

Since you are in a rental property, I suggest building a timber base instead. This will allow you to take the shed and base with you should you decide to move to another location. I propose engaging the services of a handy person to build the taber post for you.

I also suggest having a look at this discussion - Garden shed on timber base by @Malcolm.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

bkjan

Thank you for your reply but I am unable to afford to hire someone and to buy the materials to build a timber base.

- I will be laying builders film on top of the ground first, then adding ???? to sit the shed on top off.

- I have bought some gravel to be able to level the ground.

- I have also bought marine ply to use as a leveler for the floor as my original idea was to use treated pine pallets but I'm finding it difficult to find a supplier. Several people have said that treated pallets is what they have used for their sheds without having any problems.

My big question what other ready made options can I sit my 3m x 1.5m shed on.

*** Would Matrix Fast Floor Panel be an option to use. Is it strong enough to sit the shed on. I won't be storing heavy items like lawn mover etc.

I've been researching this for ages and keep getting differing suggestions. I really need to just get the shed bought and installed now (I have chosen the company to do this).

- (I'm renting and so concrete slab is not an option).

*** I think that it is optimal to have the shed above ground level.

**** I'll lay some gravel and level it off, lay the builders film to help with waterproofing, lay something???? to sit the shed on top of, then hammer in some ground anchors (my small yard is very sheltered on 3 sides).

- Someone else suggested plastic pallets, this may end up being my only option but they are very expensive.

thank you so much for any help that you can offer, from Jan in Melbourne.

MitchellMc

Hi @bkjan,

Our advice needs to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and those are that the shed must be installed on either a concrete or timber base to ensure proper support and compliance. While I understand your constraints as a renter, using alternatives like pallets or other non-compliant materials isn't recommended, could compromise your warranty and may not provide the structural integrity needed.

A timber base remains your best option if concrete isn't feasible. You might consider building a simple timber platform that can be easily removed when you move, and this would still meet the shed’s installation requirements. While I know you mentioned budget concerns, perhaps sourcing second-hand materials or enlisting some assistance might make it more manageable.

The Matrix floor panels are designed to be an internal flooring lining and not a base for a shed. The base's predominant use is as a fixed structure that can't move. Sheds in high winds combat large forces, and they need to be secured down to an immovable surface that weighs several hundred kilo's.

Please reach out if you need further clarification or help.

Mitchell

bkjan

Handy to know: Matrix Fast Floor is a light, quick, easy and cost effective flooring system in many ways superior to concrete and timber. Simply prepare a flat surface, lay weed mat and use the supplied clips and stainless steel screws to join the panels together to create a shed floor, vehicle parking area or storage area floor. Ideal fast floor for sheds, boats, caravans etc...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbgSceOs32U

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