How build timber shelves under house onto uneven sandstone?

[NadineC]

I’ve got some basic carpentry skills and some used joists from a deck I want to use to build storage shelves under our house. I need help working out how to attach a timber frame to the base, which is mostly large uneven solid sandstone the house sits on. I need to work out how to fix and level the posts when the ‘floor’ is natural rock. Thanks

[MitchellMc]

Hi @hakeae,

Timber can definitely be treated to resist termites. Treated pine, for example, is commonly used in outdoor and subfloor applications because it’s been chemically treated to deter both rot and termite attack. Look for timber that’s rated H3 or H4, depending on the level of exposure to moisture—H3 is suitable for above-ground use outdoors, while H4 is used when timber is in contact with the ground.

That said, some body corporates prefer to take a more conservative approach, especially in older buildings or where there have been previous termite issues. If you're working in a shared property, it’s worth checking if they’d accept treated timber with documentation showing the treatment level and intended use. Alternatively, they might prefer non-organic options like steel shelving or aluminium framing, which completely avoid the termite issue.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Nailbag]

Hi @hakeae 

Further to @MitchellMc information on treated pine ratings, you could also supply this link to the body corp to see if they would accept the use of this timber.

Otherwise you could follow the instructions I earlier posted for @NadineC on using and fixing stayed metal brackets to the wall. Though not cheap, but if they specify a non-wooden product for the shelves, you could consider composite decking boards.

Nailbag