How do I make my temporary garage permanent using pallet wood?

Judith Burg
by Judith Burg
The frame is well made and solid but the cover is starting to wear out so I would like an inexpensive way to cover it with wood.

  6 answers
  • Dfm Dfm on Jun 10, 2018

    First, check to see if you need permits for the permanent structure. Some areas require them some don’t. Some require to build so much from the lot line, others say on the lot line is ok. Have you checked placement of utilities...sewer pipes, under ground electric, water pipes etc.you may not to build over them.

    • Judith Burg Judith Burg on Jun 10, 2018

      I live on a farm so I have no restrictions on doing this. I just want to know how to do this from a construction stand point.

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Jun 10, 2018

    Make sure your county and or city zoning laws are OK with a permanent garage. You also may be taxed on it.

  • Judith Burg Judith Burg on Jun 10, 2018

    No problem there. Farm sheds don't need any special permits. I just want instuctions about to do this.

  • Dfm Dfm on Jun 10, 2018

    There is a gent called William who joined this site, I get the feeling he’s familiar with building trades. Hopefully he’ll see this post.

  • Mindshift Mindshift on Jun 10, 2018

    Pallets are not necessarily a uniform length or width, and the slats range in width. My pallets have slats from 3 & 1/4" to 5 & 3/8" wide. I assume your current framing has 16" centers, which means a pallet slat has to be roughly 32" or 48" long to nail to the framing. The short narrow pieces are why most people building a pallet structure use metal roofing, and that would be the best choice! You can cover the entire roof with pallet slats, but then you should cover them with roofing paper and shingles. These are the best long term solutions to avoid leaks.

  • Judith Burg Judith Burg on Jun 11, 2018

    Thank you for the information. I can get pallets free but my frame is metal. How would you suggest I attach the wood to the metal? I agree that metal for the roof would be fairly simple.