10 tips: how to restore a shed with the help of pallets and more…

An old shack gets a new shed of light by using pallets and other resources to bring it back to life. Many of the solutions to restore the old structure were found during the challenge

1 > ENVIRONMENT

Make sure your shed is in a firm base. My old decking was rotten and was replaced by a new one to support the shed. I used pallets to give a new look to the gate behind it and to make a security panel above it

 

 

The old and the new decking ©Pedro Redig

Pallet revamp at the gate ©Pedro Redig

 

2 > ASSESS THE DAMAGE

Turn the shed sideways or even upside down to find out what needs to be done. The base is an area heavily affected by the weather – even more than the roof. Replace the rotten structure with a new one

It beggars belief a rotten shed can be restored with care and creativity ©Pedro Redig

3 > CREATIVE SUPPORT

Get rid of the rock bottom wood and create ingenious pieces to hold the parts of the posts that are gone. They  have different dimensions, depending on the size of the damage

The upside down and the inside views after bringing the shed back from the dead ©Pedro Redig

4 > BACK TO BASE

Pallets are the perfect fit to replace those low planks of wood that are damaged together with the base. Seal the space between them to avoid water to leak

Make sure the pallets replacing the rotten wood are well joined and sealed toegther ©Pedro Redig

5 > EVERY LITTLE HELPS

The edge of the doors are thin and applying glue reinforced by clamps is a better option than try to screw or fix it because it can split the tiny piece of wood. The damage at the edge of the doors should be filled with little pieces of wood. They are stronger than using filler only for the whole area. Filling the edges and a good sanding will provide a perfect finish. George the Cat came by to check the progress together with my son Luca.

 

 

Hanging on to keep it all firm

George the cat and my son Luca having fun ©Pedro Redig

 

6  > PALLET SPACE

A shelf made of pallets was built to fit one fourth of the space inside and will be used to store boxes with painting and other DYI material

A pallet shelf to enhance the space inside ©Pedro Redig

7 > TOP FINISH

Invest in the painting because it will give extra protection to your shed. Oil-based products will add strength but a good exterior water-based paint will also do the job. Apply at least three coats for a good cover

Paint as much as you want – the shed will appreciate it! ©Pedro Redig

8 > FAST TRACK

Depending on the size, your shed can be moved around easily with the help of wheels. My ones are 75ml but 100ml sizes are recommended to bear the extra weight

Wheeling away with a restored shed ©Pedro Redig

9 > EXTRA PROTECTION

Make sure the base is as much waterproof as possible by using flashing material made for roof and guttering repairs. This impermeable product comes with a glue in it and sticks to the bottom of the shed making it damp proof

Sealing the base to protect against the elements ©Pedro Redig

10 > JOB DONE

A final lick of paint and the old shed looks like new. It took a lot of time and effort but it was worth every drop of sweat in this unusually hot British summer

The challenge comes to a happy ending ©Pedro Redig