Using (free) Pallets To Build Our Homestead
I’m a big believer in reusing, but I am an even bigger believer in doing things well but inexpensively so that we don’t have to be a slave to money.
So when we found a source for free pallets in a nearby town we loaded them up in the trailer countless times and started our own little pallet farm. Those piles have since been used in various projects around our homestead from building the foundation of our cabin to making a chicken coop and more.
You can read about the various ways we re-purposed these pallets to start our homestead as inexpensively as possible over at Saving Money Plan.
Ok, so I have a question…aren’t pallets made from heavily treated lumber? I know some pallets that come in from other countries must be heavily fumigated in order to enter the U.S.
How do you know by using these in your garden and as the foundation for your home you aren’t leaching very potent, long lasting and harmful substances into your ground water, soil, even your feet and lungs from off-gasing?
I was thinking about this the other day. I saw a darling vertical planter full of lettuces and herbs made of pallets…
Wow! You go, girl. That’s awesome.
Yesterday on a walk, I saw some old kitchen cabinets on the curb (apparently someone was remodelling). I was thinking surely they should be useful to someone, other than for burning to make heat. Anyway, there they sit …
But I love seeing you re-purpose the pallets. It’s inspiring to see your ingenuity and refusal to be a “slave to money” where possible.
It is absolutely wonderful. We are now encouraged to expand our’s even larger than we already have. We so appreciate your taking time out of your busy lives to share your progress and creativity with us. We will be praying for a Bountiful Growing Season for all of you.
From Wikipedia: “Pallets made of raw, untreated wood are not compliant with ISPM 15. To be compliant the pallets (or other wood packaging material) must meet debarked standards,[17] and must be treated by either of the following means under the supervision of an approved agency:
“Heat treatment The wood must be heated to achieve a minimum core temperature of 56 °C (132.8 °F) for at least 30 minutes. Pallets treated via this method bear the initials HT near the IPPC logo.
“Chemical fumigation The wood must be fumigated with methyl bromide. Pallets treated via this method bear the initials MB near the IPPC logo. From 19 March 2010 the use of Methyl Bromide as an acceptable treatment according to ISPM15 [18] has now been phased out.
“Pallets made of non-wood materials such as steel, aluminum, plastic, or engineered wood products, such as plywood, oriented strand board, or corrugated fiberboard do not need IPPC approval, and are considered to be exempt from ISPM 15 regulations.” It’s good to know you can evaluate the pallets you have for chemical treatment, etc.
Pam – That is incredibly helpful. Thank you so much!
By using the wooden pallets we can save the world for better tomorrow. As it is low cost and highly durable, it is better to use recycled pallets.