Raise the Walls

Once the floor is down and solid start lifting prepared pallets into place. By prepared I simply mean pallets with 2x4s screwed or nailed onto the open ends. Doing this quickly gives you four sides of the pallet to screw or nail into. It also makes the pallet stronger. Continue Reading »

Add Windows and a Door

Once the walls are up get out the reciprocating saw and cut out spaces for the windows and door. Use new 2×4′s or some from dismantled pallets to frame rough openings for your windows and doors. It’s best to build the window and door bucks from your best and longest wood since most doors and windows require strait and plumb surfaces. Continue Reading »

Building the Walls and Roof

Before adding siding or insulation be sure to bolt the pallets together. The stronger the connection between pallets the stronger your house will be. I would not trust nails or screws alone. I would use some bolts as the final connector.  Also be sure your walls are strong before lifting the roof pieces into place. Continue Reading »

Roofline and Cross Section (Pitched Roof)

My preferred roof design it a pitched roof but it is more difficult to build than the shed roof and is purely an aesthetic choice. It also adds extra vertical space for a sleeping loft. Continue Reading »

Roofline and Cross Section (Shed Roof)

Here is another way to build the roof. The high end is about 8 feet high, the pitch illustrated is a 3:12 pitch (drops 3 inches for every 12 inches horizontally). The lower wall is about 80 inches high. This design makes the roof easier to build for a few reasons. Continue Reading »