Photo: Anete Lusina

Do you need a vapor barrier under a concrete slab for a shed?

If you do decide you can tackle a concrete slab, be sure to put a high-quality vapor barrier under the concrete. You don't want water vapor from the soil permeating into the shed. Also, be sure the slab contains reinforcing steel so that it doesn't crack and break apart.

palmbeachpost.com - When building a shed, protect floor from moisture - Palm Beach Post

Do I need a double top plate for a shed?

A double top plate is a requirement when building larger garages or houses, but since most sheds don't exceed 16 feet in any direction, you can...

Last updated Jan 27, 2019

What do candles in every window mean?

A lit candle was often placed in the window when a family member was away or who had died to remember them, letting them know they are missed. It...

Last updated Mar 8, 2022

These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

Promotion

Tim Carter

Question: I plan to build a storage shed. Actually, I’m building two sheds, as my wife wants her own cute garden shed. I’m not able to get much help for these projects and am wondering what to do about the floor of each shed.

I want the floors to be waterproof, but I can’t imagine pouring a concrete slab myself. What are my options when it comes to building a shed with a waterproof floor that will stand the test of time?

Answer: I commend you on thinking ahead about the durability and longevity of your shed. All too often, people just throw something together and fail to realize what things could look like 10, 30 or 50 years down the road. The floor of the shed is very important. You want one that can handle water, because you might bring in a garden tractor or tools dripping with water. I used to pull my garden tractor into my shed with snow caked on the machine and the plow. When the temperature rose, the snow melt made big puddles of water in my shed. Your wife will probably want a sink in her shed that is fed by a garden hose, and that means water is going to be on the floor of that shed. I don’t know how big your sheds will be, but if they’re 10 by 12 feet in size or smaller, you can pour a concrete slab with ease under the following conditions: First, if the concrete truck can pull up to the shed location, eliminating the need to haul the concrete in by wheelbarrow, you’ll be in great shape. Second, you will need just one unskilled laborer to help you place the concrete, a job that should take less than an hour. Once the concrete has been poured, screeded (smoothed) and bull-floated (a “bull-float” is a tool that smooths concrete surfaces), one man can easily finish a 10-by-12-foot slab. If you do decide you can tackle a concrete slab, be sure to put a high-quality vapor barrier under the concrete. You don’t want water vapor from the soil permeating into the shed. Also, be sure the slab contains reinforcing steel so that it doesn’t crack and break apart. If you can’t pour concrete, you can have a waterproof shed floor with little effort. The best part is that you can do this all by yourself.

How do I create a print template in Word?

To create a template: Step 1: Click on Options; this opens a dialogue box called Label Options. Step 2: Click on New Label; this opens a dialogue...

Last updated Apr 24, 2019

What is the best moisture barrier?

Here are the top 5 underlayments for moisture barrier installation. 8 Mil White/Black Dura-Skrim® Reinforced Plastic Sheeting. 12 Mil White/Black...

Last updated Dec 6, 2019

Promotion

You can install a treated-wood floor system that will not rot and that will give you peace of mind for decades, if not longer. I’ve built sheds with concrete floors and sheds with treated wood floors, and both have stood the test of time. A waterproof wood-floor system for a shed starts with a floor framing system just like an outdoor deck. You use treated-lumber floor joists that are raised up off the soil. I like to have at least 6 inches of air space between the bottom of the floor joists and the top of the soil. This space allows foxes and other small animals to keep mice away. Before you start construction, check your local building codes; you’ll probably need a permit. I prefer to install closed-cell foam insulation in between the floor joists and located just under the treated plywood that is nailed to the top of the floor joists. The foam is an amazing vapor barrier. Without a barrier, water vapor can enter the shed through the floor, which can rust the tools you store there. Many people don’t realize that you can buy treated plywood. You rarely find this at home centers, but traditional lumber yards usually stock this fantastic product. You’ll need an extra sheet or two to make a low-slope ramp to move heavy tools, such as a lawn mower, in and out of the shed. The entire floor system can rest on concrete “piers” that rise up out of the ground. You can also connect the wood-floor system to wood posts that rest on concrete piers. Be sure to use approved hold-down anchors to connect the floor system to the buried concrete footers. You don’t want your shed tumbling across your yard in a severe windstorm.

— Tribune Media Services

palmbeachpost.com - When building a shed, protect floor from moisture - Palm Beach Post

How much does it cost to run a new electrical line?

Electrical Wiring Cost by Square Foot You'll pay between $3 and $5 per square foot to install new wiring. This price includes all materials and...

Last updated Aug 5, 2021

Does turning the heat down at night save money?

For every degree that you lower the thermostat can help you save up to 1% on your heating costs. So, if you turn down the heating eight degrees for...

Last updated Apr 4, 2020

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Is polystyrene insulation any good for a shed?

Before insulating a shed, it's important to make sure the building is water-tight and damp free. Treating the interior walls with a wood preserver...

Last updated Jan 22, 2018

Promotion

Does expanding foam attract termites?

MYTH 1: TERMITES ARE ATTRACTED TO SPRAY FOAM Spray foam is neither a food source nor attractant for termites. Cellulose, termite's main appeal, is...

Last updated May 30, 2022