How do I protect my shed floor from water?

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.

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

Does a garden office add value to your property?

The short answer to this is yes a garden office can add value to your home. In fact, recent research reveals that this unique space-creating...

Last updated Aug 1, 2022

What is the cheapest way to build a roof?

Generally, a gable-style roof with asphalt roofing shingles is one of the most affordable roofs you can build on a residential home. Asphalt...

Last updated Dec 2, 2022

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream 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.

Are paving slabs OK for shed base?

Have you been eyeing up a garden shed but don't have a concrete mixer to lay your base? Don't worry – paving slabs will do the job just as well....

Last updated Apr 3, 2019

Is it better to anchor in brick or mortar?

Brick often holds more weight and provides better support compared to mortar. However, if you're working with aged and fragile brick, it may not be...

Last updated Apr 26, 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

What is half a cord of wood called?

Half a cord of wood will burn in the fireplace. The measurement "cord" is used to refer to a quantity of wood, specifically a stack of 128 cubic...

Last updated Jul 5, 2018

How long does steel last in concrete?

This approach represents an improvement step for the durability design of reinforced concrete structures, it is suitable for the design of ordinary...

Last updated Feb 6, 2018

Promotion

Should you put Tyvek on a shed?

According to experts, house wrap isn't actually necessary for sheds but if you want to protect its interior and contents from the heat, cold, dust...

Last updated Sep 12, 2019

Promotion

What are burglars most afraid of?

Top 10 Things Burglars Avoid 1) Strong Doors. 2) Security Systems. 3) Dogs. 4) Well-lit Areas. 5) Security Cameras. 6) Corner Homes. 10) Irregular...

Last updated May 21, 2019