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What To Put On Shed Floor? 9 Shed Flooring Ideas

To cover a shed floor, you can use paint, epoxy, or concrete sealer on concrete floors. The best options are wood stain and floor paint for sheds with plywood, OSB, or tongue and groove wood floors. Alternatively, you can cover either surface with interlocking tiles, rubber, cork, or carpet.

Are you looking to design the layout of your new garden shed? It’s essential not to overlook shed flooring, as it can provide an excellent base for your storage or workshop space.

However, there are so many different flooring materials and finishes on the market. Therefore, you may be asking yourself, “what to put on shed floor?” 

I know this can be challenging, so I’ve put together this complete guide to all the flooring ideas for a shed. I’ll show you the best options for every kind of shed, as long as you know what you’re looking for. So, let’s begin!

Why Do Sheds Need Flooring?

Measuring Door Frames Width To Determine the Length Of Wood Flooring needed to install shed floor

When you’re choosing or building your garden shed, flooring is probably the last thing on your mind. You may be thinking about ventilation, storage space, and how you can convert the area into a personalized man cave. However, flooring is also essential.

Stability

building shed with walls and floor

Shed floors are crucial because they create a stable and even surface. If you just build the structure on top of bare ground, you will have to deal with mud, uneven terrain, and other organic material. 

Stability is critical if you need to store heavier items, like a motorcycle or a snowblower. You want a floor that can withstand the weight without cracking and is smooth so you can transport your equipment without damaging it. 

Rot Protection

Rotten wood trunk
Image credit: flickr.com

Putting your wooden shed directly on the ground can also cause the timber to rot. Wood rot is a natural process that decomposes wood. And it can be harmful and dangerous if it starts to happen to your structure. 

It happens when particular kinds of fungus start to grow in the damp conditions of wet wood. They then start breaking down the wood, which could collapse your shed. If there is moisture in your soil and you don’t have a shed floor, it can start this decomposition process. 

Aesthetics

Rustic shed with Wooden Floor Boards

On a more stylistic note, shed flooring can also contribute to the overall aesthetic of your space. Suppose you want to convert your shed into a social or private space for relaxation. In that case, every element, including the flooring, can influence the feeling of your area. 

What Is The Best Shed Flooring?

Concrete

Concrete Flooring for Shed

Concrete slabs are one of the most popular options for shed flooring. With this type of flooring, you usually build a concrete foundation and then put your shed on top of it. 

Pros

  • Stable, durable, and resistant to damage. 
  • Not vulnerable to rot. 
  • Requires little maintenance and it is easy to clean.

Therefore, it can be an excellent option to store large and heavy items or use your space as a workshop. It is suitable for all kinds of sheds, including wooden, metal, and resin

Cons

  • Porous, so it needs a sealant to prevent stains and water from entering. 
  • A cold surface, so it can be uncomfortable in winter.
  • Very hard, so it can cause strain to your legs and feet over time.
  • Not the most attractive option. 

For these reasons, concrete flooring may not be the best option if you want to use your garden shed as a social space

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Wood Tongue And Groove 

48 inch Long Teak Wood Standard Tongue & Groove- 20 Square feet, Real Teak, Nicely Milled

Tongue and groove is a type of timber that slots together easily. Because of its shape, it has indents and protruding parts that can fit together like puzzle pieces. Each side of the wood has this tongue and groove design so that you can install it as needed. 

Pros

  • Much more attractive than concrete flooring.
  • Doesn’t trap and emanate heat like concrete.
  • Softer surface to stand on, so it can cause less pain to your lower body. 
  • Firm surface that provides stability. 

Therefore, it could be a great choice if you want to create a warm and inviting space in your garden shed. The softness of the timber can also be more comfortable to stand on if you’re going to use it as a workshop for your projects

Cons

  • Like other woods, tongue and groove is vulnerable to rot. 
  • Vulnerable to wood-eating pests, like termites and beetles
  • Not waterproof, and it can warp if exposed to water. 
  • Can stain easily.
  • Easy to damage if you drag heavy items across its surface. 
  • Can be challenging and time-consuming to install. 
  • More expensive than some other flooring options. 

Therefore, it may not be the best choice to store heavy garden tools or vehicles. You should also rethink this option or use wood treatment if you live in a wet climate.

Pavers

Pavers stacked on top of each other

Pavers are an attractive option for outdoor garden paths, but they can also serve as flooring in your garden shed. You can mix and match different types to create varying color and pattern effects

Pros

  • You can create attractive and personalized visual effects.
  • Solid and stable base for sheds.
  • Can be more affordable than timber options.

For these reasons, you may like to use pavers if you want to create a unique aesthetic in your garden shed. They are also strong enough to make them an excellent option for heavy-duty storage spaces

Cons

  • A cold surface, which could be uncomfortable during winter.
  • Like concrete, they are hard and can put pressure on your legs and feet. 
  • Prone to cracks and chipping. 
  • May shift if you do not install them correctly.

Therefore, I don’t recommend pavers for social spaces in cold climates or storing items that you will need to drag without wheels

Plastic

EcoBase Fastfit Shed Base for 4x3

Plastic floors are lightweight and weatherproof options. Depending on the shed, they are usually made of recycled plastics in a grid pattern

Pros

  • More affordable than timber or concrete. 
  • Not vulnerable to rot, rust, or pests. 
  • Waterproof.
  • Lightweight and relatively straightforward to install.
  • Grid pattern allows for ventilation. 

Therefore, plastic can be a cost-effective option if you live in a humid climate. With all the moisture in the air and frequent rainfall, plastic can maintain its structure and keep the inside of your shed cool. 

Cons

  • May not be strong enough to drag heavy items across it.
  • Lightweight, so may shift out of position if you don’t fix it into place. 

I don’t recommend using plastic flooring for storing heavy-duty items. For the same reason, it may not be suitable for some workshops. 

Plywood

Plywood Flooring for Shed
Image credit: flickr.com

Pressure-treated plywood is one of the best choices for shed floors. During the pressure-treating process, manufacturers infuse the plywood with preservatives and submerge it in a depressurized tank that removes any excess air. 

Pros

  • Pressure treatment makes it resistant to wood rot and insects. 
  • More attractive than concrete.
  • Durable but soft enough to minimize damage to your body. 
  • Resistant to water. 
  • You can stain or paint it to change its color. 

Cons

  • You can gouge or scratch the wood if you drag bulky items across it.
  • Less finished look than tongue and groove timber.
  • Can still suffer corrosion and weathering over time. 

Therefore, you should avoid using plywood flooring if you need to drag garden power tools or other equipment across it. You can use it for storage, but using items like transport trolleys can protect the flooring

Oriented Strand Board (OSB)

Oriented Strand Board for shed floor

OSB is made of scraps of various woods, which manufacturers fit together in long strips. It usually contains timber from pine or mixed hardwoods, combined under pressure and sold in boards. 

Pros

  • Usually more affordable than plywood and tongue and groove timber.
  • Good humidity and water resistance. 
  • Very strong and resistant.
  • Causes less pressure on your legs and feet than concrete and pavers. 

Therefore, I recommend OSB if you want a cheap and robust option for your shed. If you are primarily using your structure for storage, this timber can provide a solid base that can resist the elements for a long time. 

Cons

  • One of the least attractive options for shed flooring.
  • Can swell if the edges get too wet from a spill. 
  • Many OSB manufacturers use formaldehyde adhesives, which could cause cancer or other health problems. 

Because OSB is one of the, let’s face it, ugliest choices, I don’t recommend it for man caves or other social shed spaces. It can certainly get the job done, but it won’t add any benefits to your structure’s aesthetic. 

Shed Floor Coverings & Shed Sealants: Looking At Your Options

Once you choose your shed base, you should take extra steps to protect it from damage and weather conditions. By using paint, sealant, or other coverings on your concrete, pavers, or wood shed floor, you can increase its durability and change its appearance.  

Shed Floor Covering For Pavers And Concrete

Concrete Paint

painting concrete floor of shed

If you choose a concrete shed floor, a few coats of concrete paint can protect it further. 

Concrete paint can be pricey, but it can improve the appearance of your concrete flooring and make it more resistant to damage. Most formulas are resistant to scratches and chips, as well as UV light from the sun. Therefore, this paint is suitable even if there is high traffic in your garden shed. 

It is one of the most straightforward products to use on a concrete floor. Most concrete paint doesn’t need a primer or other treatment beforehand, so you can use it directly on the surface or on top of old paint. 

If you want to make your concrete flooring prettier and more durable, this could be the right option for you. 

Epoxy

Epoxy-coated floor

Epoxy floor coating can protect your shed floor and make it look nicer. Most formulas prevent water and other chemicals from penetrating the surface and protect against scratches and damage. 

There are various color options, so you can use epoxy to customize the floor to match your existing design. Epoxy generally has a bright and shiny finish, too, so it can spruce up an otherwise dark and gloomy space. 

Unlike concrete paint, epoxy needs a little more preparation and application. You will need to wait at least one day after application before walking on it and three days before a vehicle can drive across it. You should also apply a primer before the epoxy coating. 

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Concrete Sealant

Concrete sealant can protect your concrete and pavers against damage. It doesn’t really change the appearance of the floor, but it can increase its resistance. 

Sealers can create a protective layer that prevents liquids like water from penetrating the surface. This can also stop stains from forming. It creates a shiny and glossy look but doesn’t affect the color of your flooring. 

Concrete sealant is pretty easy to apply. You can use it inside or outside, and most formulas allow you to spray it, paint it on, or use a roller. 

Shed Floor Covering For Wood Surfaces

Wood Stain

Stained wood floor boards for shed

Wood stain is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make your wood shed floor more attractive. 

You can choose from many different color options, including natural cedar, dark walnut, and redwood. Therefore, it is an excellent option if you want your shed floor to match your other interior and exterior design elements. 

Wood stain can also seal your flooring and protect it against damage. It can make it waterproof, protect it against mold and mildew, and prevent the wood from fading under the sun. Therefore, it can be an excellent investment in any climate.

It doesn’t need a primer, and you can apply it directly to the floor. You can use it on plywood flooring and even OSB if you sand it correctly beforehand. 

Floor Paint

The KILZ Interior/Exterior Enamel Porch & Patio Latex Floor Paint is an excellent example of wood floor paint. You can use it to change the color of your shed floor and protect it against damage.

Many wood paints prevent the surface from scratching or chipping, even if you walk or drag items across it. Some can also prevent mold and mildew, keeping your shed interior fresh and healthy. It dries quickly and can last a long time. 

Stick-On Shed Floor Covering

Interlocking Tiles

Shed Floor with interlocking tiles

Interlocking tiles provide an easy way to change your shed floor. 

They are one of the easiest options to install because they snap together, and you can place them on top of any surface. You can choose from various colors to create the aesthetic you like. 

Because they are heavy and stable, you can create flooring that doesn’t shift under your feet and provides extra grip. The surface is resistant to water and spills and easy to clean. Therefore, interlocking tiles are an excellent option for shed workshops

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Rubber Matting

A set of black rubber mats

Rubber matting is a quick and easy option to increase your floor’s durability

You can roll it out directly onto your floor, and it is resistant to stains and water. If you have a busy workshop, it could make cleanup easier and protect your floor from long-term damage and stains. 

Rubber matting isn’t the most attractive option, but it is affordable and straightforward to install. If you prioritize functionality over aesthetics, it could be the best choice for your garden shed. 

Cork Flooring

One carpenter worker laying cork boards during shed flooring work

Cork flooring is a soft and warm alternative to some other hard and cold shed flooring materials. 

The soft material can create a gentle surface for you to stand on, so it could be ideal if you suffer from joint problems. The material also has natural insulation, so it could keep your shed interior warm during winter and nighttime. 

However, it may be easier to damage than some other flooring materials. Therefore, I don’t recommend it for heavy-duty storage or workshops. 

Carpet

colorful carpet flooring
Image credit: flickr.com

If you have a roll of carpet lying around, this can be one of the most affordable ways to update your shed floor. 

It can create a softer surface and even make your shed feel warmer. However, it isn’t the most durable option when it comes to liquids. Carpet can absorb water, liquids, and stains, creating bad smells and even allowing mold to grow. 

Therefore, I only recommend this option if you are on a tight budget and you won’t use your shed as a workshop or store hazardous materials. 

Things To Consider When Choosing Shed Flooring

How Durable Is It?

You don’t want to spend money on shed flooring only for it to decay or stain quickly. Therefore, durability should be your number one priority when you choose a material for your garden shed. 

Firstly, you need a strong surface that can withstand weight, especially if you store heavy-duty items. Concrete can be one of the most durable choices because it can handle weight and things moving across it.

You should also consider the potential for dropped liquids and stains. Rubber matting is easy to clean and can repel liquids, while paints, epoxy, and sealers can serve the same purpose. 

Lastly, you should consider rotting if you choose wood flooring. Opt for pressure-treated wood and use a sealant and stain to further protect it against decay and damage. 

How Quick And Easy Is It To Install?

Unless you hire a professional, you will need to install your shed flooring by yourself or with a helper. If you are not a skilled tradesperson, you should consider your experience and skill level for different materials. 

For example, using epoxy can be challenging and time-consuming, especially if you have never done it before. A paint or sealer is a much simpler alternative.

If you opt for wood flooring, it could take you a long time to install tongue and groove timber. You may have an easier time if you choose plywood or tongue and groove. Still, they are significantly heavier and more challenging to maneuver. 

How Much Does It Cost?

The flooring may be one of the last factors that you consider in your garden shed budget. However, depending on the material that you choose, it can get expensive, fast

For example, tongue and groove is one of the most expensive options if you want wood flooring. It is more attractive than OSB or plywood, but that comes at a price. Therefore, you may need to compromise on other parts of your shed. 

Every material comes at a price, so first, figure out how much space you need to cover. You may then like to compare the cost of your top two or three flooring choices and see if they are affordable on your budget

How Attractive Is It?

If you want to use your garden shed to host visitors or retreat from the house, aesthetics can be crucial. Interior design can affect the entire feeling of your space, so you should think about the colors and design elements that you want. 

FAQs

Does A Shed Floor Need To Be Treated?

Wooden shed floors need to be treated to protect them from damage and rot. However, you can buy timber that is already pressure-treated, meaning that you don’t need to do it yourself. Pressure-treated plywood is usually the most popular option for garden shed floors.

How Do I Keep My Shed Floor From Rotting?

You can keep your shed floor from rotting by choosing pressure-treated lumber, like plywood. You can then keep your shed well-ventilated with ample airflow and natural sunlight. Lastly, regular coats of water-repellent sealant can prevent wood rot.

Can I Use 1/2 Inch Plywood For Shed Floor?

You can use ½ inch plywood for shed floors when you are using your shed for light-duty applications, like storage. If there is not too much weight on the floor, this plywood thickness can hold up. However, heavy-duty spaces, like workshops and oversized item storage, may need ¾ inch plywood.

Can You Put Lino On A Shed Floor?

You can put Lino on a shed floor if your main priorities are waterproofing the surface and stopping mud from accumulating. Therefore, lino and vinyl can be excellent options if you live in a wet climate and don’t want to mess up your shed floor.

What Is Best For Shed Flooring?

Pressure-treated plywood is best for most shed flooring because it is one of the most durable options. The pressure treatment protects it against rot and moisture, and it is strong enough for light and heavy-duty applications.

A Complete Collection Of Shed Flooring Ideas

In conclusion, my guide covers a full range of ideas about what to put on shed floor. First, you will need to choose your base, with concrete, pavers, plastic, plywood, tongue and groove, and OSB as the most popular options.

You can also add various products on top to improve the appearance and durability of your shed flooring. When choosing flooring for your shed, you should consider durability, your shed’s purpose, installation, and cost. 

Do you have any questions or some of your own flooring ideas for sheds? Let me know in the comments section!

About The Author

  • Brett Jones

    Brett's the kind of guy you'd never peg as having such an amazing yard. He's shy and private, avoiding social media and the spotlight. By day, Brett works quietly as an electrician technician, helping folks with wiring and repairs. But get Brett home to his place in Raleigh, where Nadya's always dreaming up new landscaping ideas, and you see another side of him. Brett happily rolls up his sleeves to transform their modest backyard into a lush, cozy oasis. The yard's really a labor of love for them, a place to unwind on weekends, entertain friends, and make cherished memories together. Nadya might come up with all the creative concepts, but Brett's the one ensuring each vision comes to stunning life. They make a great team, even if Brett's content to operate behind the scenes. At heart, Brett's a simple man who finds purpose and joy in small things. Puttering in their garden under the sun or cooking out back in the evenings - these are the things that fulfill him. Brett cares deeply for crafting a space ideal for intimacy, nurturing a life well-lived away from fanfare. Follow him on Twitter.

Last update on 2024-03-28 at 08:21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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About The Author

Brett Jones

Brett's the kind of guy you'd never peg as having such an amazing yard. He's shy and private, avoiding social media and the spotlight. By day, Brett works quietly as an electrician technician, helping folks with wiring and repairs. But get Brett home to his place in Raleigh, where Nadya's always dreaming up new landscaping ideas, and you see another side of him. Brett happily rolls up his sleeves to transform their modest backyard into a lush, cozy oasis. The yard's really a labor of love for them, a place to unwind on weekends, entertain friends, and make cherished memories together. Nadya might come up with all the creative concepts, but Brett's the one ensuring each vision comes to stunning life. They make a great team, even if Brett's content to operate behind the scenes. At heart, Brett's a simple man who finds purpose and joy in small things. Puttering in their garden under the sun or cooking out back in the evenings - these are the things that fulfill him. Brett cares deeply for crafting a space ideal for intimacy, nurturing a life well-lived away from fanfare. Follow him on Twitter.

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