Adding a floor to a metal shed typically involves building a subfloor structure over the base where the shed is located.
How to Add Floor to Metal Shed
Adding a durable floor to your metal shed protects contents from moisture and provides a stable surface. A common and effective method is to build a subfloor, especially if your shed is situated on a concrete pad or needs a raised base.
Here’s how to add a floor, focusing on building a subfloor structure as detailed in common practices:
Method: Building a Subfloor Over a Base
This approach involves creating a wooden frame covered with plywood. It's particularly suitable for installation over concrete pads or prepared gravel bases.
1. Prepare the Base
Ensure the area where the shed will sit is level and compact. If using a concrete pad, ensure it is clean and free of debris.
2. Build the Subfloor Frame
- Construct a frame using pressure-treated 2x6s. This type of lumber resists rot and insects, crucial for outdoor structures.
- The frame dimensions should match the interior base size of your metal shed.
- Use appropriate fasteners (like deck screws) to assemble the frame components.
- Add joists within the frame for support, spacing them appropriately (e.g., 16 inches on center) to support the plywood decking.
- Strengthen the corners of the frame, potentially using corner brackets for added rigidity.
3. Anchor the Subfloor Frame
If building the subfloor over a concrete pad, you must anchor the frame securely:
- Use methods such as angle irons, lag screws, and anchor shields to fasten the wooden frame directly to the concrete slab.
- Anchor the strengthened corners of the frame to the foundation for extra stability. This prevents the floor and shed from shifting or lifting in strong winds.
4. Install the Plywood Decking
- Cover the pressure-treated 2x6 frame with 3/4-inch exterior grade plywood. Exterior grade plywood is designed to withstand moisture.
- Lay the plywood sheets over the frame, ensuring edges meet on top of the joists or frame members.
- Secure the plywood to the frame and joists using screws or ring-shank nails, spacing fasteners every 6-8 inches along the joists and frame perimeter.
5. Position the Metal Shed
Once the subfloor is built and anchored, you can assemble your metal shed directly on top of this new wooden floor. The base rails of the shed will sit on the plywood, and you can then anchor the shed's base to the wooden subfloor frame according to the shed manufacturer's instructions.
Materials Overview
| Material | Purpose | Recommended Type/Size |
|---|---|---|
| Subfloor Frame | Structure and support | Pressure-treated 2x6s |
| Decking | Walking surface | 3/4-inch Exterior Grade Plywood |
| Anchoring Hardware | Securing frame to base (e.g., concrete) | Angle Irons, Lag Screws, Anchor Shields |
| Frame Fasteners | Assembling frame | Deck screws |
| Plywood Fasteners | Securing plywood to frame | Screws or Ring-shank nails |
| Corner Reinforcement | Strengthening frame corners | Corner Brackets |
By following these steps, you can add a sturdy and lasting floor to your metal shed, creating a more functional and protective storage space.
