Pointers on Picking the Right Flooring for Your Amish Sheds

A steel shed is acceptable for storage and can provide a structure to attach accessories, but it isn’t designed for living in. If you don’t already have the floor in your shed and want one, some options can provide the support you need. Fortunately, many companies that sell steel sheds will install a plywood floor as part of their assembly. 

Still, the flooring options may seem daunting if you’re building Amish sheds yourself, especially if you don’t have any experience with flooring. Check out the several types of flooring available so you can make an informed decision.

Commando Flooring

Sometimes the best flooring for Amish sheds is no flooring! The lack of tiles or mats does not affect the structural integrity of the shed and saves money, though it may not look as clean and proper as a floor would. This can also cause issues with tripping if there is a floor frame to be seen because people will trip on it.

Concrete

A concrete floor is always an option, even for Amish sheds. Once poured, it can make a hard, smooth floor surface, but before pouring concrete, there are some things to consider. If your shed has a metal frame, the pour could cause the structure to rust prematurely and spread throughout the shed. It could also increase the risk of concrete fracture if misdesigned. Using concrete without taking these precautions can cause defects in the slab itself and void your warranty.

Interlocking Tiles

Tiles that interlock physically, like the Click-Deck system, are increasingly common. They provide a solid finish, and you can rest assured your local store will have them in stock. 

However, you should be aware that they may cost more than other types of tiles, and you will need to be careful when choosing the source of your tiles. Some sell cheap knockoff products that are easy to cut but are not meant to be used for large projects such as a shed.

OSB

Oriented strand board (OSB) is not plywood. It is manufactured using strands of thinner pieces of wood pushed together. OSB is frequently referred to as ‘eco-friendly’ because it is made from strips of wood that would otherwise be wasted.

These thin strips of wood are usually around 5/8″ wide. The number and size of the strips determine the thickness of the board, which can range from 5/8″ to 2″. The cost varies depending on these factors, but usually is less than $20 per sheet. Both sides are sanded, which gives it a contoured surface like plywood.

Plywood

This is the safest option when choosing to floor Amish sheds. Plywood is an inexpensive and durable material used for flooring, but it isn’t ideal for a shed floor. It has a rough texture, and because it is cheap and easy to find, it isn’t uncommon for people to use old plywood from other sources rather than buying new plywood specifically for their shed. 

Plywood is often made of multiple layers of wood, with each layer glued to the one beneath it. The glue allows the layers to bend without breaking as the wood expands and contracts with humidity changes. Flooring classes describe plywood based on the number of layers, with marine plywood having the most layers and exterior grade plywood having the least. The sheets are typically ¼” thick.

Choose the Best Flooring for Amish Sheds

The choice of your shed flooring likely depends on personal preference and budget. OSB usually does the trick because it’s affordable and mimics natural wood. However, that is only one of many options. If you have another idea for a floor, want to show it off, or get inspiring ideas, be sure to contact expert contractors to get the best bang for your buck.

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