A garden shed serves a multitude of purposes, from storing garden tools to creating a personal workspace or even a play area for kids. One crucial aspect to consider when setting up a garden shed is the flooring. The flooring material you choose can greatly impact the shed’s functionality, durability, and comfort.
In this guide, we’ll explore various shed flooring materials and their suitability for different uses, as well as important considerations to keep in mind. We will also discuss different shed flooring options to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Table of Contents
Different Uses for Garden Sheds
Before diving into ideas for shed flooring, let’s look at the different purposes a shed can serve:
- Garden Storage and Tools: Storage sheds can store gardening tools, lawn mowers, and other equipment such as garden furniture. Well chosen shed flooring can help to keep equipment neatly organised and free from dust or damage.
- Workshop Shed: A workshop for DIY projects, woodworking, or other hobbies. In terms of shed flooring, you want to make sure the shed base/surface is slip resistant, easy to clean and able to store heavy items.
- Home Gym: The shed flooring in a dedicated space for exercise equipment and workouts should be shock absorbent to protect joints and muscles from impact stress. It should also be able to withstand free weights and gym equipment protecting your osb or concrete subfloor.
- Home Office: If you plan to create a quiet and comfortable workspace away from the main house, your shed floor should be comfortable and insulating.
- Kids Play Space: Sheds are great spaces for kids play. To avoid potential accidents or premature wear, you want to ensure the osb ground is covered with a layer of protective flooring that is long-lasting and easy to maintain.
Choosing the Right Garden Shed Flooring
Choosing the right garden shed flooring can be a daunting task, with so many different options available on the market. However, by considering a few key factors, homeowners can make an informed decision that meets their needs and budget.
First and foremost, it’s essential to consider the intended use of the shed. For example, if the shed will be used as a home gym or workshop, a durable and slip-resistant flooring material such as rubber mats or interlocking tiles may be the best choice. On the other hand, if the shed will be used primarily for storage, a more budget-friendly option such as OSB or concrete subfloor may be sufficient.
Another important consideration is the level of maintenance required for the flooring material. Some materials, such as vinyl flooring, are relatively low maintenance and easy to clean, while others, such as carpet tiles, may require more frequent cleaning and upkeep.
Finally, homeowners should also consider the aesthetic appeal of the flooring material, as well as its durability and lifespan. By choosing a flooring material that is both functional and visually appealing, homeowners can create a shed that is both practical and beautiful.
Shed Flooring Materials and Their Suitability
1. Rubber Tiles
Rubber floor mats are an excellent choice for shed flooring. With easy installation and very simple to maintain, rubber tiles create a solid and protective surface that withstands heavy items and equipment without damage to the subfloor. Unlike wood, osb flooring or carpet tiles, rubber mats will avoid rot issues to the surface and under layers as well as insects infestation and bacteria buildup. They can be fitted to various subfloors including concrete and plywood.
Benefits:
- Durable
- Slip-resistant
- Simple to clean and easy installation
- Provides good shock absorption and protection against spills and breakages
- Come in various Thickness options
- Easy to repair/replace
- Stain resistant
Best Use: Home gym, workshop shed.
Considerations: Ensure you opt for rubber mats that are UV resistant if exposed to sunlight. Also opt for thicker rubber tiles with a studded underside for extra stability and moisture drainage. A thickness of 40mm above is recommended.
Customer Feedback:
"The tiles are perfect for our shed gym. It feels much more insulated and finishes it off nicely. Overall, great quality, look professional and very easy to lay"
2. Outdoor Playground Rubber Floor Mats
Widely used for outdoor play spaces, outdoor rubber playground tiles also work well for a shed floor solution in any outdoor space. As well as protecting your subfloor from damage, they provide an anti-fatigue and protective surface for a number of activities. They can be installed onto a shed base or ground, concrete subfloor or plywood structure and will not absorb moisture into the surface. These tiles also have built-in drainage channels on the underside to prevent water damage or water pooling underneath the base layer.
Benefits
- Cushioned Surface
- Built-in Drainage
- Weather Resistant
- Provides Insulation and Noise Reduction
- Designed to be suitable for outdoors
- Simple to lay DIY
- Low Floor Maintenance
- Various thickness options
Best Use: Workshop Shed, Storage Sheds, Kids Play Area
Considerations: Select interlocking outdoor tiles which come with hidden pins which connect the tiles together and help to retain their position.
3. PVC Interlocking Tiles (Garage Tiles)
When choosing garden shed flooring you want to source a shed floor which is simple to install without the need for expensive labour or extra tools. Interlocking PVC tiles are constructed from a heavy duty plastic vinyl that connect together for a quick and DIY installation. These tiles are popular for garage applications and work just as well as shed floor surfaces due to their versatility and ability to tolerate heavy weight loads. Flooring plays a crucial role in both the aesthetic and functional aspects of a shed, enhancing its appeal and providing a sturdy surface for various uses.
Benefits:
- Easy to install
- Solid and Durable
- Resistant to oil and chemicals
- Low Maintenance
- Non-Slip
Best Use: Workshop shed, Storage Shed
Considerations: Ensure they are UV resistant and weatherproof.
4. EVA Foam Tiles
Depending on the intended use, backyard shed flooring doesn’t need to be expensive or elaborate. Maybe you want to create a small space for kids to play or an area for yoga and relaxation. Eva Foam tiles are a cost effective shed flooring option which still provide all the fundamentals needed to create a comfortable and safe leisure space.
Benefits:
- Lightweight and compact
- Inexpensive
- Protective
- Various Styles & Colours Available
Best Use: Kids play space, Hobbies, Home Gym
Considerations: May not be as durable for heavy equipment or sharp objects.
5. Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring is a versatile and aesthetic option for a garden shed floor. The tongue and groove engineered planks available in todays market are much more robust and able to tolerate moisture and temperature change. With that being said, installing a hardwood floor to an outdoor building such as a garden shed is risky without consistent heating. If the shed is heated and watertight with no roof issues, there is minimal risk of warping and other damage to the flooring. If you like the idea of a wooden floor for garden shed use then it's important to make sure the space is properly insulated, ventilated and the proper conditions are in place to avoid damage.
Benefits:
- Adds a stylish look
- Hardwearing
- High Comfort
- Wide choice of designs and colours
- Different width/length options
Best Use: Home office
Considerations: It is essential that the space is watertight, there is a fully contained roof with no open walls and there is running heating to prevent damage, rot and warping. Wood flooring requires more maintenance than other surfaces and if a board should break or there is damage to one area, it usually requires the whole floor to be replaced.
Other Material Options
Aside from the most popular and durable floor options for a shed, you might want to consider alternative materials. Many people make do with a concrete floor for garden shed use as they may not want to spend money on flooring for a space they don't use all of the time. If your shed is mainly used for storage then sticking with basic materials or recycled/upcycled items makes sense.
Important Considerations When Choosing Garden Shed Flooring
Garden Shed Floor Protection and Maintenance
Once the shed floor is installed, it’s essential to take steps to protect and maintain it. This can include applying a protective coating or sealant to the flooring material, as well as regular cleaning and upkeep.
For example, concrete floors can be protected with a concrete paint or sealant, which can help to prevent stains and damage. Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, can be cleaned with a mild detergent and water, and may require occasional waxing or polishing to maintain its appearance.
In addition to regular cleaning and maintenance, homeowners should also take steps to prevent damage to the shed floor. This can include using floor coverings or mats to protect the floor from heavy foot traffic or equipment, as well as ensuring that the shed is well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.
By taking these steps, homeowners can help to extend the lifespan of their shed floor, and ensure that it remains safe, functional, and visually appealing for years to come.
DIY vs. Professional Shed Flooring Installation
When it comes to installing a shed floor, homeowners have two main options: DIY installation or hiring a professional. While DIY installation can be a cost-effective and rewarding option, it may not always be the best choice.
For example, if the shed floor is complex or requires specialised materials or tools, it may be best to hire a professional. Additionally, if the homeowner is not experienced with DIY projects or is short on time, hiring a professional may be the best option.
On the other hand, if the shed floor is relatively simple and the homeowner is comfortable with DIY projects, installing the floor themselves may be a viable option. This can be a cost-effective way to install a shed floor as well as a faster solution than employing a specialist fitter.
Conclusion
Choosing the right shed flooring options for your garden shed involves considering the shed’s purpose, the durability and maintenance of the material, and its suitability for your specific needs. There are many garden shed flooring ideas but the importance lies in taking stock of how you plan to use your shed and how often.
Whether you’re setting up a workshop, home gym, or play area, there’s a flooring option that’s perfect for you. Keep these considerations in mind to ensure your shed flooring is functional, comfortable, and long-lasting.
Looking to upgrade your garden shed? Browse our popular range of options for some top shed flooring ideas.
