Concrete Floor Shed vs. Wood Floor Shed

Concrete

• The big advantages of using concrete are that concrete combines the foundation and floor, and it is strong and durable. There are no problems of rot or insects ruining concrete. A concrete floor supports heavy equipment such as lawn tractors, and is less subject to damage from spilled materials. Concrete is easy to clean with brooms and mops, so spills are less of a problem. Concrete also is permanent and may be built closer to the ground for easier access.

Skill and Labor

• The major disadvantage of a concrete floor is that building it requires more skill and labor. Building one involves excavating an area that sometimes requires mechanical equipment, building forms, pouring the concrete and finishing (leveling and smoothing) it. You need to hire a professional concrete supplier or rent a concrete mixer to prepare the material. A concrete floor also may require installation of metal reinforcing, an extra expense for material and an added labor requirement.

Wood

• Wood's chief advantage for being used as shed flooring is that it is easy to work with. Basic carpentry tools and skills are required, but almost anyone can learn to build floor joists and nail on plywood or plank flooring. There are more options for material, from big plywood sheets and oriented strand board (OSB) to simple planks nailed tightly together and tongue-and-groove flooring. Wood also is more flexible and easier on the legs for prolonged standing. Wood floors also can be built so sheds may be moved.

Moisture

• A major disadvantage of wood floors is they must be protected from moisture and insects. This requires attention to such things as spacing of piers or other foundation supports to make sure no wood comes in contact with the soil. Wood floors also are more subject to deterioration from spills of water and other liquids, and from usage, which can cause nails to come loose or pop up. Wood floors are more likely to wear from consistent pressure of heavy objects.