Metal Shed Flooring

Mike wrote:

I have a question on shed flooring. I'm planning to put up a 10 x 12 metal shed. It comes with a metal floor kit and instructions on placing plywood on top of the floor kit for flooring.

My question - do you just lay this on top of the ground? What about water, rain, etc - won't water come through the sides? Someone suggested a concrete pad but a pad that size gets expensive. Someone else suggested concrete piers which could help to make sure it would all be level which is important and easier to do with piers than in trying to level 10 x 12 ground flat. But putting it on piers would mean the entire shed, metal floor kit, etc would be suspended up over the piers. I plan to put a lot of heavy items in the shed - would the metal buckle or floor warp? Wouldn't you need piers in the middle as well as on the edges? How many piers would you need for a 10 x 12 shed?

Thanks for help and answers.

The first question you have to ask is, “how heavy is heavy?”

Take a good look at the instructions that came with your metal shed. If they don’t provide enough details, you should contact the manufacturer directly for specific instructions. (If you bought the metal shed kit at a home improvement store, go right to the source.)

A solid slab will provide the most support, no doubt about it. And just as importantly, it will prevent those pesky critters from building nests and digging tunnels underneath your floor. A solid slab floor will cost you more in the short run, but your shed will be sturdy from the ground up.

Piers may be an alternative, but again, you need to check with the manufacturer to see what they recommend. Center piers will help to carry the weight, and in either case, there’s a good chance that you will need to consult with your local building inspector (they should be able to tell you how many piers are required). Suspending a bunch of weight over those piers shouldn’t be a problem if you follow code and use the recommended structural lumber underneath the floor. Doubling up the plywood flooring might not be a bad idea.

And one more essential tip: be sure to grade the soil so that water runs away from the structure.