What Plywood to Use for Shed Floor?

Selecting the right plywood for your shed floor is crucial for long-term durability and load-bearing capacity. Here’s our comprehensive guide to choosing the best plywood for shed flooring.

Best Plywood Options for Shed Floors

Exterior Grade Plywood

• Industry standard for shed floors
• Thickness: 3/4″ (18mm)
• Excellent moisture resistance
• Strong load-bearing capacity
• Waterproof glue bond
• Our most recommended option

Check out our Exterior Plywood

Order now: Quote Request

CDX Plywood

• Budget-friendly option
• 3/4″ (18mm) minimum
• Good structural strength
• Requires proper sealing
• Must be well-ventilated
• Suitable for elevated sheds

Check out our CDX Plywood

Order now: Quote Request

Treated Plywood

• Pressure-treated for ground contact
• 3/4″ (18mm) thickness
• Superior moisture resistance
• Insect resistant
• Ideal for damp locations
• Best for unventilated spaces

Thickness Requirements

Standard Recommendations:

• Minimum: 5/8″ (16mm)
• Recommended: 3/4″ (18mm)
• Heavy Duty: 1-1/8″ (28mm)

Joist Spacing Guidelines:

• 16″ on center: 3/4″ (18mm)
• 24″ on center: 1-1/8″ (28mm)
• For heavy equipment: 1-1/8″ (28mm)

How To Choose Plywood Thickness

Installation Guidelines

1. Preparation
   
   • Ensure joists are level
   • Verify 16″ on center spacing
   • Check for proper ventilation
   • Install vapor barrier
2. Installation Steps
   
   • Lay sheets perpendicular to joists
   • Leave 1/8″ gap between sheets
   • Use 8d ring-shank nails or deck screws
   • Nail/screw every 6″ on edges
   • Nail/screw every 12″ in field
3. Surface Protection
   
   • Seal all edges before installation
   • Apply floor paint or sealer
   • Consider vinyl or rubber mats
   • Add threshold at door

Load Capacity Considerations

Light Duty Storage

• Garden tools
• Lawn equipment
• Basic supplies
• 3/4″ (18mm) sufficient

Medium Duty Storage

• Power equipment
• Workbench
• ATV/motorcycle
• 3/4″ (18mm) recommended

Heavy Duty Storage

• Tractors
• Heavy machinery
• Workshop equipment
• 1-1/8″ (28mm) required

Our Recommendations

Basic Storage Shed:

• 3/4″ (18mm) Exterior Grade
• 16″ joist spacing
• Standard sealer
• Basic vapor barrier

Workshop Shed:

• 3/4″ (18mm) Treated Plywood
• 16″ joist spacing
• Heavy-duty sealer
• Premium vapor barrier

Heavy Equipment Shed:

• 1-1/8″ (28mm) Exterior Grade
• 12″ joist spacing
• Industrial floor coating
• Enhanced support system

Additional Tips

1. Moisture Control:
   
   • Install vapor barrier
   • Ensure proper ventilation
   • Maintain ground clearance
   • Use adequate drainage
2. Support System:
   
   • Level foundation
   • Proper joist sizing
   • Adequate cross-bracing
   • Solid beam support
3. Preventive Maintenance:
   
   • Annual inspection
   • Reseal as needed
   • Check ventilation
   • Monitor for moisture

Installation Supplies Needed

Fasteners:

• 8d ring-shank nails or
• 2-1/2″ deck screws
• Galvanized or coated
• Quantity: 2 lbs per 100 sq ft

Additional Materials:

• 6-mil vapor barrier
• Floor sealer/paint
• Construction adhesive
• Joint sealer

What Plywood to Use for Shed Roof?

What Plywood to Use for Shed Walls?

Visit our store to view our selection of floor-grade plywood and discuss your specific project requirements with our experienced staff.