How To Build A Shed Floor

Having a sturdy shed floor is crucial to maximizing the life of your shed.

Here's how to build a shed floor or foundation for maximum strength, durability, and usefullness.

There is more than one way to build a shed floor,
but I feel the way I am going to teach you is the best.

The following instructions refer to different terms like band boards, rim joists, floor joists, and skids. If you are unsure of what those terms are please have a look a my shed floors page.

1. Check your local building codes if you haven't already to determine what type of anchoring you need to do for your garden shed. Chances are if you have applied for a permit you'll know the answer to this question already. Usually, there are two types of anchoring if you are not building on top of a concrete slab. One way is to anchor your shed to the ground using cable tie-downs, or anchoring it with your floor being fastened securely to posts which are sunk into the ground at a pre-determined depth in concrete.

Make sure whatever is required by your county that you follow their guidelines.

2. Gather the proper lumber to cut your floor joists, rim joists, and 2 two band boards and 4x4 skids. Cut all floor joists to proper length along with your 2 rim joists and two band boards and skids. Also, cut your 4"x 4" skids to length.

3. After cutting all lumber, mark off your two band boards for joist layout at 12" on center. Assemble the frame using 16d galvanized common nails, making sure to check each joist for crowning and install it with the crowned edge up.

4. Lay out your 4" x 4" skids properly spaced and lined up on your foundation, making sure they are level. Set the floor frame on top of the skids and measure the diagonals to make sure it's square. At this point, toe nail all joists to your skids using 16d common nails. The joists which fall at the 4', 8', and 12' lengths along your skids should be measured before nailing to make sure they are nailed exactly on center at those distances. This way, when laying your decking down, your edges will fall right in the middle of your joists for easy nailing.

5. Whichever method you need to use for anchoring your shed should be done at this step before laying down and nailing your floor sheathing.

6. Now lay out your floor sheathing starting with one of the front corners first. Reason being is that you want your front part of the floor looking pretty. It's the first thing visitors will see when stepping into your beautiful new garden shed. Use 8d galvanized box nails driven every 6" along the edges and every 12" in the field.

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