Making a wooden floor for a garden shed is not as easy as it sounds. That’s why many people turn to professionals to take on the task.
If you’re a do-it-yourself kind of person who likes a challenge, we suggest you take a look at this complete guide to building a simple wooden gazebo floor.
Discover the steps to build a wood floor with the help of the right tools and a lot of motivation.
- A quick reminder before laying a wooden floor for a garden shed
Start by checking your municipal bylaws. Some towns require a permit before changing or adding structures to your property. Don’t hesitate to call the town building department and ask the following questions:
- What is the maximum terrace height?
- What is the minimum distance between you and your neighbor?
- Do I need a permit to make changes to my deck?
It’s best to be well-informed to avoid a hefty fine.
Steps for making a wooden floor for a garden shed
Building a wooden patio for your garden shed is an exciting and rewarding project. You can already imagine the end of the project, sipping a nice beer on your renovated deck. Before you can enjoy the fruits of your hard work, however, there are a number of steps to follow.
The floor of a garden cottage has the same structural elements as any other type of floor. These are:
- Beams
- Floor joists
- Pillars
To simplify your project, we offer to make a wooden floor for a raised garden shed.
2. Measurements for a wooden garden shed floor
Do you want the floor to be limited to the gazebo area, or do you want to extend it to enlarge the terrace area? You’ll need to answer these questions to plan the right amount of flooring material. Don’t hesitate to make a technical drawing and use rope to make your calculations on the ground in your backyard. Here’s how to calculate the distance between each joist.
Ideally, there should be a distance of about 12 to 24 inches between each floor joist. The larger your floor, the smaller the space between joists should be to ensure strength and stability. If you’re not sure which distance to choose, 16 inches is a standard distance. To calculate the distance, start measuring from the center of the first piece of wood and measure to the center of the next piece of wood.
Of course, to make a wooden floor for a garden shed, you also need to consider the surface on which you’ll be placing your gazebo. Are you building on the ground, or on a concrete slab? The way you prepare for this construction project depends on where you’ll be placing the framework of your floor.
3. Preparing the ground for construction
If your site is on a slope, you’ll have to decide whether to bury part of the beams on the uphill side, or add steps. Use your spirit level to determine how deep you need to dig. Neither solution is faster or safer, and you won’t save any time digging into the ground for each joist.
If you decide to bury, we recommend covering your trenches with a layer of sand or gravel and a geotextile waterproofing blanket. This creates a drain that allows water to run off without damaging the structure or filling the aggregate with silt.
Then build the frame around the pillars. We recommend pressure-treated wood for your beams, joists and pillars.
Then install the remaining six joists along the layout lines. Keep the standard joists aligned with the tips of the end joists. This will enable your shelter to keep the boards flat.
Building a wooden garden shed floor on a concrete slab or paved surface
Making a wooden floor for a garden shed over a concrete slab or paved floor is also called a “floating patio”. It’s one of the easiest ways to add a wooden floor under your gazebo.
What’s more, they don’t require as much work as fixed decks, and can also be moved if required. They are also a good solution for camouflaging a damaged concrete slab, while enhancing the aesthetics of your garden shed. Here’s how to build one.
- Clean the area on which the wooden patio will be installed. We also recommend covering this area with geotextile fabric to prevent grass or other growth under the patio.
- Then you’ll need a few solid-concrete blocks. With a little help, you’ll be able to complete this project in just 1–2 days.
- Place 4 concrete blocks in a rectangle. 12 feet apart on the long side, and 10 on the short side, measuring from the middle of the blocks. Add a block between each pair of corner blocks so that they are evenly spaced. For added stability and strength, add several blocks to the center of the rectangle.
- Using a 6-foot spirit level or a standard level and a 12-foot plank, check that the blocks are level with each other. Level the blocks by removing or adding gravel foundation underneath them as required.
- Then build the framework for the base of your wood floor in the same way as for the ground-level construction. Calculate the distance between your joists.
- Place the base frame on your concrete blocks. Check that everything is level and that each concrete block touches the frame.
- Install the remaining six standard joists in the same way as any other patio, following the layout lines.
- It’s time to lay the wooden floor of your garden shed. Install the boards and fasten them to the framework.
What type of wood for a garden shed floor?
- Natural wood such as pine is a good option. However, this type of garden shed floor requires a great deal of maintenance. You’ll need to apply initial protection and paint or stain it regularly to ensure longevity. The average lifespan is around 7 years.
- Making a wood floor for a garden shed out of treated wood is a more durable option than natural, untreated wood.
- Those wishing to purchase cedar for their garden shed will have to pay more initially. However, this material is waterproof, requires no treatment and is low-maintenance.
How do I fix the garden shed to the wooden floor?
Is your wooden floor attached to the wall of your house? If so, you may want to invest in a retractable awning or a fixed patio awning.
If it’s a free-standing patio, simply screw each leg to the ground. You can also weigh them down with metal suspenders, small solid-concrete blocks, or alternatively, bury them in large, heavy plant pots.
Contact Groupe Bellon Prestige to design a custom garden shed
The advantage of choosing a wooden floor for your garden shed is that you decide on its size and shape. We’ve provided you with a standardized version, but feel free to let your creativity run wild. After all, your patio is a place for gathering, relaxing, and more, depending on your needs.
Don’t worry about finding the right awning for your space. Groupe Bellon Prestige offers a custom awning design service that will perfectly match your terrace. In our blog, you’ll also find plenty of gazebo design tips to beautify your garden after you’ve built your wood deck.
If you have any questions about the products and services offered by Groupe Bellon Prestige, please fill in our contact form.
