Metal Shed-reflooring question?

[Big Bubba]

Hello all,
I have a question to ask all of you for your suggestion. O.K. what I have is a metal/aluminum shed that is in good shape but the floor has been rotten out on it. I went ahead and removed the aluminum/metal shed from the rotten floor but to my amazement the floor joist are in great shape since there pressure treated; however, the OSB board that was inside the metal shed rotted out. What I want to do is replace the wooden floor base but do not want to spend a fortune or arm and leg for it. I was wondering if I could by OSB board and buy Thompson Water Seal and seal the OSB board religiously with it on all edges and both sides to seal it from water. Basically I want to redo the wooden floor at the most cheapest price I can do it at and my question is is there any suggestions besides the one I have that can save me money in materials? Thanks for your help. Bob

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Metal Shed-reflooring question?

Moisture killed your floor. Lay sheets of heavy plastic down on the ground and then the space between the decking and the ground becomes dead air. Hopefully the plastic will slow the moisture down from accumulating on the wood.

A couple of coats of deck paint or stain on the underside would not hurt and it is cheaper then waterseal. It will not be a permanent solution but it will last longer then the last floor did........ OR go with PT plywood

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Metal Shed-reflooring question?

OSB and moisture = not good. PT plywood if the wallet can handle it. If not, regular ply and a squirt from a $7 can of do it yourself PT on the underside will help.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Metal Shed-reflooring question?

Another option is plastic and about an inch of concrete to seal to moisture off from the new floor.... then osb would last. BTW how long did the last osb last?

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Metal Shed-reflooring question?

It's the moisture from underneath that's the problem. A vapor barrier will help for a bit, but I'd do it boat style with 3/4 AC ply with a coat of resin or really good exterior paint both sides (cheapest). Waterproofing products don't wear that well. OSB is a notorious sponge. A 6 mil poly sheet before the plywood will add years.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Metal Shed-reflooring question?

Thompsons Water Seal is basically colored wax. So that isn't a good waterproofer. Be careful mixing aluminum and PT ply. The new PT will seriously corrode the aluminum.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Metal Shed-reflooring question?

Ayuh,... I'd throw down some PT Plywood, as I've Never seen an Aluminum tin shed....

OSB is Not a viable material...

 

[bigdee]

Re: Metal Shed-reflooring question?

Like others have said, a plastic vapor barrier and some crawl space ventilation and you will be fine using OSB but use OSB flooring not sheathing. Here in the south most houses are built over crawl spaces and are floored with OSB and it has not been an issue. OSB has a wax coating that protects it from moisture but some types only have it on one side. Used correctly OSB is some pretty good stuff and it is good for the environment ( and the wallet)

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Metal Shed-reflooring question?

Since the pressure treated floor joists are good, I would put down 4/5 x 6 deck boards. And don't bother with any further treatments.
If your not in a hurry, keep an eye on Craigslist for leftovers or someone wanting their old deck removed, etc.