How To Choose The Best Flooring For A Garden Shed

Flooring plays a large role in making a shed comfortable.

You want a floor that looks appealing and has a cosy underfoot feel, while being strong enough to support furniture and footfall, especially if you’re going to use it daily.

We’ve gathered some of the best flooring options for your shed, focusing on durability, visual appeal, and comfort. From basic plywood to cushioned vinyl, by the end, you’ll know exactly what floor to choose and how to make the most of your garden shed.

Why does shed flooring matter?

It’s true that the way something looks has a large impact on how well we adapt to it. For example, if you make a shed office hollow and sparse of furniture, you’re less likely to perform well at work.

That’s why interior style is so important. If you’re only using your shed to store tools, then all you need is something practical. A damp floor can lead to rotting wood and rusting tools, so something strong and moisture-resistant is key to making your shed last longer.

Are you planning to use your shed every day? If so, something that’s easy to clean is ideal.

You’d even benefit from a cushioned floor if it’s being turned into a workshop, office, or hobby room. Adding underlay or laminate can make a huge difference.

What to look for in a shed floor

Sheds go through a lot more than the average home. Exposure to moisture, harsh winds, and garden pests are just a few issues that come to mind. That’s why you need a floor that can keep up.

Most sheds will come with a tongue-and-groove timber floor. While these basic floors are functional and sturdy, they’re just the beginning of what’s possible. In fact, personalising your shed and styling it the same as you would a room in your house will make you want to spend more time in it.

So, what should your floor have?

Moisture resistance: One of the most important factors of shed flooring is its water resistance. You don’t want something that will warp or rot from exposure to moisture, leading to rusted tools or furniture.
Ease of installation: If you're installing your floors yourself and don’t consider yourself a DIY expert, opt for something simple. For this reason, interlocking tiles or sheet materials are probably your best bet.
Good comfort: When laying a floor for your shed, you want something that is soft underfoot and doesn’t hurt your ankles. Of course, you can add rugs, but a comfortable foundation will make a big difference for sheds used for relaxation purposes.
Great insulation: It’s true that a lot of heat escapes through your shed floor, so make sure your flooring is well-insulated. If you’re going to use your shed year-round, opt for a floor that handles temperature changes well.
Durability: Since a shed is a more fragile structure than a house, you’ll want extra-tough floors that can handle exposure to high levels of moisture and harsh weather. If it’s going to be used a lot by guests or children, consider a floor that can handle high traffic.
Maintenance: Most people live a busy lifestyle, and with a home to take care of, you don’t want to have to monitor a complicated shed floor, too. Go for something manageable that won’t take much daily upkeep.
Noise insulation: Are you creating a garden office, gym, or workshop? If so, you’ll want something that muffles sound (for both your sake and your neighbours’).

Is your old shed falling apart? Why not upgrade to a brand new, modern shed today before jumping into any DIY projects? We promise your new floors will look much better in one of our beautiful timber garden sheds.

Our 12x6 Studio Plus – Door Right offers both a storage compartment for garden tools and equipment and a bright, spacious garden room.

4 best shed sub-floors to choose from

Before we dive into the options, remember that how you intend to use your shed determines what type of floor you’ll need.

Don’t just go for the cheapest option or the one that looks the best; it’s all about how well the floor material can deal with what you’re going to put it through.

1. Pressure-treated plywood

One of the most common shed flooring materials used, pressure-treated plywood, looks and feels better than many types of wood.

Since it’s pressure-treated, it can better withstand rot and moisture than untreated wood. It consists of layered wood veneers and often serves as a great base for carpet or vinyl planks.

However, it is prone to wear and tear and may become damaged over time if you store large tools, such as lawnmowers, in your shed.

Pros	Cons
Holds up well against humidity since it doesn’t swell easily	More expensive than OSB flooring
A well-supported plywood floor can handle heavy tools and equipment without issue	While more moisture-resistant, it can still become damaged from standing water or persistent damp and condensation
Has a smooth base that’s perfect for adding tile, carpet, or vinyl on top	The sheets are heavy to handle during installation

2. Wooden planks (tongue-and-groove)

If you want to add a bit of warmth or a traditional feel to your shed, then wooden planks are the way to go.

Most traditional sheds use tongue-and-groove timber floorboards instead of sheet wood because they have a simple, interlocking system. Many solid wood floors are also pressure-treated for rot resistance, making them ideal for outdoor structures.

However, they need to be treated regularly in order to last. If you don’t have time to maintain it, this floor might not be the one for you.

Pros	Cons
Designed to resist rot and insect attack, so it can last decades	Most expensive standard flooring option
Can absorb and release moisture to improve ventilation	Gaps from incorrect installation can cause draughts, moisture, or rodent issues
Provides a nice wooden cabin vibe if left exposed (or you can paint/stain it)	Requires regular re-sealing or treating to keep rot away

3. Concrete

Easily the most durable when it comes to flooring, concrete will hold up to nearly everything you throw at it. In fact, most sheds are built on a concrete slab foundation, creating a sturdy sub-floor.

Since it’s almost indestructible (when used in a shed), you don’t have to worry about moisture damage or it crumbling under weight. Plus, it’s fairly easy to install, giving you a quick job.

However, this provides less of a homely feel and more of an industrial or commercial atmosphere, since it creates a harder base. For this reason, it’s better suited to storage sheds or workshops where you want something tough and practical.

Pros	Cons
It can last for generations since it won’t rot or warp from moisture	One of the most expensive sub-floors to install
Keeps pests and insects from getting through your shed floor	Typically requires professional installation
Provides flexibility, since it can be painted, finished with an epoxy coating, or have flooring installed on top	Can make the shed quite cold underfoot and hard to walk on

4. OSB (Oriented Strand Board)

A standard flooring for sheds, OSB is cheap, strong, and usually used as a subfloor in your house.

OSB is made from wood chips and resin, providing an inexpensive alternative to plywood. Many people choose it for its ability to handle heavy loads and for its perfect fit for budget-friendly jobs.

However, since it’s not very good at handling moisture, it’s not the best choice if you’re going to be storing high-value items in your shed, like computers or machinery.

Pros	cons
Cheaper than plywood for the same level of thickness	Even OSB3 (rated for humid conditions) can swell, chip, or disintegrate when wet
Can hold a lot of structural weight	If it’s not covered or painted, it has a flaky, chalkboard look that isn’t so appealing
Available in large sheets and is easy to cut to size	Not as durable for long-term use

5 best shed floor coverings and finishes

When it comes to actually making your shed look decorative and stylish, you’ll want to add an attractive floor covering over the subfloor.

Doing so will improve the comfort, functionality, and appearance of your shed, transforming it into a place you truly love to spend time in.

1. Rubber tiles

Rubber flooring not only softens noise but also provides some insulation from the cold ground.

Floors such as one-piece rubber mats, rolled rubber flooring, or interlocking rubber tiles are all good options for sheds, since they’re durable and easy to install. They are typically made of heavy-duty recycled rubber, providing a cushioned foot feel.

However, it’s quite utilitarian in appearance, so it only really works for those aiming for an industrial vibe.

Pros	Cons
Great shock absorption	Can rival the cost of good vinyl or laminate, placing it more on the expensive side
Naturally slip-resistant and provides a good grip even if a bit wet	They can be heavy, making installation tricky
Resistant to rot, moisture, and mildew growth	If using tiles with seams, small debris or water can occasionally work through to the subfloor

Best for:

Home gyms
Workshops
Craft space

2. Vinyl Flooring

Whether as a one-piece sheet (lino) or click-together luxury vinyl planks/tiles, you’ll find many people using vinyl for shed floors.

Its popularity stems from its ability to mimic natural materials such as stone, wood, and tile, without the large price tag. You can enjoy the beauty of these materials without putting a dent in your wallet.

Plus, vinyl holds up well under constant foot traffic. However, it’s sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so a shed that isn’t temperature-controlled may not be the best suit for it.

Pros	Cons
Resistant to spills and easy to sweep and mop	Expands, contracts, and warps easily in extreme temperatures
Sheet vinyl has a cushioned backing for a cosy, warm feel	If laid on a wooden subfloor, an airtight vinyl sheet might trap moisture
Immune to insect damage and rot, making it last for years	Some vinyl floors can become slippery when wet, causing safety issues

Best for:

Garden offices
Utility sheds
Hobby sheds
Outdoor dining rooms

3. Carpet

You may not have realised till now, but it’s actually entirely possible to add carpet to your garden shed!

Doing so can make it feel like an extension of your home, perfect for those creating a cosy outdoor lounge, reading space, games area, or meditation retreat. Indoor-outdoor carpet, old rugs, or carpet tiles are all great ways to upgrade your shed.

Carpet tiles, in particular, are ideal since they can handle dirt better. However, you have to be mindful of the moisture conditions of your shed, since poor sealing and insulation could cause the carpet to become damp and mouldy.

Pros	Cons
Adds a cosy touch and improves insulation	Water leaks or damp can cause carpet to develop mould or a musty smell
Carpet tiles are affordable and fairly easy to install	It’s one of the least durable floor options since it damages easy and is a fire hazard
Adds a bit of thermal insulation to the floor and helps to muffle noise	Will hold onto dust, wood shavings, or dirt tracked in and can attract insects, like carpet beetles or moths

Best for:

She sheds
Man caves
Hobby rooms
Home offices

4. Laminate flooring

Laminate flooring is another option that mimics the look of real wood floors.

It involves interlocking boards that have a photographic wood (or tile) image and a protective wear layer on top, providing a durable, stylish finish. For this reason, it’s popular in homes. But it’s now becoming a staple in summerhouses and posh sheds.

However, while it looks great in a shed, it won’t last long if your shed isn’t well-maintained or insulated.

Pros	Cons
Provides a stylish, high-end wood floor appearance	Can warp or buckle in excessive moisture conditions, making it a liability in sheds that aren’t temperature-controlled
The tough wear layer is resistant to scratches, stains, and dents	Any leaks or condensation can swell the fiberboard core, damaging the boards
Has a floating effect, so no glue or nails are needed to install it	Produces a hollow, loud sound when walked upon, creating a noisy shed

Best for:

Garden rooms
Summerhouses
Garden offices

5. EVA foam tiles

Those interlocking foam mat tiles that you find in most kids' play areas or gyms are actually EVA foam tiles.

While these are a more quirky choice and much less durable than rubber or PVC, they are great for certain circumstances. For example, they’d be a great addition to a kids’ play shed or a yoga space, since they have a cushioning effect that prevents you from hurting yourself.

Plus, if they get damaged, it’s not a big loss to replace a tile or two. Just don’t expect them to last long under rugged use.

Pros	Cons
A soft surface that protects knees and joints when exercising	Can tear or dent easily under heavy equipment or sharp objects
Lightweight and super quick to install	Compress easily under heavy loads
Can be bought in packs at a low price	Can shift easy due to lots of movement

Best for:

Kids play shed
Gym or yoga shed
Potting shed

Things to consider

Before you pick the flooring for your shed, it’s important to think about the following:

Durability: Can the flooring support any tools or furniture you store in your shed? Will it be exposed to water or chemicals that can damage it?
Installation: Can you install the flooring yourself? Do you have all the required materials to install your flooring, and is the process simple and straightforward? If not, consider hiring a professional who can help you further.

As you can see, there’s really no one-size-fits-all answer. It really just depends on what you’re using your shed for. Just remember, a good floor should protect your investment while making it an enjoyable space to spend time in.

Upgrade your garden with Atlas Sheds

At Atlas Sheds, we have a wide range of beautiful garden sheds to suit any purpose.

You can browse stunning, modern garden rooms, perfect for lounging, and garden cabins with plenty of character. Plus, our sheds range from 4x2 to 10x8, accommodating any garden.

The best part? We deliver and install everything for you, free of cost.

FAQs

How much weight can a shed floor hold?

As a rough guide, many wooden shed floors can handle around 100–150 kg per square metre (approximately 20–30 lb/ft²) under normal use.

However, the exact weight capacity depends on many factors, including the type of material, the thickness of the boards, how supported the floor is, and how far apart the floor joists are spaced.

Is an underlay necessary for shed floors?

Yes, as this helps create an even surface and keeps moisture away from floorboards.

We suggest using an underlay for laminate, vinyl plank, or carpet tiles to provide extra insulation and cushioning.

When should I place my shed floor in the hands of a professional?

Most of the options we listed can be done by an experienced or even a beginner DIYer with enough effort.

However, things like concrete pouring or epoxy coating might be best left to a professional.

Should you insulate your shed floor?

Yes, insulation is key when laying a shed floor. Good insulation will keep out the cold in winter and slow down the transfer of heat from outside to inside during summer.

This will make your shed usable all-year-round, so you can get the most out of your purchase. Some popular choices for insulation include:

Foam board insulation: Rigid foam panels (like Celotex or Kingspan) can be fitted between floor joists, providing moisture resistance for wood floors.
Spray foam: This seals and insulates your shed floor, but it’s more expensive and typically requires a professional installer.
Mineral wool or batt insulation: These can be stapled between shed floor joists to provide good insulation. Both options are cheap and easy to install, but they do require a vapour barrier.