Shed Flooring - Possible?

What goes into flooring for a shed? and for painting/spray painting the walls (wooden). I have laminate flooring left over from my kitchen indoors that I would like to use for my shed - is this possible and what would be necessary to do this?

Asked by Chloe on 15th Aug 2024
Expert Trade Answers
"All depends on what type of shed you have or what is your shed e.g concrete pad or but personally if it’s mdf laminate I wouldn’t risk it as if any sort of water gets to it it’ll swell up and could possibly ruin the floor"
Answered on 15th Aug 2024 - Member since Feb 2022 - report
"As long as shed base is prepared properly ie if it’s concrete floor you must put down a DPM , if it’s wood base then I wouldn’t advise laminate"
Answered on 15th Aug 2024 - Member since Jul 2024 - report
"Concreate base and if you want to put a laminate
Floor down make sure you put some DPM down first before laying concrete"
Answered on 15th Aug 2024 - Member since Sep 2023 - report
"Hi, yes you can put laminate down in a shed as long as you already have a timber Base. I e shiplap or ply. The laminate can go straight on that with some underlay"
Answered on 14th Jan 2025 - Member since Jan 2025 - report
"First you need a DPM sheet on the ground to protect from damp.
Secondly you need 5mm insulation.
Then you can lay a floating floor on top."
Answered on 15th Aug 2024 - Member since Jul 2024 - report
"It is possible for laminate to go into the shed but also you have got to think of weather conditions so u would need batons going across from one side of the shed to the other to allot a subframe and they will need to be drilled into the concrete and also would need insulation and mdf boards to go over the top and then u will be able to have laminate flooring on top of that"
Answered on 3rd Dec 2024 - Member since Nov 2024 - report
"Using leftover laminate flooring for a shed is possible, but it requires preparation to ensure durability. Here's what to consider:
1. Preparing the Shed Floor

The shed floor must be level, dry, and moisture-resistant before installing laminate.

Check the Base: Ensure the floor is even and stable. Fill gaps or uneven areas if needed.
Moisture Barrier: Laminate isn’t waterproof, so lay a Damp-Proof Membrane (DPM) or heavy-duty plastic sheeting to protect it from rising moisture.
Optional Insulation: For comfort, add a foam or cork underlay on top of the moisture barrier.

2. Installing the Laminate

Acclimate the Laminate: Store it in the shed for 48 hours to adjust to temperature and humidity.
Lay the Flooring: Install the planks as indoors, leaving a 5-10mm expansion gap around edges to account for temperature changes.
Protect Against Heavy Loads: Place mats or plywood under heavy items to prevent damage.

3. Painting/Spray Painting Shed Walls

Painting the wooden walls will protect them and enhance their look.

Clean the Walls: Remove dust and debris, and sand rough spots.
Prime the Walls: Use a wood primer, especially for exterior wood.
Choose the Paint: Use exterior-grade wood paint for durability or paint compatible with sprayers.
Apply Paint: Use at least two coats, allowing each to dry completely. For spraying, mask areas you don’t want painted.

Considerations

Ventilation: Ensure the shed is ventilated to prevent condensation, which can damage the laminate.
Durability: Laminate flooring is not ideal for sheds exposed to high moisture or temperature extremes. Vinyl flooring may be a better alternative in some cases.

Conclusion

You can use leftover laminate flooring in your shed with proper preparation, including a moisture barrier and underlay. Painting the walls requires cleaning, priming, and using durable paint. These steps will create a functional and attractive space."
Answered on 9th Jan 2025 - Member since Jan 2020 - report
"Hi I’m Paul @ PR Flooring - It is definitely possible to laminate your shed floor, using a moisture protection underlay would be the ideal solution as long as the shed has a concrete base. As for the painting/spraying of the shed walls and door, this is something we also offer through my other company PR Coatings. These are both very straight forward tasks for most professionals. Kind regards"
Answered on 14th Nov 2024 - Member since Jun 2024 - report
"Laminate will just explode due to the moisture.. best bet is to ply the floor then cover with vinyl"
Answered on 16th Oct 2024 - Member since Feb 2020 - report
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