5 Best Flooring Options For Your Shed – 2022 Buying Guide

By Fortino Rosas / March 2, 2022 / 0 Comments

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    Setting up a shed has become a functional way to free up space in your garage, garden, or house. Finding the best flooring for a shed is the next step in ensuring your new space will remain durable and weather-resistant.

    Opting for the best shed flooring ideas will ensure that your new storage space has a comfortable and dependable floor surface. We’ve narrowed down five of the most popular shed floor options currently on the market.

    We’ll also include an informative buyer’s guide that shows you the features you should review when you’re considering the best floor covering for your shed. Important features you might want to consider include durability, ease of installation, and cost. Considering these features will ensure you select the right flooring type for your shed.

    Our Top Picks

    1. Best Overall: G-Floor Lite Diamond Tread Rollout
    2. Best Interlocking Tiles: Big Floors GarageTrac Diamond Interlocking Tile
    3. Best for Quick Install: Rubber-Cal Diamond Plate Rubber Flooring Rolls
    4. Best for Easy Cleaning: IncStores Standard Grade Nitro Floor Protecting Mats
    5. Best Budget: iCustomRug Indoor/Outdoor Rugs and Runners

    Shed Flooring Buying Advice

    Best Overall: G-Floor Lite Diamond Tread Rollout

    Floor Critics Rating (4.8):

    Key Features:

    • Size: 7,6” x 14”
    • Material: Vinyl
    • Color: Slate grey or midnight black
    • Shape: Dispatched in rolls

    Pros:

    • Durable
    • Suitable for any size shed, simply cut to fit
    • Easy to install

    Cons:

    • Tends to curl on the ends
    • Wrinkles if exposed to the sun
    G-Floor Lite Diamond Tread Rollout
    G-Floor Lite Diamond Tread Rollout

    The Diamond Tread Rollout from G-Floor has a textured design that makes it slip resistant. It can easily be installed over any concrete or wooden subfloors and it’s ideal for shed floors, no matter what heavy tools you’re going to store on top of it.

    With this Diamond tread rollout there’s no complicated installation. It’s as simple as rolling it out over the floor and cutting it to size to ensure a custom fit.

    This durable rollout flooring is made from polyvinyl so it won’t tear. The flooring can withstand any type of conditions which makes it ideal for workshops. It’s long lasting, versatile and waterproof. A quality option for your shed floor!

    Best Interlocking Tiles: Big Floors GarageTrac Diamond Interlocking Tile

    Floor Critics Rating (4.7):

    Key Features:

    • Size: 12” x 12” – pack of 48 tiles
    • Material: Rubber
    • Color: Assorted colors
    • Shape: Square

    Pros:

    • Interlocking feature – mix and match colors
    • Slip-resistant
    • Easy to clean

    Cons:

    • Expands in direct sunlight
    • Uncomfortable to walk on
    Big Floors GarageTrac Diamond Interlocking Tile
    Big Floors GarageTrac Diamond Interlocking Tile

    The Big Floors Garage Trac is an interlocking tile that’s easy to install. You won’t need any tools to install the flooring because it simply snaps together using interlocking technology.

    An added feature is the slip-resistant diamond top design. This means the tile has great traction and is ideal for use in your garage, workshop, or shed. The interlocking feature also means you can mix different colors to create the perfect design to spruce up your shed floor!

    Each garage trac model has 16 power locks that help create a tough and durable substructure. It’s even versatile enough to park a car or lawnmower on!

    Best for Quick Install: Rubber-Cal Diamond Plate Rubber Flooring Rolls

    Floor Critics Rating (4.6):

    Key Features:

    • Size: 12” x 48”
    • Material: Rubber
    • Color: Black
    • Shape: Rectangular

    Pros:

    • Excellent traction
    • Durable
    • Easy installation

    Cons:

    • Strong rubber smell
    • Edging is not always straight
    Rubber-Cal Diamond Plate Rubber Flooring Rolls
    Rubber-Cal Diamond Plate Rubber Flooring Rolls

    These Rubber-Cal Diamond Plate rubber protector mats easily protect floors that need to house heavy or industrial equipment. Made from high quality synthetic rubber, this type of flooring is extremely durable.

    Since the product is sold in 13 lengths, these floor mats are the perfect solution for slippery shed floors. You can even lay them along your walkway leading up to the shed area. These mats are easy to install with double-sided adhesive tape.

    The Rubber-Cal Diamond Plate rubber runners are the perfect option for a shed that’s going to be used for storing your garage or garden tools!

    Best for Easy Cleaning: IncStores Standard Grade Nitro Floor Protecting Mats

    Floor Critics Rating (4.7):

    Key Features:

    • Size: 4” x 4” – 7.5” x 2.5”
    • Material: Vinyl Nitro
    • Color: Various colors
    • Shape: Square/rectangular

    Pros:

    • Slip-resistant
    • Rolls out, no folding creases
    • Easy to install

    Cons:

    • Rough edges
    • Light colors aren’t stain-resistant
    IncStores Standard Grade Nitro Floor Protecting Mats
    IncStores Standard Grade Nitro Floor Protecting Mats

    These IncStores floor mats easily roll out over any subfloor that needs extra covering. This model is ideal for garage and outdoor shed floors.

    It’s available in several convenient sizes, so finding the right size for your shed will be easy. What’s more, this flooring is easy to install and keep clean and is long-lasting.

    This IncStores model is perfect for covering a concrete floor and providing your shed floor with the protection it needs to remain durable.

    Best Budget: iCustomRug Indoor/Outdoor Turf Rugs

    Floor Critics Rating (4.5):

    Key Features:

    • Size: 6” x 7”
    • Material: Polypropylene
    • Color: Forest green, green, emerald
    • Shape: Rectangular

    Pros:

    • Stain-resistant
    • Natural-looking
    • Durable
    • Suitable for indoor & outdoor

    Cons:

    • Very thin
    • Costly
    iCustomRug Indoor/Outdoor Turf Rugs
    iCustomRug Indoor/Outdoor Turf Rugs

    These iCustomRug rugs and runners are thinlightweight, and ideal for outdoor or indoor use. That means if you want to give your tool shed floor a more natural alternative, this is the perfect product!

    This rug has bound edges to give your rug or runner the perfectly finished look which also prevents fraying and shredding. Available in three different shades of green, this rug is UV stabilized, making it fade and weather-resistant.

    Side by Side Comparison

    ProductOur RatingKey Features
    G-Floor Lite Diamond Tread Rollout
    G-Floor Lite Diamond Tread Rollout
    View on Tractor Supply Co –>
    View on Amazon –>
    Best Overall

    Overall: 4.7
    Size: 7,6” x 14”
    Material: Vinyl
    Color: Slate grey or midnight black
    Shape: Dispatched in rolls
    Big Floors GarageTrac Diamond Interlocking Tile
    Big Floors GarageTrac Diamond Interlocking Tile
    View on Amazon –>
    View on Houzz –>
    Best Interlocking

    Overall: 4.5
    Size: 12” x 12” – pack of 48 tiles
    Material: Rubber
    Color: Assorted colors
    Shape: Square
    Rubber-Cal Diamond Plate Rubber Flooring Rolls
    Rubber-Cal Diamond Plate Rubber Flooring Rolls
    View on Amazon –>
    View on Home Depot –>
    Best for Quick Install

    Overall: 4.4
    Size: 12” x 48”
    Material: Rubber
    Color: Black
    Shape: Rectangular
    IncStores Standard Grade Nitro Floor Protecting Mats
    IncStores Standard Grade Nitro Floor Protecting Mats
    View on Amazon –>
    View on Walmart –>
    Best for Easy Cleaning

    Overall: 4.6
    Size: 4” x 4” – 7.5” x 2.5”
    Material: Vinyl Nitro
    Color: Various colors
    Shape: Square/rectangular
    iCustomRug Indoor/Outdoor Turf Rugs
    iCustomRug Indoor/Outdoor Turf Rug and Runner
    View on Amazon –>
    View on Overstock –>
    Best Budget

    Overall: 4.2
    Size: 6” x 7”
    Material: Polypropylene
    Color: Forest green, green, emerald
    Shape: Rectangular

    The Complete Shed Flooring Buyer’s Guide

    In the past, sheds were used to store excess garage items, garden tools, and even furniture. More often than not, sheds used to be little storage rooms in the back of the garden, probably with a concrete or wooden floor.

    Times have changed, and people are using sheds for some more interesting reasons. Sheds can be the ideal space for a man cave or even a “she shed” where the lady of the manor can enjoy some quiet time. Sheds can also be used as playhouses for the kids.

    Whether you’re using your shed to store garden tools or turning it into a quiet reading corner, the truth is, you’ll need a decent floor. We’ve drawn up a handy buyer’s guide to highlight a few of the essential features you should consider when you’re shortlisting shed flooring options.

    Why You Need Flooring In Your Shed

    If your shed is for use in your garden to mostly store your gardening tools or as storage for excess garage items, you might think it’s unnecessary to add additional inside flooring. The truth is that you need a shed floor to ensure you have a stable surface to walk on.

    A stable floor surface will also ensure that items such as your lawnmower have a sturdy floor to stand on. The last thing you need is for your tools and garage items to be rolling around on an uneven floor or to get damaged from standing on an uneven surface.

    If you’re using your shed as a “she shed,” reading corner, or even a man cave, you’ll want proper flooring in that space to provide warmth and stability.

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    Choosing Your Shed Flooring

    Shed flooring needs to be sturdy and weather-resistant. Shed flooring can be both functional and attractive. Fortunately, there are a variety of options you can consider when selecting the right floor for your shed space. Some of these include:

    • Concrete slab: Concrete floors are probably among the most durable of any shed flooring. With concrete, there will be little chance of water damage, rot or even termites. It also requires little maintenance. However, concrete can be cold, hard, and unattractive. If you have a concrete floor, you might consider some of the options in my review that you can put over the concrete.
    • Plastic: Usually, plastic floors are standard with plastic sheds. Plastic is water-resistant and doesn’t stain as easily as wood. The only disadvantage with plastic flooring is its ability to hold heavyweights. Consider the weight of the items you’re going to be storing before buying this option.
    • Pavers: Offering a more aesthetic look than concrete, pavers are similar in strength. While pavers look better, they are equally cold and hard. As with concrete, you might want to cover them with one of the options in my review.
    • Oriented Strand Board: OSB is your standard wood flooring, and chances are, it’s the subfloor in your home. Despite being strong and cheap, it’s also plain and perhaps even unattractive. OSB is perfect for weather-tight homes but might not be the best option for shed flooring. OSB, if exposed to wet equipment, leaked fluids, or rain will eventually break down and rot. Any type of wood flooring also runs the risk of being infected with termites or other wood-eating insects.
    • Rubber or Vinyl: Choosing a rubber or vinyl flooring over your subfloor is a great way to add warmth and durability. Rubber and vinyl options are easy to install and easy to clean. These options are also suitable for any type of subfloor. Rubber is also a great way to keep water out!

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    Features To Consider

    Choosing your type of flooring is about a lot more than selecting the cheapest online option. There are several features you should consider, including durability, ease of installation, and the type of material that will best suit your shed space. Let’s have a look at the most important features to consider when reviewing shed flooring ideas.

    Purpose of The Shed

    Firstly, you have to identify the shed’s purpose. Will you be using it for tools? If so, will it be used to store heavy tools such as lawnmowers that need a strong floor? Will you be using it as a home office where you’ll need a floor that not only looks attractive but warms your feet and legs in the winter?

    Will your shed be used as a play area for the kids where the floor could be exposed to spills? Once you have identified the exact purpose of your shed, you’ll be able to start selecting a floor that will be durable and aesthetically-pleasing to its purpose.

    Type of Existing Flooring

    Next, you need to establish what the shed’s existing flooring is made of. Is it a concrete subfloor, or is it a pre-installed plastic floor? Will the floor handle the weight you need it to? If the existing floor is strong enough, then you can focus your attention on finding shed floor covering such as the products in this review.

    Durability

    It goes without saying that your shed floor will be a workspace of some sort. You will then have to ensure that you have a durable flooring option. Take into consideration the items you’ll be dragging or rolling over the floor. There’s also the possibility of spills and leaks.

    Consider the various options you’re looking at and make sure they are weather-resistant and scratch-resistant. 

    • Vinyl for instance will repel water and resist scratches and scuffs.
    • Rubber will be ideal for use in a tool shed and won’t tear or rip.
    • Wood floorings although could be susceptible to water damage.

    Ease of Installation

    If you’re going to be installing the floor yourself, be sure to establish how easy installation will be. Review the guidelines and the materials needed. Some DIY jobs seem simple at first but can become quite complex. Here you also need to consider the adherence to your current floor.

    How easy will the options you’re considering adhere to the current subfloor? Be sure to know what you’re letting yourself in for. 

    Style and Color

    Style and color are only important if you’re going to use your shed for something other than tools and general storage. If you’re going to be spending time in the shed as a workspace or play space for the kids, you might want to opt for something more attractive and softer to walk on. 

    Cost

    You’ll also want to consider the cost of the flooring and the materials needed to apply it. OSB will be much cheaper than the more stylish hardwood floors. Treatments for concrete and paver options could be quite pricey as well. You’ll want to establish just how much you’re prepared to spend on upgrading your shed flooring.

    Maintenance

    It’s also important to consider how easy the option you’re considering will be to clean. Some flooring types are stain-resistant, which will be great for leaking lawnmowers. Others, however, aren’t stain-resistant, and cleaning up an oil spill could be a problem. If you’re going to use your shed space as a kids’ play area or office area, you want an option that cleans easily.

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    FAQs

    How thick should a shed floor be?

    Generally, a 4-inch slab is a reliable thickness for an average shed. If you’re choosing a concrete flooring option, the concrete can be poured on most 4-inch bases of compacted gravel. Alternatively, you can go with 6-inch slabs, as this thickness will give you 2 inches above the surrounding ground and 4 inches from the actual floor.


    What do you put under a shed floor?

    While there is a wide variety of shed flooring options for the inside of your shed, gravel is by far the best option for underneath your shed, especially sheds with any types of wooden floors.

    If your shed is made without a pre-built floor, concrete is the ideal option to provide a strong, dry basic floor. You can then put one of the flooring options discussed in this article on the concrete base.


    How do I keep my shed floor from rotting?

    Rotting of shed floors often happens when your shed placed on the ground outside meets your shed’s floor system. You need to ensure your shed is placed in an area where there isn’t any water pooling. Additionally, your shed and floor should be constructed using weather-resistant building materials. Try to elevate your shed to allow for better air circulation.

    Occasionally, open your shed for a few consecutive hours to ensure the inside of the flooring also gets adequate ventilation.

    Final Thoughts

    Research has shown that the market is full of options to consider when choosing the best flooring for a shed. Our recommendation is the G-Floor Lite Diamond Tread Rollout option.

    It’s a durable rollout polyvinyl floor that’s waterproof and tear resistant. What’s more, it’s easy to install, versatile, and ideal for any shed space. The diamond tread patterns provide some traction so you don’t slip, and it resembles steel flooring.

    If you have any comments or first-hand experiences with choosing the best floor covering for your shed, please post them below or share your pictures via our social media.

    About Fortino Rosas

    Chief Floor Critic, 32 years of experience in flooring installation and sales

    Fortino Rosas is an independent flooring contractor with 32 years of experience in residential and commercial flooring installation and sales. He joined the Floor Critics team to share his expertise with our readers. Fortino has acquired vast knowledge and skills in the areas of product selection, space planning, and installation. He has installed flooring in residential, government, and commercial office projects in the Midwest. Visit Website.

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