Is it OK to use solid oak flooring on top of a plywood subfloor in my shed?

Question

I have leftover solid oak wood flooring that I'd like to use in my new shed, applied to a plywood base. We live where our winters are mainly rain.

Answer 1

Man I hate saying this because I just love when people reuse things and even the bigger bonus for using it in a creative way but I personally wouldn't. Sounds like you have a lot of leftovers. I would try to use them elsewhere in the house or sell them for others to use.

My problem with putting it in a shed is that the oak planks don't handle water well, it isn't an easy install (for a shed), it will look dirty really quick (lots of cracks), and as the other answer points out you will need to put a few coats of poly (2 not enough in my opinion for outdoor use).

Now if this shed is merely a very nice room not in the house I could see it, maybe. Given that you will keep dirt and moisture out. If it is a true shed that will house tools, garden equipment, pottery, and things like that then I think the oak flooring is impractical. Also it would be a shame if you laid this down and it started buckling on you due to changes in temperature, humidity, water/gas/oil spills... I see high risk with little reward given that the shed is used for what most sheds are used for.

Answer 2

Sure you can use it. Oak is a great hardwood but it does turn black when it gets wet if left unsealed.if you want to go overboard apply a coat of exterior poly to the bottom and the tongue and groove edges before you knock it down. Apply at least 2 coats of poly to the top