warpus
Sommerswerd asked me to change this
Good idea. I will measure these things as soon as I can.
Ask a Building Trades Professional
- Thread starter ReindeerThistle
- Start date
GinandTonic
Saphire w/ Schweps + Lime
- Joined
- May 25, 2005
- Messages
- 8,898
SDS numatic drills are not that expensive. £70 quid for a bosh green. Tbh an 18v cordless will drill into a concrete slab, though it won't do the hammer clutch any favours. It's really not a biggie, just buy an SDS if you think that this is something you will need to do again.
Keep the hammer off where poss but turn it on if you are geting nowhere.
If you have a left over tile you can push it a little since you have a spare.
Keep the hammer off where poss but turn it on if you are geting nowhere.
If you have a left over tile you can push it a little since you have a spare.
These require a compressor, air hoses, and such, no? Or is this a paslode sort of system?
GinandTonic
Saphire w/ Schweps + Lime
- Joined
- May 25, 2005
- Messages
- 8,898
£99.98 at full price, but who pays full price. All built in to the unit. Electro-pneumatic hammer action disassociated from the rotation. Turn rotation off and use as a power chisel, or with a spike as an ickle baby jackhammer. No metal clutch to bugger up on concrete or metal. Since the hammer is independent of the rotation it's also harder to burn the motor out by getting the bit stuck in something - the hammer action still fires even if the bit becomes lodged for an instant, dislodging it. I got one after shattering the clutch of one drill and burning out the motor of another.
SDS actually describes the shank for attaching the drill bit but has become the descriptor of the drills needing those bits. Oh and the bits are more expensive than standard bits, I guess as they have to be stronger.
EDIT - Found a youtube of the difference. As an aside, cordless sds drills are way expensive.
Link to video.
When faced with something that is repelling lesser drills I really enjoy blowing away the concrete dust and regarding the feeble dent in the surface before announcing in my most Teutonic accent "Bring out zee bosh-hammer".
warpus
Sommerswerd asked me to change this
Hey guys,
I haven't had much time at all to be on here, but we've spent the weekend assembling the shed.. and assembly is done! It's super hot and humid out there though.. I'm staying indoors in my AC blessed house. Photos coming sometime soon, maybe tomorrow. I am not going outside again today
We started drilling into the patio stones, and the drill my dad has easily drills into the patio stones without cracking them. That part was super easy! The problem is screwing the bolts in there. The screws aren't phillips/cross based, but flat/line based, if you can decipher what I mean by that. So our drill would constantly slip off and we'd swear. "What klsd&@$&$ idiot designed this piece of &!$!&*$ &%!!???"
But then I got the brilliant idea that we probably needed an end on our screwdriver that goes AROUND the screw, and not just into it. My dad had one like that, but it's too bulky and doesn't allow us to screw the rest of the screw into the patio stone. Okay fine, we can get that.. and that's where we're at. We're going to finish attaching the shed to the patio stones tomorrow, provided it doesn't rain.. or next time there is time. Then we gotta think about the retaining wall, which would look really nice if done properly. Plus I think it will help keep the gravel up and the foundation level. Not sure when well have a chance to do that, as my dad is going on a week long camping trip starting Saturday morning. But we can just do that when he's back, or I can have at it alone with my brother in law.
There's also the potential issue of a leaky roof. I have a seethrough sealant ready to go to fill in any cracks that might leak. Everything has been assembled according to the instructions, but there could be leaks in various places. So that's another thing i need to do. Maybe next time it rains I'll go in there with a flashlight and identify any places that need to be sealed.
We know a guy who is good at cutting plywood floors for sheds, or at least measuring and cutting things to exact specifications. That used to be his job. He is going to help us get in the floor.
And after all that.. it will be all done! Seems like there's still a lot left to be done, but looking out my window and seeing a shed there feels just awesome
I haven't had much time at all to be on here, but we've spent the weekend assembling the shed.. and assembly is done! It's super hot and humid out there though.. I'm staying indoors in my AC blessed house. Photos coming sometime soon, maybe tomorrow. I am not going outside again today
We started drilling into the patio stones, and the drill my dad has easily drills into the patio stones without cracking them. That part was super easy! The problem is screwing the bolts in there. The screws aren't phillips/cross based, but flat/line based, if you can decipher what I mean by that. So our drill would constantly slip off and we'd swear. "What klsd&@$&$ idiot designed this piece of &!$!&*$ &%!!???"
But then I got the brilliant idea that we probably needed an end on our screwdriver that goes AROUND the screw, and not just into it. My dad had one like that, but it's too bulky and doesn't allow us to screw the rest of the screw into the patio stone. Okay fine, we can get that.. and that's where we're at. We're going to finish attaching the shed to the patio stones tomorrow, provided it doesn't rain.. or next time there is time. Then we gotta think about the retaining wall, which would look really nice if done properly. Plus I think it will help keep the gravel up and the foundation level. Not sure when well have a chance to do that, as my dad is going on a week long camping trip starting Saturday morning. But we can just do that when he's back, or I can have at it alone with my brother in law.
There's also the potential issue of a leaky roof. I have a seethrough sealant ready to go to fill in any cracks that might leak. Everything has been assembled according to the instructions, but there could be leaks in various places. So that's another thing i need to do. Maybe next time it rains I'll go in there with a flashlight and identify any places that need to be sealed.
We know a guy who is good at cutting plywood floors for sheds, or at least measuring and cutting things to exact specifications. That used to be his job. He is going to help us get in the floor.
And after all that.. it will be all done! Seems like there's still a lot left to be done, but looking out my window and seeing a shed there feels just awesome
warpus
Sommerswerd asked me to change this
I will measure the heights while I'm out there taking photos, maybe tomorrow after work. The weather forecast doesn't look that great, but it called for rain all day yesterday, and it only started raining in the late afternoon and stopped 2 hours later. So what do they know. If it isn't raining tomorrow after work, I will measure stuff and take photos. And my dad might be back to help me finish securing the shed to the foundation.
warpus
Sommerswerd asked me to change this
The base kit that came with the shed is basically a bunch of aluminium beams running across the ground, connected to the walls. So I can either get rid of them, cause you're right, we've talked about that option of taking them out.. or to put a wooden floor on top.
In some parts of the shed there are also small gaps under the walls, so rain would get in. Probably not much, because the whole thing is elevated now, but a bunch of it would probably get in. So given all that, might as well do the floor, right?
What are some of the downsides of putting it in?
In some parts of the shed there are also small gaps under the walls, so rain would get in. Probably not much, because the whole thing is elevated now, but a bunch of it would probably get in. So given all that, might as well do the floor, right?
What are some of the downsides of putting it in?
ReindeerThistle
Zimmerwald Left
Personally, I don't like to use plywood outdoors because it delmi.ates over time -- no matter what you use to finish. Even worse if you know rain gets in.
Sent via mobile; apologies for any mistakes.
Sent via mobile; apologies for any mistakes.
Yeah, A plywood floor to a shed will rot over time. It will also come apart, as in the plys separate from one another. And it will get soft. So it will feel spongy as you walk on it. The floor of my shed is built like a deck, that is, 2x6 boards. But you already have a good patio block floor, and you really can't do better than that.
How big is the gap under the walls? Not much is going to come in there. Unless snow piles up against the sides and melts under the walls. The solution to that problem is to not place anything which will rust or rot on the floors right around the walls. Any water that runs into the shed will go out the cracks between the blocks.
If you do decide to go plywood, use the pressure treated stuff.
How big is the gap under the walls? Not much is going to come in there. Unless snow piles up against the sides and melts under the walls. The solution to that problem is to not place anything which will rust or rot on the floors right around the walls. Any water that runs into the shed will go out the cracks between the blocks.
If you do decide to go plywood, use the pressure treated stuff.
warpus
Sommerswerd asked me to change this
Yeah, we were thinking of using thick & treated plywood.
Here is the floor frame/base that came with the shed. And here is my exact shed.
I don't think too much water will get in through those cracks.. The biggest is maybe half an inch off the floor. The floor would be elevated though, so it shouldn't get wet at all, unless there's any leaks in the sides of the shed.
Since it's treated it shouldn't rot, right? Also delminates - split into pieces?
Here is the floor frame/base that came with the shed. And here is my exact shed.
I don't think too much water will get in through those cracks.. The biggest is maybe half an inch off the floor. The floor would be elevated though, so it shouldn't get wet at all, unless there's any leaks in the sides of the shed.
Since it's treated it shouldn't rot, right? Also delminates - split into pieces?
Treated wood would last much longer. But it's still 1/2 plywood, which means it flexes under weight. If that's what you want to do, go ahead. Personally I don't think I would. Now mine has a floor, but mine is on the side of a hill, and there's no level ground beneath it. Much less a flat floor of patio blocks. The floor also makes sense if your shed is just resting on the ground, and not on top of gravel and blocks. I would call the floor extra money for a not as good result at that point.
But you're the guy who has to live with this.
But you're the guy who has to live with this.
warpus
Sommerswerd asked me to change this
It shouldn't flex under weight, there are a whole bunch of those aluminium beams underneath. Maybe it's fine the way it is though.. but then I have to throw out the floor/base kit 
I guess it's staying like this for a while anyway, at least 2 weeks, so I'll have time to see how it is without the extra floor and then go from there.
I guess it's staying like this for a while anyway, at least 2 weeks, so I'll have time to see how it is without the extra floor and then go from there.
Did the floor kit come with it or sold separate? Honestly, 1/2" of plywood is going to flex anywhere you walk on it that's not right at the supports. 
by itself it just doesn't make a strong floor. For comparison, the standard house floor is 2 layers of 3/4" material, that is, 3 times the thickness. Now you could buy thicker plywood, but then it wouldn't be pressure treated, at least I don't know of that product.
But why don't you set that aside for now, and then think about how you like it some more. Save the material, and you can change your mind later.
by itself it just doesn't make a strong floor. For comparison, the standard house floor is 2 layers of 3/4" material, that is, 3 times the thickness. Now you could buy thicker plywood, but then it wouldn't be pressure treated, at least I don't know of that product. But why don't you set that aside for now, and then think about how you like it some more. Save the material, and you can change your mind later.
I'm really surprised that they would send 1/2" ply for a floor. That's weak!
What are you using this shed for? You certainly can't store a tractor on 1/2" ply. For that matter, if you need a weight bearing floor you might consider filling the areas between the joists. My shop has a concrete floor, and I *hate* standing on concrete. So I laid down 5/4 stripping with styrofoam panels between. Then 3/4" ply over it all. It's not level, and after 7 years there are soft spots, but it's easy on the feet and tools that inevitably fall off the the workbench.
But I don't need a level floor, and I don't have to worry about trapping moisture.
Seriously though, 1/2" ply is nothing.
One thing to consider is to expect to have to replace the floor at some point - maybe don't worry about pressure treated material, but know that spongy panels will be replaced in 5 years or so.
As always, don't take my comments too seriously - I know nothing about exterior work.
What are you using this shed for? You certainly can't store a tractor on 1/2" ply. For that matter, if you need a weight bearing floor you might consider filling the areas between the joists. My shop has a concrete floor, and I *hate* standing on concrete. So I laid down 5/4 stripping with styrofoam panels between. Then 3/4" ply over it all. It's not level, and after 7 years there are soft spots, but it's easy on the feet and tools that inevitably fall off the the workbench.
But I don't need a level floor, and I don't have to worry about trapping moisture.
Seriously though, 1/2" ply is nothing.
One thing to consider is to expect to have to replace the floor at some point - maybe don't worry about pressure treated material, but know that spongy panels will be replaced in 5 years or so.
As always, don't take my comments too seriously - I know nothing about exterior work.
GinandTonic
Saphire w/ Schweps + Lime
- Joined
- May 25, 2005
- Messages
- 8,898
Water won't be able to soak or ozmote up through the metal. Marine ply should last a while so long as no organic material touches it. A bunch of weeds make a soil sod round the back that let's the surface dampness soak to the wood and it'll rot to soil in two years.
I'ld lay the ply and keep the cavity good and clear. Hell you already have it. If the design life is unacceptably short then build a better floor when you need too.
I'ld lay the ply and keep the cavity good and clear. Hell you already have it. If the design life is unacceptably short then build a better floor when you need too.
warpus
Sommerswerd asked me to change this
I wouldn't be able to get treated plywood that's thicker than 1/2 an inch?
I'm using the shed to store my lawnmower and trimmer, for now, maybe a couple other things. My garage is getting a renovation soon, that's the next project.. and there's a lot of junk in there. Ideally I think I want just "backyard" stuff in there, like shears, a rake, shovel, etc., but other things could end up in there too. I don't forsee it getting too cluttered, but who knows.
I am now 50/50 in terms of the plywood floor. My new roommate is moving in his stuff in his bedroom as we speak, and he's a bit of a DIY kinda guy too. His dad is apparently a "fix anything around the house" pro. Anyway, he says I can probably just use the patio stones as the floor and seal the outside of the shed using some sort of foam that I can cut off once it dries.. to prevent water from getting inside.
So yeah.. I am probably going to leave the setup the way it is and see how that goes... for now at least. It's supposed to rain a bunch over the next couple days, so I should be able to see how much water leaks in, if any. I am not much of an outdoors-DIY person either, so I am probably overreacting about the potential water leaks. but I'm not really sure. It's a long weekend here this weekend, so no work will get done on the shed again until at least the weekend after that.. excluding tomorrow, which is when me and my dad are bolting the shed to the foundation. Should give me time to think things over
I'm using the shed to store my lawnmower and trimmer, for now, maybe a couple other things. My garage is getting a renovation soon, that's the next project.. and there's a lot of junk in there. Ideally I think I want just "backyard" stuff in there, like shears, a rake, shovel, etc., but other things could end up in there too. I don't forsee it getting too cluttered, but who knows.
I am now 50/50 in terms of the plywood floor. My new roommate is moving in his stuff in his bedroom as we speak, and he's a bit of a DIY kinda guy too. His dad is apparently a "fix anything around the house" pro. Anyway, he says I can probably just use the patio stones as the floor and seal the outside of the shed using some sort of foam that I can cut off once it dries.. to prevent water from getting inside.
So yeah.. I am probably going to leave the setup the way it is and see how that goes... for now at least. It's supposed to rain a bunch over the next couple days, so I should be able to see how much water leaks in, if any. I am not much of an outdoors-DIY person either, so I am probably overreacting about the potential water leaks. but I'm not really sure. It's a long weekend here this weekend, so no work will get done on the shed again until at least the weekend after that.. excluding tomorrow, which is when me and my dad are bolting the shed to the foundation. Should give me time to think things over
