MDF Load Capacity

Lil306

I'm going to be building a shed for storing my car parts when I strip them down. I have the posts, but not sure what to build the floor from

Is 12mm MDF OK, or will it not hold the load capacity(ie. 100kg+)

Spacers will be 4x2 beams every 2ft, or is it better having them every 1ft?

27col

In my experience 18" spacings might be OK but preferably 16" or less. If the floor warps or bows, it is difficult to do anything about it after it is installed. Also I am not sure that MDF is a good choice of material, I think that I would be using plywood or chipboard floor panels that interlock. A water resistant type would be good. No doubt others will be along soon with different ideas.

Lil306

27col wrote: »

In my experience 18" spacings might be OK but preferably 16" or less. If the floor warps or bows, it is difficult to do anything about it after it is installed. Also I am not sure that MDF is a good choice of material, I think that I would be using plywood or chipboard floor panels that interlock. A water resistant type would be good. No doubt others will be along soon with different ideas.

Thanks

The original spacings I was going to use were going to be 1ft apart the shed will be built on 2'x2' flagstones, so every half/flag would be another beam. total 9 beams (12" apart) holding the MDF floor.

Most car parts aren't that heavy, but I'm fat !!!!!! and don't want to repair the floor

I could always use 12mm ply for the roof / floor and 12mm MDF for the walls

Leif

I would not use chipboard as it loses its integrity when wet. MDF is not so great when wet either. I suppose you could paint/varnish it, which might suffice, but I would go for solid treated wood, or plywood. I suppose if you use MDF, make sure it is easily replaced if need be.

If you look at the sheds sold by B&Q etc they are made of treated softwood.

jcb208

As said MDF is not suitable for external use as It swells when wet and will just warp and also fall to bits in a short time

Lil306

jcb208 wrote: »

As said MDF is not suitable for external use as It swells when wet and will just warp and also fall to bits in a short time

The entire shet will be covered in creosote/oil then a felt layer on top of that

DVardysShadow

Lil306 wrote: »

The entire shet will be covered in creosote/oil then a felt layer on top of that

This is still external. MDF is not suitable. Don't waste your effort and good money on MDF.

scheming_gypsy

18mm OSD will be a better choice

phill99

Marine ply would be my choice - more expensive but will last and last. MDf and chipboard are completely unsuitable.

leveller2911

phill99 wrote: »

Marine ply would be my choice - more expensive but will last and last. MDf and chipboard are completely unsuitable.

You can buy exterior grade MDF but like all MDF it isn't good at taking weight and easily warps.

I would also go for either 18mm Marine ply or Birch faced ply which are both expensive.

18mm OSB would be ok too..

Lil306

What is OSB?

Sorry I don't know my wood