Suggestions on replacing hayloft floor...

[amstaff]

I have an Amish mill not far from my house that I have purchased a lot of wood from... they do Pine and Hemlock... something to consider.

 

[amstaff]

If your current floor is 1/2" just remove the rotted areas and fill back in with new 1/2". If it is easier to remove a whole sheet, when just part of it is rotted then I would do that. Save some time and money by just replacing the bad areas.

I have thought about this, but there are some weaker areas at each gable end that I would want to replace while I am doing the rest of the floor... I would end up removing close to 2/3rds of the floor.

Covering everything with 1/2" plywood is looking beter and better! Thanks for all the responses.

 

[forgeblast]

I have hemlock as my floor, 2x6 i think. Still in great shape.

 

[BeezFun]

Covering everything with 1/2" plywood is looking beter and better! Thanks for all the responses.

From your description of the size of the areas that are weak and the severity, you might consider whether 1/2" is strong enough for a hayloft. If you get a big guy carrying an 80# bale of hay, the floor needs to be solid. You didn't mention what the joist spacing is, might be better to put down 3/4" T&G subfloor to cover everything, that would get you back to a solid floor. Make sure the existing design can handle hay and another layer of plywood.

 

[USNative]

You may want to check all the supporting floor joist's as well, could be some dry rot there. I would go with 3/4" plywood on any floor.

There were some comments made on OSB being prone to moisture and it is if its not protected. I used it for all my stall walls in my new barn and it will hold up if you keep it dry. In my previous barn I installed it 11 years ago and it still is as good as the day I put it in. You have to keep air space between it and the ground though because if you don't it will wick up moisture and then the rotting process will start in short order.

If you ever use OSB for anything be sure to cover it with paint. Really helps it withstand the elements. I would not recommend it for flooring in a barn though. My new Tack Room has 3/4" tung & groove for flooring and will be covered with flooring material as well.

OSB is very cost effective and if it's properly used it will last a good long time. Hope this helps.