Shed Ventilation

[Shoptime]

Any thoughts about going through the floor for the ventilation intake side of an unheated shed? It's a 10x16 gable roof, with 12' of ridge vent for the exhaust. Normal practice for the intake is either soffit or wall vents. Soffit venting doesn't create much circulation though except in the peak. And I don't want to use wall vents as I'm going for an upgraded exterior look, Hardie lap with shingled gables, nice pvc cornice work, etc. The floor is treated 2x6 T&G on treated 2x8 joists. The T&G is 10" above grade at one corner, slopes to 16" at the highest point and averages about 14". My thinking is routing into the floor three 6" cast iron floor drain grates per side, making the intake and exhaust SF areas roughly equal. Hot air vents through the ridge, drawing fresh in through the floor and giving strong, passive circulation. I'll add insect screening below each vent. See any problems I've missed?

 

[Fav Onefour]

Sounds like one heck of a shed. I'd hate to cut holes in that fancy floor if they are not entirely necessary.

Start with good soffit venting and see how it works. You may be surprised by the air moving. The advantage of having the gable roof is that both sides can allow cross flow to the ridge.
If there is a slight breeze, you will hear the shed breathe with good cross venting.

I get the idea of wanting air flow from below. I'd wait on cutting those holes. Run with soffit and ridge combo first. Compare to outside temps. We have a lot of sheds built on grade which eliminates the option of floor venting. Soffit venting is the primary air mover. Those sheds are a relief in temps compared to outside on a warm sunny day.