The Advantages Of Metal Over Wood For Storage Sheds

Folks Have A Lot Of Stuff!

Almost every American household has cutters they like to stash away either in their closet space, kitchen pantry, or inside garages. But that does not solve the problem. The best solution would be to opt for a smart storage solution that organizes all the clutters and gives you peace of mind. Yes, we are talking about storage metal sheds. Let’s see the positives and negatives below and compare the metal vs. wood storage sheds to see which one fits your needs.

What Is A Metal Shed?

A storage shed made of materials like aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel is generally referred to as a metal shed.

Are All Metal Sheds The Same?

Unfortunately, no. Some metal sheds can be cheap and flimsy. That’s why we recommend buying one from a seller with industry experience and a great customer rating.

How To Buy?

You can check metal shed reviews and feedback on metal builder websites or social media pages, compare the prices, and then make your decision. Opt for one that offers shipping and installation, which are included in their quote. This will reduce the stress of your construction workload.

Pros Of Metal Sheds

Affordability

The initial cost may seem higher, but the overall cost comes down as maintaining a wooden shed will drain a large amount of money from your wallet.

Fast Installation

If you opt for a prefab metal structure, you can get it for as low as $6 per sq. ft., which is less than a wooden shed. Not only that, PEMB comes designed, cut, and drilled from the factory, so assembling does not take much time or labor.

Low Upkeep

Metal is a non-porous material that does not bend, twist, or crack due to moisture absorption. So, there is no need to worry about frequent repairs or replacements. Not only that, metal is anti-fungal and immune to mold and mildew when ventilated adequately.

When you opt for galvanized steel, you get rust-resistant material that can withstand rain and snow. If you live in an area with frequent rain or snowfall, select a metal storage shed with a pitched roof.

Say Bye To Critters

Pests steer clear of steel buildings as they are made of dense material and can’t be chewed through by rodents. You save a lot of money that would have otherwise gone into termite inspection and control.

Rough & Tough

Metal is non-combustible and does not burn or catch fire easily, unlike wood. So, you can store fire hazards such as gas cans or paint in your shed. Invest in a quality steel shed to have a long-lasting and robust structure on your property.

If you have extra space and budget, you can opt for a utility carport that offers a shed and a shaded area. The shaded area can be used as patio space, outdoor seating/ dining area, or parking.

Cons Of Metal Sheds

Rusting

Most metals rust when exposed to the outside environment, but metal builders know about this. That’s why they offer rust-resistant steel coated with zinc. Some rust-resistant metals are stainless steel, aluminum, copper, bronze, brass, and galvanized steel.

Limited Aesthetic Options

Most people prefer wooden sheds because of their look and feel, which is not possible with metal. Though metal doesn’t offer many aesthetic options, you can still customize it. For instance, you can color metal panels and trim to match an existing building, camouflage it, or make it stand out.

If your shed is larger, you can also add accessories such as gutters, vents, windows, and ridge lighting.

Tricky Modification

Modifying your steel shed can be a little tricky or impossible, especially if it is not pre-planned during the design phase. So, opt for a bigger size if you can. It never hurts to have a larger space anyway.

Wood And Metal Storage: A Side By Side Comparison

Though wood has been used as a storage shed for a long time, it has slowly been replaced by structural steel because of its superior build and long-lasting structural strength. Let’s compare some of the parameters that a homeowner usually seeks when looking for a storage solution for their home.

Metal Vs Wood Storage Shed
Features Metal Storage Wooden Storage
1. Cost A 90 sq. ft. galvanized steel costs about $1,300 to $2,200. A 90 sq. ft. wooden shed ranges from $1000 to $2000.

 

2. Assembling Time Most parts of metal sheds are designed, cut, and drilled in a factory, which reduces assembling time. These are heavier, and most of the work is done on-site. So, a wooden storage shed requires more time and labor to build.

 

3. Its Weight An 8 x 8 galvanized steel weighs about 170 pounds but is sturdy and robust. An 8 x 8 wooden shed weighs a whopping 1,500 pounds and requires labor-intensive construction work.

 

4. Durability Metal is more durable and resilient than any other material. It neither rots nor decays with time. Wooden shed is prone to cracking, bending, twisting, and decaying due to moisture absorption.

 

5. Weather Resistibility Metal can be certified and designed to withstand harsh climatic conditions such as winds, snow, and hail.

 

Wooden shed does not come with any weather resistant certifications.
6. Maintenance Steel needs little to no upkeep and stays put for a long period. Wood needs constant checking against rot or decay, and a fire/waterproof coating for extra protection increases the upkeep cost.

 

7. Pest Proof Metal is inorganic and does not offer a home to termites and insects. Wood is organic and natural, and it is home to insects and termites. Therefore, you need to inspect and control it monthly.

 

8. Security Metal is sturdy and hard to break in. So you can keep all your belongings worry-free. Wood can be broken into. Further, if wood is rot or decaying, rodents may enter for housing.

 

9. Longevity Metal sheds retain their structural integrity with time. Over time, wooden panels need to be replaced inevitably due to decomposition.

 

Steel Sheds Are Multi-Functional

Have a look at how you can use your steel storage sheds for various purposes.

  • Storing garden tools & house equipment
  • Office space
  • Pet House
  • Art and craft studio
  • Greenhouse
  • Chicken coop

To Put It All Together,

Both wood and metal storage sheds have various purposes and cater to different audiences. Choose one that fits your needs. With galvanized steel, you get a long-lasting shed that can harbor your home clutter and is spacious enough to fit regular household equipment at the same time. Some metal builders even offer a warranty over frame & panels against rusting. So, go & check them out!