The average American garage is full of sports equipment, holiday decorations, hobby materials, and household detritus. There’s barely room for the car! We’ve all had moments of tripping over bikes and mowers while carrying groceries; it’s frustrating, but what do you do?
If you’ve had enough lawn equipment and gardening tools cluttering your garage, then it’s time to invest in a storage shed. With the wealth of options on the modern market, how do you choose? Whether you want a quiet studio space, extended storage, or a custom workshop, the shed for you is out there! In this article, you’ll discover why metal sheds are quickly becoming the more popular choice.
The common wooden shed can be found in back yards all over America, crawling with different types ivy plants and sagging with termite damage. Perhaps, you once used the old push mower which was stored in the shed, and later found antique tools that are now family heirlooms. In more recent years, you may have seen metal sheds popping up in suburbs, their shining galvanized sides painted to match the nearby house.
When comparing wood and metal sheds, it can be difficult to decide which is best for your property. There is great traditional appeal in the wood structure, but they are more expensive and require a lot of upkeep. If you are afraid that a metal shed will never be able to capture the aesthetic of a wood one, you’re in luck! Read on to discover how custom options can create a custom shed for every taste.
Metal vs. Wood
Let’s delve more deeply into the differences between metal and wooden sheds. While you may think it’s simple a matter of taste and material, there’s significantly more to consider:
1. Cost – A metal buildings or a metal shed is, on average, 30% cheaper per square foot than a traditional timber unit. Of course, that price is only the initial savings; over time, a metal shed will save even more through efficiency of construction and energy costs. If you are considering creating a workshop in your shed, you should know that metal structures are expertly sealed and can lower energy costs over 25% with a minimum of insulation. However, you should consider finding top insulation for metal buildings if you want to get the best results.
2. Strengths and Durability – A wood structure is forecast to last approximately twenty years before requiring a major overhaul. Even wood frame houses are rated as investments with that timeframe in mind. Steel structures, such as metal sheds, are reliable for a lifetime, and expected to last at least fifty years! With proper upkeep, and roof choice for weather conditions, they may last even longer. If you still considering to build a wooden shed, be sure to read this article.
3. Fast Construction – With lumber costs skyrocketing, the average stick-built building may take months to schedule and construct. Metal sheds can be ordered, delivered and installed in a matter of weeks! In fact, most kits can be DIY, and installed within hours. When time is money, a quick lead time is valuable.
4. Maintenance – When you’re making a long-term investment, it’s essential to consider maintenance costs and labor. A wooden shed requires constant upkeep, such as termite inspection, wood sealant, and shingle repair. A metal shed is incredibly low maintenance. Steel is mold-resistant and pest-proof. Once installed, you can rest assured your tools or home office is secure.
5. Ease of installation – Pick a foundation, have it installed, then wait for delivery. With a metal shed, you’ll discover that installation is often offered free of charge by distributors! They can put up your metal shed in a matter of hours, or you can purchase a kit and DIY, on your own schedule. A wood shed is not such an easy matter.
6. Eco Friendly – You might assume that wood is the more environmentally conscious choice, but you’d be surprised! Almost all lumber in the construction industry is pressure-treated, meaning that it undergoes an intensely toxic process in a vain attempt to prolong its durability. As the wood decays, those toxic chemicals leech into the area around the wood. Steel, on the other hand, is 100% recyclable, and is made without any harsh chemical processes. It is considered one of the most eco-friendly building materials in the industry. You can also use it to make a solarium, if you need one in the future.
7. Aesthetics – If your heart is drawn to the beauty of natural wood, you’re not alone. If you already have a wood fence on your property, you may be looking for a shed that will match your existing décor. However, the modern metal shed has more to offer than a shiny gray exterior. With the rise of custom options, you’ll find that composite wood grains, faux stone, and stucco sidings are all available to steel structures. You can add decorative trim and gables to match the architecture of your current home or choose a paint color that suits your HOA’s demands.
Victory Metal
There are many factors that may affect your decision when choosing between wood and metal sheds, but in the end, there is a clear winner. Steel is more cost effective, more energy efficient, and more durable than its wood counterpart. With the modern custom options available on the market, metal sheds can be engineered to suit any taste, even mimicking their traditional wood competitors. When you survey all the information, it becomes increasingly obvious why metal sheds are the new standard for American storage.
