Your garage can only hold so much before you’re stuck parking your vehicle on the driveway. Leaving your lawnmower and boxes of random stuff outside isn’t an option. What you need is more storage space. You don’t want to spend a fortune on storage so what about installing a shed? Now all that’s left is figuring out if you want a wood or metal shed. We’re comparing metal vs wood sheds so it’s one less thing for you to do. From aesthetics to functionality, we’re breaking everything down.
Why Go With a Metal Shed
Metal sheds often get a bad rap. When you think of metal, a tin structure best suited on a remote property often comes to mind. Guess what, metal sheds have come a long way. Not only are they durable, but metal sheds can also add curb appeal. When looking for one there are a few important things to keep in mind. This includes:
- Cost: Metal sheds tend to be less expensive compared to wood. You may even be able to go up in size and still pay less for a metal shed.
- Eco-friendly: Yep, this benefit can be a tad surprising. You’d think wood is better for the environment compared to metal. In a sense you’re right. Untreated wood is biodegradable and even deposits carbon in the ground to benefit plants. The same can’t be said for metal, except when it comes to sustainability. The metal used in sheds is usually recycled. Did you know steel can be continuously recycled without degrading or breaking down? Just imagine what your metal shed used to be. Maybe the metal was on an airplane. Since the metal isn’t ending up in a landfill, you’re helping to reduce waste. The process used to fabricate metal sheds also uses fewer materials and this is always good news for the environment.
- Resistant to Pests: Wood sheds can have problems with pests like termites, carpenter ants, and carpenter bees. Basically, any wood-boring pest can easily become a problem. You’re not going to run into this issue with a metal shed. Metal is also resistant to mold, mildew, and fungus. Not only does this help extend the shed’s lifespan but it’s also beneficial for your health.
Don’t forget about fire resistance. Metal sheds are naturally resistant to fire. While no one expects their shed to go up in flames, it’s also nice being able to check this worry off your list.
Potential Downsides of Metal Sheds
Metal sheds can be customized but within limits. Most are pre-fabricated and this cuts down on your creative options. Metal sheds can also be pretty noisy inside when the weather turns bad. Rain hitting a metal roof doesn’t always sound soothing. This is something to consider if you’re planning on using the shed for more than storage.
Even though metal sheds are durable, sturdy, and generally low maintenance, repairs can still pop up. Repairing a rusted or leaky metal shed can be challenging and expensive. Sometimes the repairs are more than what you paid for the metal shed.
Why a Wood Shed May Be the Way to Go?
When it comes to things like aesthetics and customizable options, wood sheds are often the way to go. Along with looking great, most wood sheds meet HOA guidelines. If your neighborhood has an active HOA, staying in compliance can be a priority. The last thing you want is to start incurring HOA fines just because your shed doesn’t meet the aesthetic guidelines. A few other reasons why wood sheds are a popular option include:
- Easy to Repair. Repairing a wood shed is easier than working on a metal structure. This also means repairs tend to cost quite a bit less.
- Painting is a Breeze. You can slap a coat of paint on a metal shed, but the upkeep can be a pain. Painting a wood shed is a breeze, even when it’s time to handle some touch ups. As long as you use exterior paint, everything should be just fine. With a metal shed, you’re going to need specialty paint beyond one rated for outdoor use. You guessed it, this also makes it more expensive to paint a metal shed.
Like metal, wood sheds can also be long-lasting, especially if you use treated lumber.
Potential Downsides of Wood Sheds
The primary downside of wood sheds is the structures aren’t that resistant to mold, pests, and fire. You can treat the wood, it can help with mold and pests. However, there’s not much you can do about fire resistance.
Deciding which type of shed is right often comes down to your budget and your maintenance expectations. Metal sheds require less maintenance and are often cheaper, but wood sheds usually win on aesthetics and are a breeze to repair.
