A shed is a functional outdoor structure that you can use to store garden tools and other outdoor furniture. When purchasing a new shed, there are a lot of options to consider, including the type of material the building is constructed from. The most commonly used materials for building sheds are wood and metal. Metal and wood sheds are both great choices, and each has its own distinct advantages.
In this article, we will examine the benefits of metal and wood sheds to help you decide what works best.
The Benefits of Wooden Sheds
- Aesthetic feeling: Building a wood shed will give your backyard or garden a beautiful look because a wood shed looks natural and blends in very well.
- Noise-free: Because of the elements in metal, a metal shed creates a lot of noise when there is heavy wind or rain, whereas wood sheds give you pleasure throughout bad weather and are noise-free.
- Good ventilation: Another major benefit of wood sheds is their ventilation system. Depending on your choice for your outdoor shed, you can add windows and a weather vane on the roof.
- Dent-free shed: Wood sheds are constructed with hard material, so there is no chance of any dent during rain or wind storms. Metal sheds, though, have less capacity to bear the blowing wind, which makes dents inevitable.
- Heavyweight: Wood sheds are heavy, making them very resilient to physical force. If you have a metal shed, you might find it several feet away from its original space after a windstorm.
- Pleasant aroma: If you use woods such as pine and cedar to construct your shed, it will leave a very pleasant aroma in your shed. The wood of these trees gives out a nice smell, and you do not have to spend extra on scents and aromas.
- No chance of rusting: Metal sheds can be susceptible to rust, which damages them over time. When it comes to wood sheds, however, there is no risk of rusting.
- You can control your budget: Wooden sheds are more budget-friendly than metal sheds. In addition, while constructing a wooden shed, you can reuse standard materials like doors, windows, etc.
- No problem of condensation: Condensation is the change in the physical state of matter, which badly affects metal sheds. When it comes to wood sheds, there are no problems with condensation.
- Easy to blend with surroundings: A wooden shed blends beautifully in greenery and floral surroundings such as gardens and lawns. Generally, wooden sheds contribute to the beauty of any property.
The Cons of Wooden Sheds
- Wood has Imperfections: Wood is not perfect and has defects due to natural causes. Degeneration splits, dark streaks or stains, and wormholes are a few of these flaws. In some circumstances, moisture can cause warping and twisting in the wood, rendering it unusable.
- Requires some maintenance: Of all the shed materials, wood sheds require the most upkeep. To maintain them, you need to paint or varnish them periodically and replace any parts that decay, break, or move to the point where they are no longer compatible.
- Prone to pests and rot: Timber is a natural product that can attract pests such as termites, and it can also rot. Rot happens when water is stagnant and pools around uncovered timber. Buying certain timbers such as red cedar makes you less likely to encounter pests and rot because they naturally resist them.
- Assembly time: Most times, you are likely to be doing everything yourself when you want to build a shed. However, constructing a shed with wood takes the longest.
- Difficult to install: Wood is quite hard to manipulate, so installing might take time and be difficult.
The Pros of a Metal Shed
- Less time to assemble: Steel sheds are often not required to have foundations because they are erected on a flat surface, making it easier to erect them. Since steel sheds may be erected on any flat surface, they typically do not require foundations. However, if you are constructing a larger steel shed, a foundation may be necessary to ensure a sturdy base for support.
- Budget-friendly because steel is generally cheaper than wood: If you are on a limited budget, a metal shed would be ideal for you as steel is typically less expensive than wood. Wood sheds might be more expensive in terms of manufacturing, shipping, and installation. Most manufacturers provide lightweight, flat-packed metal products, making it faster and cheaper to transport metal materials.
- Typically long-lasting: Metal sheds are highly resistant to damage from fire, rot, mould, and pests, so you do not have to worry about their durability. These are the common issues with wood sheds, some of which also contribute to the wood’s tendency to require extra maintenance. A metal shed is ideal if you do not have the time or money for a high-maintenance material.
The Cons of a Metal Shed
- Tough to modify: Modifying a metal shed is not easy for the average person. It can require serious tools such as welders, sheet folders, and angle grinders. This is why installing a window in the shed might be tough for an average homeowner.
- Prone to rust and corrosion: Although metal sheds are durable and improving at being long-lasting, they are still susceptible to rust and corrosion. Elements such as fire, wind, and rain affect these sheds and make them look terrible with rust.
- Feels a little flimsy: Homeowners usually choose metal sheds for their affordable prices. However, the downside of these sheds is that they are sometimes thin and flimsy.
- Appearance: Metal sheds look clean, but generally do not have an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Today, manufacturers of metal sheds have to line the outside with PVC or vinyl coating to enhance their look.
- Floor not included: Unlike wooden sheds, metal sheds do not come with a floor included. Instead, they are often attached to a concrete or paved base, which can be expensive. It is best to install the concrete base and let it set for several weeks to ensure it has dried out completely before the shed is fitted.
How to Decide Between a Metal or Wood Shed
If you have a garden and want to build a garden shed, you might want to build the shed with wood. A wood shed will also blend in perfectly with the rest of your property if you have wood flower boxes or a picket fence surrounding it. A metal shed will not look the part in these instances because the build material will stand out.
However, if you want to keep tools, household objects, and chemical supplies, then metal sheds might be what you should use. They are very durable, and they are often easier and less expensive to repair.
Choosing the Best Outdoor Shed for You
Both metal and wood sheds offer many benefits. It just depends on the benefits that appeal to you and what you are looking to accomplish. Wood sheds are better because they are noise-free, do not rust, are very beautiful, easily blend with the surroundings, and do not dent. On the other hand, metal sheds are durable and long-lasting, require little time to assemble and install, and are budget-friendly.