Posted on July 19, 2022
Our customers turn to us and trust us with a lot of their big building projects. You know: The buildings they design for running businesses, protecting heavy equipment, and keeping their loved ones safe.
But not everyone is ready for that level of metal building project. And that’s okay! Especially around this time of year, a lot of people start to realize that what they want and need isn’t a gigantic airplane hangar, community center or barndominium, but a simple storage shed. Is a steel shed the sexiest building around? Maybe not. But it’s definitely one of the most functional.
If you’re thinking about how nice it would be to have a separate storage building for your lawn tools, mower, bikes or snowblower — all those standard personal use tools and toys that seem to multiply and take up more room as the years go on — you’re probably thinking about your options. Metal sheds vs. wood sheds vs. plastic sheds. Which is best for your needs? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of these types of storage buildings:
The two things a vinyl or resin storage shed has going for it are that it’s fairly resistant to rot, insects and rust, and that it’s lightweight. However, the flipside of lightweightness is flimsiness. A plastic shed won’t hold up well to inclement weather, and is highly flammable in case of fire. It’s also susceptible to critters other than insects, like squirrels and rabbits, and is not very secure against theft. The very chainsaw you store in a plastic building could cut right through its walls with ease. Plastic buildings can also stain and bleach in the sun, making them look worn well before they should.
A wood storage building is probably going to be easy to find and build no matter where you live, and can be quite visually attractive if done correctly. Wood frame construction is very customizable both structurally and in its finishes, which is appealing. But it’s also very expensive, makes for an incredibly heavy building, and is subject to fire damage, rot, warping, mold, insect infestation, and so much more. Over time, a wood storage building is likely to need a lot of maintenance.
A steel storage building or shed has the potential to look industrial. But with the customization options available from Worldwide Steel, it doesn’t have to. A metal building can be finished to blend in perfectly with the homes or the landscape around it while still being appealing in its own right. And that — the potential to look purely industrial if purchased elsewhere — is about the only downside we see. Everything else is coming up roses for metal buildings.
On purchase, steel storage buildings are cost-effective and come together with ease, even for first time builders. And with use, steel buildings’ true upsides start to shine: they’re fireproof, durable, resistant to all types of weather and natural disasters, and are integrally theft-proof. They resist rot, rust, insects and other critters. They’re also sustainable, energy-efficient and low maintenance for years to come. And at Worldwide Steel, they’re guaranteed. We offer an industry-leading 50-year structural warranty on every building kit we sell, so you can sleep knowing your building and what’s inside is protected for decades.
And working with Worldwide Steel is different than getting a backyard storage building from a big box store. Our team isn’t made up of retail employees, but of building specialists who can guide you through the design and construction processes, plus research any building codes or zoning regulations for your local area.
It’s a great time of year to finally take the plunge into adding a storage building to your property. Have more questions about the differences between metal sheds, wood sheds and plastic sheds? Give us a call at (800) 825-0316! Know what you want? Test out your ideas in our 3D Building Designer or request a quote online.