Pros & Cons of Metal vs Wood Shed

Which is better, metal shed or wood shed? In short, metal sheds would be a better shed option than wood sheds because it is more affordable, and the advantages of a metal shed outweigh the advantages of wood shed. Deciding between a wood shed and a metal shed can be a tough decision. However, if you know the pros and cons of each shed type, then it may not be as difficult of a decision after all.

In this blog, we are going to shed some light on 4 pros and cons of both metal and wood sheds so that you can make an informed decision on your next shed purchase.

So let’s get to it!

4 Pros and Cons of Metal Sheds

While metal sheds offer numerous advantages, there are also some disadvantages to having a metal shed. When it comes to purchasing either a wooden shed or metal shed, metal sheds are known to be significantly more affordable than wooden sheds therefore people have concluded that metal sheds are the better option.

Pros of Metal Sheds

Cost Affordable: Metal sheds typcially cost less than wooden sheds because of the material being used. There is less material that goes into making a steel shed, therefore saving you from having to spend a lot of money to have a steel shed made for you. Wood on the other hand requires more that goes into its material, therefore increasing cost.

Low Maintenance: Metal sheds require less maintenance. The only thing you would need to worry about when it comes to maintaining metal sheds is simply ensuring a pvc or vinyl coating is applied to the exterior of your shed to prevent rusting. You can check out this blog on how to prevent rust on your steel shed.

Won’t Attract Critters: Another nice advantage to steel sheds is that you won’t need to worry about critters or vermin eating away at your shed because your shed will not be made out of wood.

Durable: Metal sheds are known to be durable because you don’t have to worry about wood rotting. The expected life span of metal sheds is 25 years plus. The durability of a metal shed certainly gives you a return on your investment. An important step to increasing the lifespan of your steel shed is to have wood framing on the inside. Wood framing can help increase lifespan and add some stability to your shed.

Cons of Metal Sheds

Sometimes Flimsy: Sometimes metal sheds can feel flimsy, depending on the gauge of the metal as well as the framing. Typically, wood framing helps to reduce the amount of flimsiness for a metal shed and increases its stability. Wood framing enables your shed to withstand strong winds pushing against it. When buying a metal shed, you’d also want to check the gauge of the metal. The thicker and heavier the metal is, the better!

Susceptible to Rust and Corrosion: Metal can especially be susceptible to rust and corrosion. Because the bottom of sheds cannot be sealed, water can seep through the bottom creating moisture in the shed that can lead to rust. This is especially true if your shed is being exposed to a lot of inclement weather, which can eventually lead to rust on your shed. There are additional steps you can take to prevent rust on your steel shed.

Not Aesthetically Attractive: Compared to natural wood, steel sheds are not known to look the most attractive on your property. Although you would be able to choose your own color shed, sometimes the look of a large metal building is not very appealing.

Hard to Modify: Steel sheds can be difficult to modify. For example, if you wanted to add a couple more windows, another vent, or something unique that would require altering the structure of the shed, it would be rather difficult. Modifications to a shed could require some welder type tools or require replacing an entire portion of the shed. It’s most likely not a task for DIYers.

4 Pros and Cons of Wood Sheds

Wooden sheds also can be a nice addition to your property and give you a return on your investment. Although wooden sheds are not known to be cost-effective, they can be utilized for a variety of shed ideas that makes them worth investing in. Let’s check out the advantages and disadvantages of a wood shed.

Pros of Wood Sheds

Great Natural Insulator: Wood works as a great natural insulator for sheds because of the air pockets within wood that helps to trap air as it travels through. This can become a great benefit to you if you are storing items that need to be in temperature regulated environments. Also, this can help save energy if you decide to add in additional insulation to turn your shed into a more hospitable space.

Appearance Can Be Customized: Wooden sheds are easy to customize. You can paint it any color you’d like. For the interior, you can easily add shelves, electrical, or whatever else you’d like to do. The wooden structure makes it easy for cut holes, add shelving, and do any type of modification to fit your style and taste. It would be difficult to cut holes in metal or attach shelving to a metal sheet.

Strong and Sturdy: Wood is durable and reliable, able to hold strong and steady amidst stress. Wood does a good job of absorbing vibration which means it can withstand stress (stormy weather, impact, and general use) over a long amount of time without cracking or wearing.

Easy Repair: Wood can easily be repaired whether it is broken or damaged. Repairing wood only requires you to repair a specific portion of wood verses having to repair an entire section of the shed. Wood will occasionally need to be be refreshed with a new coat of paint.

Disadvantages of Wood Sheds

Prone to Pest and Rotting: Wood can attract a lot of rodents and pests including termites who’d might like to snack on your wood. Overtime, this could create problems with wood damage resulting from termites. Also, if moisture remains trapped in wood, it can lead to fungi growth which then can lead to wood rotting.

Requires Regular Maintenance: Wood sheds require regular maintenance. For example, they require finishing (painted or stained) every so often to help the wood withstand inclement weather. Also, wood pieces that may no longer fit the shed, rotted, or broke will need to be replaced.

More Costly: Wood sheds are more costly because of the work and material that goes into making wood. Also, wood sheds take more time to build than metal sheds, therefore labor cost may cost you a little more.

Takes time to Build: Compared to its metal shed counterpart, wood sheds take more time to build. A wood shed is made of multiple slates of wood that need to be framed and put together. On the other hand, a metal shed just requires putting up large sheets of steel that will make up the sides of the shed, hence not taking as long.

There you have it! The pros and cons of a metal shed vs a wood shed. At this point, it all boils down to what you are needing most and your current situation. As you can see, both sheds have something to offer but also have their weaknesses, but you can decide what is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Metal vs Wood Sheds

Is a metal shed cheaper than a wooden shed?

Yes, a metal shed is cheaper than a wooden shed because less material goes into metal, therefore keeping costs down. Also, a metal shed is much easier to install and takes less time, therefore saving you money in labor cost compared to the cost of installing a wooden shed. Typically, metal sheds have been preferred over wood sheds because they are the more affordable option.

Are metal sheds worth it?

Metal sheds are worth it because they are more affordable compared to wood, and are considered to be reliable and durable. Therefore, you can get a return on your investment if you invest in a metal shed. If those things are important to you, then a metal shed is certainly worth it.

Can you store wood in a shed?

Yes, you can store wood in a shed. Sheds are designed for storage purposes including firewood. Storing wood in a shed can help to prevent your firewood from getting overly wet to the point they are no longer useful. This is especially helpful if you don’t have seasoned wood.