Every homeowner looks for an outdoor shed for extra storage needs, a dedicated workshop, a cozy hideaway, or a shed that adds value to their property while keeping their home & backyard neat. Usually, they are made using three kinds of materials – wood, plastic, and metal sheds. Selecting the right material & size of a shed can be a game-changer for their property. Here, we have compiled the advantages & disadvantages of three popular types of sheds so you can choose one that is fit for you.
Wood Sheds With Classic Charm & Versatility
Pros:
- Aesthetics: Wooden sheds are known for their classic looks and natural appeal. Some may even consider it as warm & cozy.
- Durability: High-quality timbers can last long if they are maintained and polished timely.
- Versatility: A wood storage shed is easy to paint, stain, and modify to increase internal space. They can be remodeled for other uses, like a shed, garden shed, or art studio.
- Insulation: Wood is not affected by temperature change as much as plastic or metal does. They have natural insulation in a moderate climatic region.
Cons:
- Maintenance: One of the biggest problems with a wooden storage building is its never-ending need for regular upkeep, such as repainting, re-staining, etc.
- Cost: A shed made of high-quality timber may cost you about $150 per sq. ft. [including raw materials, shipping, foundation, & construction costs], making it a high upfront cost. Note that this does not include the cost of maintenance.
- Vulnerability: Sheds made using timbers are susceptible to termites, pests, mold, mildew, and rodents. Hence, they will need regular repairs & replacements to function properly.
- Fire Risk: Wood is a combustible material that catches fire as soon as it comes in contact with it. So, you can’t store flammable gas cans, paints, & other items inside the shed.
Metal Sheds For Strength & Durability With Modern Appeal
Pros:
- Durability: When it comes to robustness & durability, a storage metal building shines through. Once installed correctly, it can last for decades with minimal upkeep. It doesn’t lose structural integrity with time.
- Low Maintenance: A metal storage shed is immune to rot, decay, pests, molding, bending, warping, & twisting. So, you won’t be spending frequently on repair or replacement.
- Cost Effective: The cost of a turnkey steel building for a shed can cost about $25 to $45 per sq. ft. You can choose 100% galvanized steel that is resistant to rust & corrosion. It is also fire-resistant & generally has a good fire rating.
- Easy Assembly: Metal structures are easy to assemble as most designing & manufacturing work is done off-site. They take less time & labor to get installed, which reduces interruption to your daily activity.
- Certification: A certified steel building can withstand up to 180 miles per hour of wind speed and up to 80 pounds per sq. ft. of snow load, making them suitable for rough outdoor weather. You will have peace of mind knowing that your stored items are secured from the elements.
- Higher Security: Steel is known for its strength. In fact, steel has a 25 times higher strength-to-weight ratio than wood, making it suitable to bear heavy loads without fail. You can install wide doors with high-quality deadbolts, padlocks, or rim locks to secure your items from vandalism.
Cons:
- Aesthetics: Some people may not like the sleek and modern industrial appeal of a metal structure in their backyard. Note that some metal builder offers tons of customization for metal sheds so you can match them with your home & property’s aesthetics.
- Condensation: Metal structures are known for condensation & heat transfer without an effective insulator. The good news is most metal builders already know it, thus offering insulation as a custom option.
- Temperature Control: You will need correct R-value insulation and vents to control airflow and reduce moisture & humidity buildup. You can choose windows to bring in natural lights & for air circulation.
- Rusting: Metal may get rust or corrosion when exposed to water and moisture if not treated or coated properly.
Plastic Sheds For Low Maintenance & Budget-Friendly
Pros:
- Low Maintenance: A vinyl/ plastic shed doesn’t need painting or sealing like metal or wooden sheds do. So you don’t have to worry about upkeep costs.
- Affordability: A plastic shed can cost between $15 and $30 per sq. ft. Thus, they are the most affordable among the three materials.
- Easy Assembly: Being a lightweight material, it is easier to ship & assemble a plastic shed than others. It can take about 4 to 8 hours to install an 8x10 or 10x10 vinyl shed in your backyard with basic tools.
- Pest Resistant: You don’t have to worry about termites check, molding, or mildew with plastic sheds in normal weather conditions.
Cons:
- Durability: Plastic is not as durable as wood or steel as it can crack, wrap, or bend with time. It is also not suitable for severe weather situations.
- Aesthetics: Since they are made using plastic material, these sheds can often appear cheap and unattractive to some people.
- Limited Customization: It is difficult to modify a vinyl shed or even paint over it. So, it’s not suitable for growing family needs.
- Temperature Fluctuation: A plastic shed can get extremely hot during summer & cold in winter. Moreover, they are also not fire-resistant.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Shed
So, should you choose a plastic shed, an outdoor metal building, or a wooden garden shed? Let’s break down some factors that will help you select the right deal.
- Climate: Before you jump to a conclusion, check out the local weather pattern to know which type of shed will fit your needs the best. A wet environment may not be suitable for wood as it can absorb moisture to expand or contract loosening the bolts, screws, and other attachments.
- Budget: If budget is your main concern, plastic is the most affordable on the list, then metal, and finally, wood.
- Purpose: What is your primary reason to buy a shed? Is it for storing regular household clutter, organizing tools & supplies on the farm, or for a small workshop/ playroom? Having a clear primary purpose will let you define the size, design, and features of the shed.
- Space: How much land do you have on your lot for installing a shed? When calculating total space, subtract setbacks or payments to get realistic square footage.
- Maintenance: Among all, plastic requires the lowest maintenance, next to metal and finally wooden shed that needs high & regular upkeeps.
- Intended Use: Do you want to store electric appliances for the workshop? If so, you may need to add insulation for temperature control. If you want to keep household items, you may need a sturdy foundation & properly anchored frames for the shed.
- Aesthetic: Does appeal matter to you the most? If so, you may want to choose between steel or wood. They are durable and last long. A wooden shed will give classic & natural appeal to your backyard, whereas metal sheds offer a more industrial feel. A plastic shed, however, can vary in appeal.
Ready To Transform Your Backyard? Pick Your Perfect Shed Now!
By considering the above factors, you can easily pick the right shed for your home or farm. These sheds are crucial for storage, organizing tools & supplies, and keeping them safe from outdoor weather conditions & theft. So, which shed is your favorite? Would you invest in a modern, sleek metal steel building or prefer a high-maintenance wooden structure? Share your thoughts with us.