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Decide Between a Metal Shed vs. a Wood Shed

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published August 16, 2024

When you decide to build a shed one of the most important decisions is to decide what kind of materials will be used. Each building shed material comes with its own pros and cons. This blog will help you understand the comparison between metal shed vs wood shed.

What Are Metal Sheds?

Metal Sheds are made of galvanized steel or aluminum which makes them last for years. These sheds are generally used in homes, businesses, and industrial areas for storing tools, equipment, vehicles, and other goods. These sheds are available in different sizes, designs, from simple, small outdoor storage units to larger workshops and garages.

Different Styles of Metal Sheds

Gable Metal Shed

Gable style metal sheds have a gentle slope and have a more decent look. These types of sheds provide excellent weather protection, because the shed slopes help prevent rain and heavy snow collection.

Gambrel Metal Shed

Gambrel metal shed is known for a roof style that looks like an old-fashioned barn. These sheds have a steep slope which creates an extra head space to install vertical shelving.

Lean to Metal Shed

Lean to metal sheds are slanted roofs these sheds are great for covering large vehicles like tractors. You could also secure your farm equipment. These sheds provide both parking areas and a secure place for storing items.

What Are Wood Sheds?

Wood sheds are mostly made of timber and are used to store garden tools and large equipment. These sheds offer a natural look that goes well with the outdoor environment. The sheds can be customized to whatever size and shape you want. You can also provide windows for ventilation.

Different Styles of Wood Sheds

Lean to Wood Shed

Lean to wood sheds do not require a conventional stud wall across the back because these sheds are designed to be built against an existing wall. Lean to wood sheds require less materials.

Gable Shed

Wooden Gable sheds are sturdy, durable, and can survive any harsh weather conditions. They also provide better covering from the elements, making them ideal for storing items in extreme temperatures. The natural beauty of wood looks attractive and can enhance the look of your backyard.

Know What’s Best Metal Shed vs Wood Shed

Metal sheds and Wood sheds both have their unique features. Deciding which is better metal or wood shed can be a difficult decision. While choosing the sheds consider factors such as storage, location, weather, durability and more.

Features of Metal Sheds vs Wood Sheds

Storage Capacity

Metal sheds can store landscaping equipment such as lawnmowers, snowblowers, and wheelbarrows, garbage cans and recycling bins, ladders, snowmobiles, and grills. It can also store garden tools, grilling gear, outdoor furniture and more. They have a storage capacity of maximum 100 sq. ft.Wood sheds can store a bicycle, wheelbarrow, and waste container. They have a storage capacity of 36 to 100 sq. ft.

Appearance

Metal sheds may not look attractive on your property but these metal sheds are available in different colors that will match your ideas and wants.  Wood sheds are visually appealing because they give a rustic look. They can easily blend with the environment as well. These sheds come with shutters and windows which makes it look like an extension of a house.

Durability

Metal sheds are more durable as they are galvanized and vinyl coated. These sheds are lightweight but strong. They are weather resistant, insects, rot and fire resistant as well. Metal sheds have the chance to get rusted.  Wood sheds are durable, strong and sturdy but without proper protection the material can be harmed in a short period of time. Wooden sheds attract rodents and pests who eat wood. Moisture trapped in wood also can lead to fungi growth and can cause wood rotting.

Good to Know

To increase the lifespan of a metal shed is that you can have wood framing on the inside. This wood framing can help increase the lifespan of your shed and some stability too.

Paintability

Wood sheds are paintable. These sheds can be painted and designed as per your needs and choices. The wood sheds have already installed floors made of plywood. 
Metal sheds cannot be painted but are available in different materials such as galvanized steel. These sheds are designed without any flooring.

Maintenance 

Metal sheds require less maintenance. The main reason you need to worry about is when maintaining metal sheds make sure that a pvc or vinyl coating is applied to the exterior of the shed to prevent rusting.Wood sheds require a lot of maintenance. To maintain a wood shed apply a sealant onto your shed and this will help in preventing your shed from decaying. The same sealant will protect against insects and water damage.

Good to Know

Metal sheds can last over 10 years and can face harsh weather conditions.

Tip

Purchase an anchor to hold the metal shed down in stormy weather as they are lighter in weight.

Cost Effective

Metal sheds cost less because less materials are used in making of these sheds. These are also earlier to install and there is no labor cost to spend on.
Wood sheds cost more because of the work and materials used in making the wood. They also take a lot of time to get built which includes more labor cost as well.

Which Is Better Metal or Wood Shed

This blog highlights the distinctive characteristics and advantages of both metal and wood sheds. Depending on your functional requirements and aesthetic preferences, this guide will surely help you come to a decision.