Is It Better to Get a Metal or Wood Garden Shed?

July 23, 2024

Whether you plan to get a shed for storage needs, parking your bicycles or bikes, or just want to throw away unwanted items, know well that you are investing in an invaluable asset that will make your life easier for the next twenty to thirty years. However, when you consider the various options, you might not be able to quickly decide between metal and wood garden sheds. 

To make things easier for you, our guide below about metal and wood garden sheds shall allow you to make an informed decision and choose the suitable shed for your backyard. 

Metal vs. Wood Garden Sheds: A Complete Guide

Metal vs. wood, the never-ending discussion about choosing the suitable shed or studio. Read below to learn about the pros and cons of metal and wood garden sheds. Evaluate your preferences and determine what best suits your needs. 

Metal Sheds- Pros and Cons:

Pros:

Cost-Effective Option:

Metal sheds are usually a more cost-effective option than wooden sheds. Since metal sheds require less material for their production, the overall cost is reduced, making them a more pocket-friendly option. 

Less Maintenance:

If there is one shed option that requires the most minor maintenance, it has to be metal sheds. Metal sheds don’t rot or decay, meaning you don’t have to worry about applying stains occasionally. However, you may need to coat your metal sheds to prevent them from rusting, but remember, one coat goes a long way, leading to little maintenance over the year. 

Doesn’t Rot:

Metal is a sturdy material that doesn’t rot. This means the metal will stay unharmed regardless of how many pests try to infest the material. This is an excellent option for those tired of treating their wood garden sheds. 

Very Durable:

Metal is a highly durable material that lasts for years without breaking or splitting. Unlike other sheds, which can break easily, metal sheds stay resistant to extreme weather conditions, pests, sunlight, and more, giving you the peace of mind that your shed will remain reliable for years. 

Cons:

Susceptible to Corrosion:

Now, here’s where metal sheds take a back seat. Since metal is susceptible to corrosion, regular water cleaning or rain may deteriorate its condition. Corrosion may lead to chances of breakage, reducing the overall lifetime of your shed. However, with a paint coat, you can stop this from happening in the first place.  

Not Very Appealing:

Although metal sheds can be painted in nearly every color to match your home’s aesthetics, these don’t just look so good. This is the harsh reality for metal sheds. Especially for someone who has had wooden garden sheds in their backyard, they would never like how boring metal sheds look. Metal sheds are often related to box structures rather than an aesthetically pleasing, comfy structure in the backyard. 

Difficult Personalization:

Metals are hard to modify. If you have already built a metal shed and remember about adding more windows once the structure is complete, know well that this would be nearly impossible at that moment. To make modifications, you will need to cut the whole side, make adjustments, and weld back again, all of which will be a hassle. 

Less Comfortable:

If you sit in a metal shed first and then in a wooden shed, you can quickly tell the difference. Metal sheds are uncomfortable, especially if the rain is pouring on the shed and creating noise you had no idea about. 

Wooden Garden Sheds- Pros and Cons:

Pros:

Beauty At Its Best:

Most people fall for wooden sheds because of how they look. Their natural design effortlessly blends in with their home’s aesthetics, elevating their appearance and making people peek inside from the pillars. 

Great Insulation:

Wood is a natural insulator, meaning it stays cool in summer and warm in winter. This feature makes wood garden sheds in Canada a perfect choice for Canadians who want to stay comfortable throughout the year. 

Easy Customizations:

Do you have a specific wood garden shed design in mind? Here’s the secret- it’s possible! Wooden sheds can be easily personalized based on your requirements and unique designs. 

Reliable:

Wooden sheds constructed from high-quality raw materials are very sturdy structures that can withstand different weather conditions, including rain, hail storms, excessive sunlight, and strong wind gusts. Since wood is really heavy and reliable, you can rest assured that it will stay unharmed for years to come. 

Cons:

Needs Regular Maintenance:

Your wooden shed may be the most beautiful part of your home, but remember that it will only look this good if you take care of it regularly. For instance, clearing the exterior, applying wood stain, fixing holes or leaks, cutting off the nearby shrubs, and clearing the rooftop are some of the practices to follow. 

Easily Infested by Pests:

Every wood garden shed owner can relate to the struggle of keeping their shed safe from pests. But regardless of how much you try, these creatures will make their way inside the wood and wreak havoc. To stop this from happening, you need to regularly maintain your shed and apply wood treatment to keep the pests at bay. 

Whether You Choose Metal or Wooden Garden Sheds- Invest in Top-Tier Quality Only at Backyard Escape Studios

When looking for a shed that not only serves the purpose but looks aesthetically pleasing, we all are caught in the most perplexing question- metal or wooden garden shed. The answer is simple: you must choose what works best for you. Since both metal and wooden garden sheds in Canada have their set of pros and cons, choosing one should be based on personal choices and, of course, budget. But if you still can't decide between these two, you need to get in touch with a professional who knows all kinds of sheds well.

At Backyard Escape Studios, we are a team of experts with years of experience in shed building. If you have any questions or need assistance deciding what kind of shed would be best for you, our team will easily walk you through every step. Whether you are ready to buy your own shed or have concerns about metal vs. wooden sheds, contact us at your earliest convenience to make the best possible decision for your backyard. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are metal sheds long-lasting?

If you are looking for a shed that lasts a long time, your best bet is metal sheds. 

One of the best things about metal sheds is their durability, which helps them stay reliable for years. Unlike wood that rots, metal sheds are impervious to decay, extreme heat or cold, and water. But since metal sheds can lose their shine with time, vinyl or galvanization adds another layer of protection and helps your metal shed keep its luster for years.

How long does a wooden shed last?

With regular maintenance, including cleaning your exterior, applying wood stain, and treating the wood to keep pests at bay, a wooden shed has a lifespan of a good twenty to thirty years. However, if you can't spend so much time maintaining a shed, you may consider an alternative to a wooden garden shed, like vinyl or metal, requiring less maintenance. 

How to take care of your wooden shed?

To properly take care of your shed, ensure to follow some practices throughout the year, including:

  • Washing the exterior 
  • Applying a wood stain
  • Treating the wooding atleast once every three months
  • Fixing holes or cracks
  • Cutting off any plants growing near the base of the shed
  • Clearing the rooftop of any leaves or dirt
Start Building with Us Today
Take the first step towards creating the structure you have always envisioned. Share your design concepts and let us transform your dream shed into reality.
BEGIN TODAY