Wooden Storage Shed Vs. Metal Storage Sheds

You made up your mind...finally! If any more stuff clutters the back yard you won't be able to see any of that expensive lawn you put in two years ago. The car barely fits into the garage for all the kids' sports stuff and the other paraphernalia that has no where else to go. Your twelve year old is just getting over stepping on the garden rake and leaving a four inch welt in the middle of his forehead. The lawn mower got left out in the rain for the umpteenth time because you forgot to put it under the back porch during the last rain storm. That's it! You are buying a storage shed! Now you are not sure whether to buy a metal storage shed or put up a wooden storage shed. Maybe I can help.

Here are the pros and cons of metal versus wood:

Wooden Shed Pros - 1. Nice ambiance you can make it blend with the surroundings; 2. If pine or cedar wood is used they provide a pleasant smell 3. Very adaptable in that you can add windows and shelving and put up wall hanging if you wish; 4. Good ventilation: 5. Wood is a renewable resource.

Metal Shed Pros - 1. Metal sheds are easy to erect with nuts and bolts; 2. There is very little maintenance other than perhaps hosing it down occasionally; 3. With metal doors they are a little more secure; 4. Reasonably priced; 5.Completely resistant to fire and rot and bugs.

Wooden Shed Cons - 1. A certain amount of maintenance must be done such as treating the wood on a yearly basis; 2. In some areas termites could be a problem as well as other insects; 3. If not taken care of the wood can split or warp or rot over time; 4. There can be a mould and mildew build up if not properly aired.

Metal Shed Cons - 1. Can be easily dented by the lawn mower or kids playing ball etc, 2. Metal sheds can be quite noisy in the wind and the rain; 3. The metal does rust over time; 4. Condensation is often a problem; 5. Metal sheds are generally light weight and are susceptible to wind damage.

These are some of the pros and cons of metal versus wood and there are probably others but these seem to be the most important. If your backyard is used as part of your living space during certain seasons and you are conscious of the appearance of your yard than a wooded shed will supply a hominess that a metal shed just does not provide. A metal shed will suffice if you do not mind the noise during rain storms and keeping your fingers crossed when it is windy.

For information on building your own shed, free storage shed plans and other shed plans click on the links in the resource box below.