Wood Sheds vs. Metal Sheds vs. Plastic Sheds: The Ultimate Backyard Battle Royale

When you purchase any type of storage shed, you can count on it being an investment. And with any investment, it pays to spend ample time performing research and considering different options. After all, this structure will be used to protect your tools, supplies, and valuables from the elements. But what is the best type of storage building?

Whether you're hoping to invest in a small storage building or have larger ideas in mind, there are several different storage shed options on the market. You’ll have the choice between wooden buildings, plastic structures, and prefabricated steel sheds, among others. But if you're unfamiliar with these building types, it might be challenging to discern which style works best for your needs.

Sure, you can spend hours searching sheds for sale and hope for the best. But, to settle the debate, we're pitting wood, metal, and plastic sheds against each other to see how they stack up in terms of strength, affordability, and overall value. So if you're in the market to purchase a new building, you'll want to keep reading!

Wood Sheds

For years, wood sheds have enjoyed popularity far and beyond other building types. They’re inexpensive, easy to use, and built with quality engineering techniques. They're also versatile, sturdy, and can be customized to match the aesthetic and color of your home.

But these advantages also come with several downsides. First, wooden sheds are susceptible to moisture infiltration, rot, pests, and fire. As a result, you'll spend a lot of time and money performing regular maintenance and repairs on them. And with rising lumber prices, the overall cost of these buildings has grown considerably.

Additionally, wood is a strong but brittle material. When met with external forces such as high winds and heavy snow loads, damage is a distinct possibility. As such, wood storage sheds are best for moderate climates.

Plastic Sheds

In most cases, plastic or resin sheds are similar in cost to metal alternatives. They're often smaller in scale than wood or steel sheds and work best for small tool or equipment storage. Plastic outbuildings are among the easiest structure types to install, perfect for those who want to install their building without professional assistance.

Plastic buildings are relatively durable and up to the challenge of handling most mild environments. But, as you can imagine, they aren't meant to take the extreme weather conditions in some areas of the US. For example, if you live in a region with high winds, rain, and heavy snow accumulation, you may want to consider a stronger building material than plastic.

Metal Sheds

Most prefabricated steel sheds are built using galvanized steel, making them naturally resistant to moisture infiltration, rust, mold, pests, and fire. They're prized not only for their affordability but their customizability. Unlike wood and plastic options designed as a one-size-fits-all package, almost every component of a steel storage shed can be customized to suit your unique needs. From the roofing system to the paneling, windows, doors, and more can be changed and adjusted to your liking.

But beyond versatility, strength and longevity are massive advantages for metal storage buildings. They're capable of outlasting wood and plastic structures for years and require minimal repairs compared to competing materials. Metal sheds can also sustain much more weight! Thanks to steel’s natural ability to flex when met with heavy snow accumulation, high winds, or seismic activity, it will merely bend and hold true.

How It All Shakes Out

No matter how you cut it, steel buildings and metal garages will be a stronger, more practical option for housing and protecting your valuables. Steel beats out wood and plastic in terms of:

• Strength

Steel is much stronger than any wood or plastic component, delivering years of quality service with no deterioration or breakdown.

• Affordability

Compared to wooden structures, steel sheds are some of the most cost-effective construction options on the market. Plastic is a close second, but pales in comparison in terms of quality.

• Customizability

From top to bottom, every inch of a steel shed can be customized to fit your needs. You’ll have the ability to change your building’s color, style, frame thickness, paneling type, and just about anything you can think of!

• Adaptability

Steel building’s adaptability makes them the perfect choice for storage buildings, garden sheds, greenhouses, workshops, office spaces, and more!

• Longevity

There isn’t much that can compete with steel in terms of durability. Steel is naturally resistant to moisture, rust, and all the elemental hazards that damage structures over time. As such, you’ll spend much less time performing regular maintenance on a steel building than on one built from wood or plastic.

In the end, the best choice comes down to your budget and needs. One structure type may work better for your plans than others. And that’s okay!

Call Probuilt Steel Buildings Today for All Your Metal Shed Needs

Probuilt Steel Buildings is honored to be a part of America's metal building industry, providing customers with premium steel structures at affordable prices. Whether you're looking for steel sheds or DIY metal shed kits, Probuilt Steel Buildings has the experience to deliver quality that lasts.

We're also adamant that everyone should be able to afford a metal shed regardless of their budget or credit status. That's why we offer some of the best financing options and a rent-to-own program!

Probuilt Steel Buildings wants to help you on your metal building journey! So, give us a call today at (877) 754-1818 and let our team of building experts help you design and customize a structure for your residential, commercial, or industrial needs!