Found your dream building project but stumped on the material? Deciding between wood buildings and steel buildings can be a tough decision. There are a lot of components at play when creating a structure to house people safely and for the long term.
Before you rush into a decision on the materials you want like the tool steel and etc., make sure you weigh all your options. Think about your priorities with the project, whether that is cost, durability, or even looks. Once you know the aspects you can’t compromise on, take a look to see if wood or steel would be best for you.
Price
Wood has a cheaper price tag upfront, but steel can make it worth the investment over time. Wood needs more upkeep and often has repairs that cost more, while steel is more sturdy and unchanging. The choice depends on how much money you have initially and if the building project will change and do well with parts changing, or want to stay the same for many years to come.
Wood doesn’t always gain in value, and may even lose value as time goes on. But steel can appreciate, meaning you may make more on the sale later using that material.
Durability
Wood is about as strong as steel, but problems arise with durability. Wood changes shape and contains additional components, like drywall, that can crack and lose efficacy. Steel is more durable and lasting as a building material.
Of course, your decision might depend on the structure you wish to make and the required durability you need. When you’re looking at storage shed builders, a metal shed is more likely to hold up over time without changing.
Erosion Resistance
Whether the weather is cold or whether the weather is hot, your steel building will be resistant to the elements. Wood does shift over time and changes in temperature and moisture levels can change how wood behaves.
But wood will not rust, and that is something to look out for with metal buildings. Wood may be more susceptible to pests, but with proper maintenance, both options would work well.
Efficient Energy
Both steel buildings and wood buildings have their pros and cons when it comes to energy efficiency. Steel transfers heat more easily, which can be a big negative. But wood needs more insulation to keep it temperate inside.
In the long run, a steel building has a lot of potential for being environmentally friendly. The materials can be used again and again for new structures if needed, and it’s easy to add in clean energy components like solar panels or turbines.
While you would assume wood can be composted or at least recycled, a wooden frame cannot. They typically end up in landfills when all is said and done.
Keeping It Up
There is a certain level of building maintenance required for any structure, but the material can make a big difference in how much is needed and what the bill looks like each year. Wood goes through a lot of changes over time. It warps and cracks and shifts in place to fit differently depending on the weather.
Wood requires much more in terms of consistent care. Not everyone minds getting a new roof every 15 years, but if you want a building you don’t have to touch as much, steel is a better option. Steel even weighs less than wood so you won’t experience as many cracks in the foundation as you might with a wooden structure.
Steel maintains its shape and integrity so you don’t have to worry about it. A metal roof can last from 40 to 50 years without needing a change. As far as maintenance concerns go, steel wins.
All About Looks
If you want a very specific look, you might immediately move toward wood buildings as your only choice. Wood is a beautiful material that does allow for a lot of customization. While it requires more upkeep with paint, chips, and cracks, it can give you the look you want.
Many people look at steel or metal buildings and find them sterile or cold. This can be the case, but you may find steel is more customizable than you first thought. If looks are crucial to the project and wood is the only way to attain them, that’s fine. But don’t rule out steel right away and look at all your options first.
A Matter of Time
One more thing to consider when debating materials is your construction time frame. Wood requires skilled workers who can cut it to the right size and know how it works in construction. Steel is a faster and more efficient approach.
If you’re in a rush, steel is the best choice. There are plenty of prefabricated structural choices that will speed up the process. With steel, you usually save money on materials and the construction process itself.
Steel Versus Wood Buildings
When you’re deciding between wood buildings or steel buildings, you shouldn’t rush into the decision unless you know exactly what you need to be done. Wood has more pros than you might expect, and so does steel. Both options can create great structures.
If you’re looking for something customizable that can withstand a rainy climate, wood may be best. If you want something you can set and forget, with minimal maintenance needed, you might choose steel.
The most important thing is that you choose the material based on your specific construction project, and weigh all your options before jumping in. If this helped you make some decisions for your next building project, keep reading for more great tips.
Leave a Reply