Metal Garden Sheds Vs. Other Materials: Pros And Cons

When looking for a shed, most Americans have three options available in the market these days: wood, resin, and metal garden storage sheds. But which one should you pick, how to choose between the three, and what are the pros and cons of each? That’s what we will discuss here. So, let’s get Rollin’.

Popular Shed Sizes For An American Household

Small sheds can easily store tools, camping gear, bikes, and everyday items.

• 6 x 8 ~ 48 square feet
• 8 x 10 ~ 80 square feet
• 8 x 12 ~ 96 square feet

Medium size sheds are suitable for storing small-sized ATVs, riding mowers, or household items.

• 10 x 10 ~ 100 square feet
• 10 x 12 ~ 120 square feet
• 9 x 16 or 12 x 12 ~ 144 square feet
• 16 x 12 ~ 191 square feet

Large sheds are good for keeping kayaks, canoes, ladders, small boats, golf carts, and much more.

• 12 x 20 ~ 240 square feet
• 14 x 24 ~ 336 square feet
• 16 x 30 ~ 480 square feet

Generally, metal garden sheds that are detached, single-story, and less than 120 square feet in area do not need a permit. Some HOAs state that the shed can’t be more than 1% of the total lot size. So, before buying, it's best to familiarize yourself with local building codes and zoning laws. Now, let’s move on to the common materials used to construct these sheds.

Steel Garden Shed

With a poor reputation, we have no. 1 on our list – the metal garden shed. Most of the time, the sad story of the metal structure is accompanied by a left-out metal shed that has been rusting in some corners. But, despite all that, steel structures are one of the best sheds you can get your hands on. Let’s see why.

Pros

First, they are value for money. Metal does not affect the effects of overexposure to sunlight, and it can withstand bad weather conditions as well. Prefab garden sheds are fast and easy to install, and once installed, they need very little maintenance.

Metal structures are known for their durability, sturdy material, high load-bearing capacity, ability to retain structural strength over time, and high strength-to-weight ratio. A metal door is pretty secure and keeps all your belongings safe.

Cons

Some might argue that metal structures have limited customizable options. One downside of metal sheds is that they have a lower aesthetic appeal. Most steel is prone to rust, so metal builders have used galvanized steel.

Note: Many metal builders offer a wide range of colors you can match with your existing home. You can also add customization features like gutter, windows, skylight, etc., to it but it will increase the overall cost.

Wood Garden Shed

Pros

Wooden sheds have a traditional charm and warm feel. They are customizable in shape and size as needed. They can be painted to match the color of your home. Some wooden sheds come with a loft area for extra space.

This space can be used to store seasonal items and holiday decor. Wood provides better insulation than metal but requires more maintenance.

Cons

However, customizing them is not easy and increases the cost. Then, there is an issue of durability. Wood tends to absorb moisture from air and rainwater. This leads to fungi development that results in rotting and decaying with time. Timely repairs and replacements are costly affairs.

You need to check them monthly for mold, mildew, termites, and pest infestation. If found, you must call the team to control. This will not only consume your time but also your money.

Resin Garden Shed

Pros

Resin, vinyl, or plastic sheds are newbies in the market. They are versatile and affordable, easy to clean, and resistant to rot and rust. They are also made with lightweight materials, which make them easy to move.

Cons

Being lightweight is also a demerit, as they can’t withstand bad weather conditions. They are also not strong materials when it comes to construction.

Larger animals like bunnies, squirrels, or chickens can damage the shed. So, they can’t be remodeled as a small livestock shelter. Sometimes, the outer surface fades away due to the sun. On top of everything, plastic is not very environmentally friendly. Being rust-resistant comes at a price. They can only bear limited weight on their walls.

Quick Comparison: Steel Vs. Wood Vs. Resin

Steel Shed	Wooden Shed	Resin Shed
Pros
Durable material Sturdy & high strength No decay or rot with time Inexpensive Low maintenance Weather & fire resistant	Old charm look More customizable options DIY is easy	Low-quality material will likely rust Limited customization option Not as appealing as a wooden shed
Cons
Low-quality material will likely rust Limited customization option Not as appealing as a wooden shed	Rot & decay can’t be stopped for long Customization is expensive Can’t resist fire and bad weather Strength lower than steel	Generally, not customizable Aesthetics are not as good as a wooden shed Can’t resist fire and bad weather Strength lower than steel

Here Are Some Creative Ways In Which You Can Use Steel Custom Garden Sheds

1. Tiny home
2. Garden tool shed
3. Craft shed
4. Backyard studio
5. Office space
6. Pool House
7. Hunting cabin
8. Yoga Studio
9. Golf cart shed
10. ATV shed
11. Playhouse for kids

Call Us Today For Best Deals On Metal Garden Sheds

Custom garden sheds are multi-purpose units that fulfill most household storage requirements. Get rid of all clutter in your home by installing a shed on your lot. Contact Carports Advisor for the best deals on steel garden sheds.
You can even use our custom 3D designing tool to draw your own shed and view it in your space. This will give you an idea of what the shed will look like on your property. We also have a variety of color options for you to choose from. Pick one that matches your main home for a seamless look. And that’s not it, we also offer colored screws with it. So, go and check it out now!