Storage Shed Materials

In many American households today, storage sheds are used to store and protect household items and lawn and garden equipment. Storage sheds often provide great protection from the elements, and added security for valuable equipment. Today’s storage sheds come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and designs, providing a wide range of options for the consumer. While the construction of storage sheds may vary greatly, we will examine 3 popular material choices, looking specifically at the advantages and drawbacks of each.
Perhaps the prevalent material for storage sheds is wood. Wood storage sheds are sturdy, lightweight, dependable, and readily available. Many types of wooden construction can be found, from expensive hardwoods to relatively low-cost pressed or particle board. Wood is a popular choice for storage sheds for a number of reasons including being readily available at nearly any hardware store. Wood is also easy to customize by cutting to fit almost any space. Another benefit of wood construction for storage sheds is the ease of construction. In addition, wood can be shaped, built, and painted to match almost any design. One of the biggest disadvantages of wood storage sheds is that they require weatherproofing, especially in extreme climates. Intense sun or moisture can warp or damage wood over time. Wood is also susceptible to decay through fungus, insects, or dry rot. Paint or other weatherproofing techniques can be used to extend the life of wooden storage sheds, with periodic maintenance providing the best protection from the elements.
Metal storage sheds are also quite popular choices, primarily due to their versatility and security. Various metals, including aluminum and steel, can be used to construct storage sheds of various sizes, shapes, and designs. Metal storage sheds can be purchased pre-assembled, or in do-it-yourself kits, and many include various add-on accessories to make storage more versatile. They are generally light, and hold up to weather extremely well. Metal sheds, however, can be prone to damage from impact, such as rocks and debris in heavy winds. Metal can bend under stress, and is often noisier and less sturdy than wood storage sheds. Metal also tends to be a bit pricier than wood, and requires customized parts, resulting in less versatility than wood.
Synthetic materials, such as plastics and composites, can be used to make very sturdy and lightweight storage sheds. Synthetics offer similar sturdiness to wood, with the convenience of accessories similar to metal, and generally weather the elements better than either. Synthetics are typically lightweight and provide stability on uneven ground, and are virtually silent when opening and closing doors, unlike metal. Synthetic storage sheds are almost always pre-built, or require minimal assembly, thus they can be used almost immediately. Synthetic storage sheds, however, tend to be a bit more expensive than similarly sized metal sheds, and require custom pieces when a malfunction occurs, making them less versatile than wood sheds. Some synthetics become brittle in extreme temperatures, which could lead to cracking or warping, so it is important to do periodic inspections on your shed.