Metal Barn vs. Wood Barn Pros & Cons | American Steel Carports, Inc. (2024)

When the time comes to build a new barn on your property, you’ll have a few important decisions to make. You will need to decide where the barn is going to go, how big it will be, and more. In this post, we’d like to take a look at another important choice in this process–the material that you will use to construct the barn. There are two main options available today, wood and metal, and each can offer some nice benefits. Let’s view the pros and cons of a metal barn versus a wood barn.

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A Classic Look

Metal Barn vs. Wood Barn Pros & Cons | American Steel Carports, Inc. (1)

Traditionally, barns have been made from wood. Using wood as a building material was a viable choice long before it was possible to use metal in the same fashion. That said, it makes sense that what you picture as a “classic” barn is a structure made from wood. So, if you are drawn to this traditional look and all the feelings it evokes, you might initially lean toward sticking with wood.

However, as you will soon see, nearly all of the performance advantages you will be looking for in your barn point in the direction of metal. And, once you start to view metal barn designs, colors, and other finishing touches, you might realize that a metal structure can look just as good as wood.

Managing Your Budget

Every project has a budget, and it is likely that you’re concerned with the cost of your new barn as you plan this job. To keep costs under control effectively, go with a metal barn. There are two reasons that a metal barn will cost less than a wood structure. First, the materials are less expensive, since you need less material overall to build a metal barn. Additionally, there is a shorter construction process for this kind of building, meaning you won’t need to spend as much on labor. Between those two points, you’ll keep more of your money in your pocket, while still coming away with a beautiful, functional barn space.

The Savings Keep Going

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Speaking of saving money, you’ll keep saving well into the future long after the initial construction of your metal barn has been completed. Those future savings are a result of the low maintenance costs associated with a metal structure. There is less that can go wrong with metal as compared to wood, so you will need to perform less maintenance and repairs as the years go by. Where wood structures can deal with issues like rot and insect infestations, those problems are not an issue when metal is used.

Get It Done

Are you in a hurry to have your new barn completed? If you are trying to beat a specific deadline for this project, like the arrival of winter, it’s a good idea to opt for metal. As mentioned above, building a metal barn takes much less time than building a similar structure out of wood, so you will have a far easier time hitting your completion date when metal is your material of choice.

Depending on the design of your barn, and what you plan to do inside the barn when it’s completed, there might be less site-prep work required for a metal structure, as well. This is a point that depends on the specifics of the project, however, so you’ll want to consult with the appropriate expert before settling on how you will prepare the area for the new barn.

Easy to Customize a Metal Barn

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No two barns are exactly alike. You may need certain kinds of access to your barn to move animals or machines in and out, or you might want to add custom elements to achieve a specific look. Whatever the needs of your project happen to be, it will be easy to compose the perfect structure by working with metal. In fact, right here on our website, you can use our to put together the exact type of barn you would like to own—and you’ll get an immediate estimate of the cost. This kind of flexibility is not offered with wood barns, so you might not be able to get exactly what you want with this material.

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After weighing the pros and cons of a metal barn versus a wood barn, you can see that metal will save you money and will provide you with a number of important performance advantages. To get started on your new barn project, use the Build & Price tool from American Steel Carports, Inc., to design your ideal custom structure.

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Metal Barn vs. Wood Barn Pros & Cons | American Steel Carports, Inc. (2024)

FAQs

Is metal barn better than wood? ›

Metal-Frame Structures

Below are some additional benefits of steel-frame structures: Metal provides greater structural strength, making it suitable for larger and taller buildings. Metal frames are inherently more fire-resistant than wood frames, reducing the risk of fire damage.

How long will a metal barn last? ›

When considering an investment in a metal building, an important factor is its expected longevity and lifespan. Properly maintained steel buildings can last over 50-100 years. The durability and lifespan depend on the quality of materials used, weather conditions, regular maintenance, and preventative care.

Is it cheaper to build a metal or wood pole barn? ›

While pole barns have a lower initial cost than metal buildings, investing around 15% more in a steel structure can result in long-term savings through reduced maintenance expenses and lower insurance premiums of 30% or more.

Which is better, pole barn or metal garage? ›

Metal buildings are typically sturdier and can last much longer than pole barns.

Is it cheaper to build a wood or metal carport? ›

The first thing you'll need to consider before building your carport is your budget. After all, construction projects typically come with a wide range of price options. And on average, metal or steel carports are significantly more cost-effective than their wooden counterparts.

Do metal barns get hot? ›

Even the smallest cracks and holes can let in outside air, which can raise the temperature inside the building. To help keep your metal building cool and prevent this, make sure that your doors and windows are properly sealed and that any other openings are protected.

What are the cons of steel buildings? ›

Consequently, the costs of painting and maintaining a steel structure can be high. Steel can also be a conductor of heat, which means it needs to be adequately fireproofed. And lastly, steel can be susceptible to fatigue, fracture or buckling due to manufacturing inconsistencies.

Does a metal building have to be grounded? ›

All metal building components must be electrically bonded together, and each building must be independently grounded.

Does steel last longer than wood? ›

Whether you're constructing horse barns or metal carports, you'll enjoy an array of advantages with steel framing. Wood sheds and buildings simply don't last as long and are not nearly as sturdy as steel structures. In terms of longevity, steel buildings often last decades longer than wooden structures.

What is the cost difference between wood and metal building? ›

Metal tends to be cheaper than wood, with an average of $19-$25 per sq ft for a steel building and $20-$35 per sq ft for a wood building. Also, using metal in your build has a lower lifetime cost due to near-zero maintenance, and it can be nearly 100% salvaged and sold if it is ever torn down.

Is it cheaper to turn a barn into a house? ›

On average, the cost of converting a barn into a home is about $10 – $50 per square foot. Some of the costs you can expect to incur include: New foundation: $4,000 – $12,000. Insulation/weatherproofing: $900 – $2,000.

Why are pole barns so cheap? ›

They require less wood and steel than traditional buildings.

Fewer materials mean the cost to build the pole barn will be lower. A pole barn uses conventional-sized wood for construction, while a timber frame barn requires heavy timber, which is larger, more expensive, and more difficult to work with.

How long will a metal pole barn last? ›

However, the most commonly cited timeline is 40-60 years. But, that doesn't mean that after 40-60 years your pole barn is guaranteed to lose function or no longer be standing. In fact, it is possible that with the proper care, pole barns could last upwards of 100 years.

Do metal garages need footings? ›

At the very minimum, your metal building foundation requires concrete strips around the base. This perimeter footing must be 18-inches by 18-inches deep for 24x24 and 24x48 foot buildings. You can also opt for a pier and beam foundation.

What is the most cost effective pole barn size? ›

It is important to keep it mind that it is typically most cost-effective to build in 8-, 9- or 10-feet increments because of the standard spacing options for pole barn posts. For example, we would recommend building a 40' x 64' pole barn building versus a 40' x 60' version.

Is it better to build with wood or metal? ›

After examining all of the factors that go into purchasing an outbuilding kit, we recommend a steel structure over traditional building materials like wood. While upfront costs tend to favor wood construction, the long-term stability of a steel building will win out over time.

What is the best material for a barn? ›

Metal buildings have been known to last 30 years and more without repainting. In addition, wood is prone to rot, animal and insect damage, and some horses can't take their teeth off it. For ease of maintenance and weather resistance, metal is the clear winner.

Is metal or wood framing better? ›

Steels Advantages Over Wood Framing

Steel framing is an excellent option for large builds, primarily because of its strength. Let's look at some of its benefits below. Steel offers much higher degradation resistance than wood. If there is a water leak, the steel frame will not rot.

Is metal or wood siding better for barn? ›

Metal roofing and siding is far more durable, with lower maintenance needs than wood. As a result, someone could expect a metal roof or siding to last as much as 50 years with little to no maintenance.

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