Having an outdoor area is a great advantage. As the weather warms up, you want to create a space that promises relaxation and joy, where you can hang out after a long day and breathe in some fresh air. Creating a tranquil abode in your backyard starts with decluttering the area and transforming it into a balanced retreat with a sophisticated touch. For that reason, you may want to consider a storage shed.
Sheds, the simple roofed structures installed in the backyards of residential properties come in many different types, including garden sheds, bicycle storage sheds, garage sheds and more. Apart from keeping things, organised, a storage shed can add to the aesthetics of your living space, so it’s a good idea to carefully consider your options before making a decision.
As their popularity began rising in Australia, debates formed around which material is best for a garden shed. Metal and wood sheds emerged ahead in the race and if you are not sure which one to choose for your backyard, take a look at their distinctive characteristics and decide what works best for you and choose a galvanized steel shed or wooden shed.
Metal Sheds vs. Wood Sheds: Which is Better?
Metal Storage Sheds
Metal sheds are usually made from galvanized steel or aluminium and are great for adding a modern approach to any backyard. They come in a variety of colours, so you can choose a steel shed that matches your garden décor and will save you valuable time and money thanks to the advantages it offers, such as the following.
Durability
Steel sheds are lighter to carry than their wooden counterparts, but they are still incredibly solid. Their unmatched durability is one of their greatest advantages and the most significant selling point. Steel is not an easy material to damage and provides long-lasting protection to any structure. A galvanized steel shed owner can normally use it for over a decade.
Maintenance-Free
If you are looking for a garden storage solution that requires less maintenance, look no further than a steel shed with a galvanised layer underneath. It protects the metal from weather elements and prevents the formation of rust. Additionally, this protective layer delays the onset of corrosion and reduces the harmful effects it may have on the shed.
Generally, the coating and build quality of the latest steel shed kits are better than ever, which makes metal sheds see a resurgence in popularity. They don’t require sanding or pest control as wooden sheds do. Occasional hosing is all the maintenance you will have to do and also, you may repaint the structure once every five years or so, to give your storage shed a refreshed, new look.
Fire Hazard-Free
When choosing a garden shed, make sure to consider the fire hazard it can pose to your household. By its nature, metal is fire-retardant, so the items you have in-stored will remain safe at all times.
Secure Solution
When it comes to security, metal sheds can provide increased protection against thieves. Most of them feature reinforced hinges that can help prevent forced entry.
Easy Makeover
In terms of renovations, steel sheds can be painted with any colour, depending on your choice and preferences. Paint coatings are more resilient on metals than they are on any other shed material. As mentioned above, your steel storage shed will need to be repainted every five years, more or less.
Easy to Assemble
Metal shed kits come pre-cut and pre-drilled, which makes installation relatively easy. They are easy to assemble, even if you are an occasional DIY-er.
Wood Storage Sheds
Wood sheds are a great choice if you want to create a traditional, rustic look in your garden space. They are some of the oldest known sheds and offer several benefits, such as the following.
Durable
Same as metal sheds, wood sheds are extremely strong and durable storage solutions. A high-quality wooden shed with a sturdy frame can withstand harsh weather conditions, including even the strongest winds.
Visually Attractive
Wooden sheds can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes, with different window and door styles. They are the most aesthetically pleasing storage shed solutions on the market and can make a beautiful addition to almost any backyard.
Easy to CustomiseOne of the greatest advantages of wooden sheds is that they can be customised to your specific needs. If you want to add some extra doors, move the window, add plants or flower pots, you can do it with a wooden shed and make it look a particular way, just as you want it.
The Verdict
In the end, your choice of shed comes down to your personal needs and preferences. Steel sheds are great as they come with sliding doors that can save you some space, especially if working with a small garden and allow you to lay them flat on the concrete, which makes them more usable as day-to-day storage. You will be able to get in and out of it easily with no need to lift anything into the shed.
A wooden shed, on the other hand, might be a better choice if you want to create a visual impact in your garden that will give a timeless appeal to your outdoor space.
