Wood vs. Metal
Which Material is Best for Your Building?
Intro
Wood has been a popular choice for buildings since the beginning of human civilization. It’s the material that’s been behind the construction of homes, workshops, barns, and commercial buildings and it’s still highly valued in society today. But in today’s modern times, with more material options available, builders aren’t limited by wood construction.
Metal is the newer material on the scene; only making its big debut in America in the 1840’s. These initial metal structures were invented by Peter Norris and dubbed, “Iron Houses.” The durability and flexibility of these steel structures made them desirable during the California Gold Rush. Over time, metal has quickly become an increasingly attractive option for property owners and businesses looking for durability, flexibility, and long-term value.
But how do wood and metal compare? Both materials have their advantages. It all comes down to understanding the differences and determining which building system best fits your needs, budget, and goals.
Cost
A key starting factor for most consumers is going to be cost.
When planning for a building, it’s important to consider the costs of both materials; carefully weighing both the initial and long-term costs associated with each. Let’s break them down.
Wood
Wood buildings often boast a lower upfront cost, making them an appealing option for tighter budgets. However, the initial cost isn’t the only thing you’re investing in. Over the lifespan of the building, wood structures can require more ongoing maintenance. After exposure to moisture, pests, environmental factors, and general wear-and-tear, you may find yourself shelling out extra dollars for repairs. Lumber prices can also fluctuate, potentially impacting project costs as they arise.
Metal
Metal buildings sometimes hold a higher upfront cost if additional machinery or specialized equipment is required for assembly. The long-term costs, however, are often lower overall compared to wood. Because steel is a durable, manufactured material, it requires relatively little maintenance once built, which can reduce ongoing expenses. Prefabricated metal building components are also manufactured to precise specifications, helping streamline construction and potentially reduce repair costs.
Sustainability
When you invest in any building, you want it to last a long time. It may also be a priority to you or your business to use a sustainable design that lessens your environmental footprint throughout the life of the building. Here’s how wood holds up against metal on the sustainability scale.
Wood
While wood is a renewable resource, which does offer a sustainable advantage, it can also be more susceptible to environmental factors like moisture, rot, insects, and fire. In areas more likely to experience harsh weather conditions, wood buildings may also require additional maintenance or repairs to help them stay operational. This frequent maintenance and material replacement may increase the long-term environmental impact of the building.
Metal
Metal is a champion material when it comes to durability which adds to their long-term sustainability. A metal building can withstand inclement weather conditions with relative ease. They’re resistant to rot and pests and are non-combustible, providing greater resistance to fire than wood construction. This can be especially helpful for the Pacific Northwest where wild weather patterns abound. Over time, steel structures also require less maintenance as each building is durably designed with longevity in mind.
Flexability
Another key difference between wood and metal is that each material varies in how it can be used to create interior spaces.
Wood
Wood structures can function well for a variety of uses, but this material often relies on interior support columns which can prove to be cumbersome and limit the amount of usable space within the building.
Metal
An advantage of a metal structure is that it has the ability to create clear-span designs. Clear-span construction allows for large, open interior spaces without requiring interior support columns. That means more usable floor space for equipment, vehicles, inventory, materials, or whatever your operation requires.
In the end, there isn’t one clear choice; one material isn’t necessarily better than the other. It all comes down to what your building is for, your goals, and your budget.
Wood can be a sound choice for fixed budgets, areas with a low environmental risk, and operations that don’t require a clear-span design.
Metal offers less maintenance over time, a durable frame, and flexibility in the design. This makes it an excellent choice for many agricultural, commercial, industrial, and storage applications.
At Purlin Mill Steel Buildings, we design and manufacture steel building systems with flexibility, strength, and long-term sustainability in mind. When you’re ready to plan your building, reach out to connect with a member of our team.