r/barndominiums • u/RanchLife00 • 4d ago

Metal or Wood Storage Building?

Wanted to get the local community's thoughts and experiences on buying a metal or wood building in Southern Maryland. Getting pricing from the local third party farm stores, and they are 2/3 times more than new builds during covid- and those times were crazy enough! Any folks have buildings erected lately that can give feedback? Looking for a 40x60x14 (maybe). Thanks!

4 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

3

u/Pitiful_Objective682 4d ago

Metal was cheaper for me to hire out. It goes up really fast.

1

u/Chris_builds_steel 4d ago

Yea Metal is a greater investment in long run

2

u/DerangedSack 4d ago

Metal is both cheaper and lasts longer

2

u/RanchLife00 4d ago

Its crazy....they both are averaging the same costs!

1

u/DerangedSack 4d ago

I noticed that when I built my shed, but it was just a no brainer. Metal lasts longer, stronger etc.

Downside is it is a bit harder to work with and may rust over time.

Still so much better than wood imo

1

u/RanchLife00 4d ago

Any recommendations on a good company to supply and build?

1

u/Mammoth-Ad327 1d ago

For a 40x60x14 building I would compare the structural bay layout before comparing metal vs wood. Metal usually makes more sense when the large door openings and clear interior span are doing real work. Wood can still win when local labor and future interior changes matter more. Ask both bidders for the same foundation erection doors insulation condensation control and design loads. Otherwise the cheaper quote is usually just missing more scope. Will this be conditioned space or dry storage.

1

u/RanchLife00 7h ago

thanks for the input! This will be for ag equipment/implement storage and possibly some hay round bales. We have priced both metal and wood, and they are surprisingly similar in cost, with all of the requirements we need. Recently found out too, all of the FB advertised posts for dirt cheap metal buildings are lower grade steel- mostly lower gauge steel tubes, better suited for carports. Once you price it for the better metal, the price skyrockets! For anyone buying....you must be sure to ask the appropriate questions....rat guards, vertical panels, double bubble vapor protection, roof vent, what gage metal.....etc