If you’re looking into having a building constructed, you may have wondered, “Are steel buildings cheaper than wood?” Whether you’re constructing a commercial property, agricultural facility, carport, or another type of metal building, there are lots of material concerns to address. Being properly informed about all these factors, including the many variables affecting cost, can help you make the most informed choices for the property you have in mind.
Exploring the array of elements that can affect the cost of building materials and addressing some frequently asked questions regarding materials may prove to offer invaluable foresight into your next project.
Answering the Question: Are Steel Buildings Cheaper Than Wood?
Some people might believe that wood buildings are less costly than steel ones as wood is typically cheaper to purchase upfront and more readily available.
However, wood buildings are far more expensive to maintain, have a shorter life span, and are more difficult to renovate. It’s vital to consider these expenses that will occur down the road when planning the construction of your building.
In answering the question “are steel buildings cheaper than wood,” it becomes immediately apparent that while wood might cost you less in the short term, it will cost far more in the long term due to needing more frequent maintenance and being more difficult to renovate.
Let’s take a closer look at why steel buildings are more cost-effective than those made from wood.
Why Wood Buildings Cost More Than Steel
There are several factors that affect why steel buildings are more cost-effective than wood ones:
1. Regular Maintenance
Structures made from wood typically need consistent paint jobs, sealants, and repairs. These assorted maintenance tasks can add up financially over time. By contrast, steel buildings require much less maintenance and costly upkeep. For example, experts estimate that wood siding repair can cost property owners anywhere between $5 and $15 per square foot, which can compound immensely over time.
2. Longevity
Compared to wood buildings, steel buildings are far more resistant to weather, termites, and other changes. A wooden structure will swell when its moisture content alters, whether from rain, humidity, or storms. This can lead to the wood twisting, cracking, warping, or even decaying.
Steel buildings are stronger when it comes to resisting weather or insect infestations, which means they’re also much safer for people to live or work inside. American-made metal buildings in particular offer long-term ROI and the best craftsmanship on offer.
3. Labor Cost
When considering “are steel buildings cheaper than wood,” think about the labor costs involved in your construction process. Metal buildings are easier to assemble because the pieces are labelled and come with assembly drawings to show how the structure fits together. This means that steel structures get built faster than wooden ones, which will reduce your labor costs.
In comparison, wooden pieces need more measuring and cutting, since they don’t arrive ready to be assembled. There are usually more wooden pieces that go to waste because of this, even though you still have to pay for all the materials. Whether you decide to DIY your build or hire professionals, metal buildings are almost always the more effective choice.
4. Durability and Consistency
Wooden beams and other structural components tend to be less consistent compared to steel ones. Since all trees are different, lumber pieces naturally differ from one another, too, even when the lumber is made from the same tree species.
Steel building structures, on the other hand, are far more consistent in their design. Steel components have to be manufactured in a way that follows strict guidelines related to size, strength, safety, and durability.
5. Scalability
Let’s say that the needs of your building change a few years or decades from now. Steel structures are far easier to expand or alter than wooden ones. If you opt for a wood building, it will be harder to change its existing structure or add new sections without reworking the existing structure, which will increase your labor and materials costs.
FAQs
Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions related to the construction, cost, and maintenance of wooden and steel buildings:
What else should I consider when deciding between a steel vs wood building?
In addition to the cost of your building, think about how you want the building to appear and what customizations you might like. Steel buildings offer more design options than wooden ones because steel is far stronger. For instance, steel buildings don’t need interior posts, which can increase how much interior space you have.
Can you finance steel buildings?
If you’ve wondered “are steel buildings cheaper than wood,” you might have questioned what your financing options are for steel buildings. Some manufacturers provide financing options for metal buildings. You can also check with your local banks or lenders.
What other types of metals are buildings made from?
Some buildings are constructed from aluminum, although it’s more prone to dents and scratches. Other buildings are made from red iron, which is a specific variety of steel coated in iron oxide. Most metal buildings are made from steel rather than aluminum because steel is far stronger. Large commercial buildings are frequently made from red iron beams.
Can you insulate steel buildings?
Steel buildings can absolutely be insulated. You can insulate a steel building with metals like fiberglass insulation, spray foam insulation, double bubble insulation, or insulated panels.
How long do steel buildings last?
Steel buildings can easily last fifty years, if not longer, even with irregular maintenance. If you consistently clean and inspect your steel building, it can remain standing for over a century.
Planning for Your Next Steel Building Project with ADCO Metals
Do you have more questions about the cost of steel buildings beyond “are steel buildings cheaper than wood?” Here at ADCO Metals, steel buildings have been our specialty for over six decades, and we’re happy to share our knowledge with our community.
You can also fill out our online form for a free estimate so you can get a better idea of what your ideal steel building might cost. Feel free to contact us at (985) 882-3222 or (601) 798-4600 to begin your next steel building project today.
