So, is wood or steel a better building material? The answer is, yes! Wood is better for some applications, and steel for others. This can be seen easily in the portable utility building market.

Wood Frame Buildings

For the purpose of framing, wood’s light weight provides an excellent framework for a building, keeping the weight to a minimum, while offering structural stability more than sufficient for the job. Wood frame buildings are among the best for storage sheds and other utility buildings.

Steel Covered Buildings

As for the covering for the building, wood is at a distinct disadvantage for the same reasons. To provide the strength needed for covering the building to protect it and it’s contents from nature and intruders, a very thick covering of wood would be required to equal the strength of steel. A thin film of steel provides more than adequate protection from the elements. Steel also ads to the structural integrity of a building.

Wood Frames With Steel Siding

Steel offers another distinct advantage over wood as a covering, that is, if it is properly prepared, it is almost impervious to the elements. It will not rot when moisture is present as is the case with wood. Water is still an enemy of steel, but if it is properly galvanized and painted, it is almost permanent. One manufacturer offers a 25 year rust through warranty for it’s product. Steel storage buildings, built around a wooden frame offer the best of both worlds. The best material for storage buildings is clear, it is a combination of both wood and steel, but both in the right places!

Small Wood Frame Steel Covered Storage Shed