A Guide To A Metal Storage Shed - Trusty or Rusty?

If you're in the market for a serious shed, then a metal storage shed might be just the thing for you. Whether you've got gardening tools, pool toys, or even an office or workshop you want to give a new home to, a shed constructed of steel or aluminum is also a shed that is going to be around for a long time.

A metal tool shed is often preferred because it has few enemies: it's not vulnerable to bad weather, rot, and even fire. However, metal sheds can and do rust over a period of time if they are not properly maintained. So if you want a sturdy, durable shed that also won't break your piggy bank, here is a guide to metal tool sheds and how you can ensure they are long-lasting.

Wooden sheds blend in well with the outdoors and can be an aesthetically charming addition to your backyard. However, wood ages over time and is frequently victimized by water damage, termites, and fire. Plastic sheds, while not nearly as pretty to look at, are much more enduring than their wooden counterparts. However, they can be quite expensive.

Metal sheds are a much more affordable way to adequately store your goods. But there are some things you must keep in mind before you shop around for a storage shed. First off, if a shed is made of steel alone, rather than galvanized steel – it's probably not the shed for you. Non-galvanized steel is especially prone to rusting. Essentially, because steel and aluminum are a bit fragile in that sense, it's important that you buy your steel storage shed from a reputable manufacturer.

Now it's time to ask yourself some questions - to narrow down your options and make shopping a lot simpler

Material is one thing, but how big do you want your shed to be? What are you going to store in your shed? Are you planning on constructing it yourself or will you have professionals install it? If you're a handyman or woman, you can save a lot of money by building a steel or aluminum shed yourself, but on that same token, you can save time and a great deal of headache by hiring skilled experts to do the job for you.

There are many varieties of sheds to choose from. Small plastic structures often come in a kit, which you can then work with yourself. But metal and wooden structures typically are a bit more difficult, though less expensive, to manage than that. Smaller sheds, for storing a modest supply of garden tools and the like, usually are about three feet tall and range from three to five feet wide. Medium-size sheds are about twice as tall.

Larger sheds, (at least 10 feet tall), however, are not put together with a do-it-yourself kit. Farm sheds, for example, are commonly constructed of metal, as they may protect valuable tractors and even livestock. Other sheds are simply a roof slapped on some pillars – like bike sheds.

Basically if you want heavy-duty shelter for heavy-duty equipment, metal is a good option. In fact, if you live in a region consistently plagued by tornadoes or and hurricanes, metal will serve you much better than wood and is also significantly cheaper than plastic. Just remember to invest in quality steel (or aluminum) and don't forget that you will likely have options for the color of the panel – so your metal shed doesn't have to be an ugly shed! Do watch out for rusting, however, especially if your shed is exposed to a lot of water.

For humbler storage sheds, though, wood or plastic might be a better bet. Whether or not you opt for an aluminum or metal storage shed depends on your storage needs and your budget.

For more information on storage sheds, please read this article on steps to build a shed

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