Why Metal Sheds Are Great for Year-Round Storage

With the cost of living rising in recent years, it has become crucial to maximise space whether you rent or own a property. Back garden space is often unused in the rainy season due to inclement weather. Savvy homeowners in the UK have taken to constructing garden buildings on their properties so they can utilise the space even in tough conditions.

Garden buildings are structures built in your garden or backyard to provide extra storage or recreation space. These buildings can be used for garden-related hobbies or as a workshop for DIY and home improvement projects. Garden buildings are popular investments because they are functional and provide an opportunity for year-round enjoyment of the space in your back garden.

While garden buildings are historically made of wood, glass, or plastic, there is another material for these structures that is truly a cut above the rest: metal. While metal might not be the first building material one might think of when it comes to garden sheds, it is a durable and low-maintenance material with a modern flair. There are countless benefits to using metal for garden buildings, including cost-effectiveness, fire resistance, longevity, and more. Simply put, metal garden buildings are the future.

The Current Landscape of Garden Buildings

Garden buildings and sheds have traditionally been made from wood, glass, or plastic. While these time-tested materials each have their advantages, they also come with some drawbacks.

Wooden sheds can be charming and natural looking but require staining and sealing to protect against weathering. Glass greenhouses let in ample light but can be prone to breakage and be challenging to insulate. Plastic sheds are low-cost but may not be as durable or aesthetically pleasing over the long term.

ROI Calculation: When considering the total cost of ownership, including maintenance and lifespan, metal sheds offer a compelling ROI. The initial investment may be higher, but the long-term savings on maintenance and replacement make it a cost-effective choice.

Looking ahead, metal is an exciting material to consider for garden buildings. Metal sheds are highly durable, fire-resistant, and low maintenance. Their sleek contemporary look can be an attractive addition to any yard. Metal’s versatility also allows for innovative designs not possible with other materials.

In summary, while wood, glass, and plastic have been popular shed materials, metal offers some compelling benefits for the future of garden buildings. Metal sheds are built to last, require little upkeep, and can add a modern touch to your outdoor space.

The Rise of Metal Garden Buildings

In recent years, metal garden buildings have been growing in popularity, especially in UK markets. There are many reasons behind the rise of these metal sheds and other garden structures.

First and foremost, metal sheds are incredibly durable. The sturdy steel construction allows them to withstand all manner of weather conditions year after year. Metal won’t rot, dent, crack or warp like other materials can over time.

Environmental Impact: It’s worth noting that steel is often made from recycled materials and is itself fully recyclable, reducing its carbon footprint compared to wood or plastic.

Metal sheds are also praised for their low maintenance requirements. Unlike wooden sheds, metal doesn’t need periodic staining or sealing to protect it. Metal sheds simply need an occasional wash to keep them looking like new even after years of use.

Finally, metal is valued for its environmental benefits. Steel is often made from recycled materials and is itself fully recyclable at the end of its long lifespan. Choosing metal over materials like plastic or treated wood is often viewed as the greener choice.

Local Regulations: Before constructing any garden building, it’s essential to check local building codes or zoning laws in the UK, as some areas may have restrictions on materials or sizes.

With gardening on the rise, especially after lockdowns, metal sheds have become a top choice to store tools, furniture, and more while adding a modern touch to any backyard.

Advantages of Metal Garden Buildings

Steel Garden Buildings have many advantages, which make the material a popular choice for construction. Some of the benefits associated with these metal structures include:

Durability and longevity: Metal Garden buildings are more durable and long-lasting than traditional garden buildings. These garden buildings are typically made from galvanized steel, which is known to be incredibly heavy-duty. With the ability to last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, metal garden sheds made of steel are the most capable of enduring extreme weather.
Cost-effectiveness: Metal Garden buildings can be more cost-effective than traditional materials like wood in the long run. Pre-fabricated metal sheds are typically more affordable upfront compared to custom-built wood sheds. Metal sheds also don’t require professional installation, unlike more complex wood structures, saving on labour costs. However, basic plastic sheds tend to be the most budget-friendly option.
Environmental benefits: Metal can be environmentally friendlier than wood or plastic, but it depends on the manufacturing process. Some metal sheds are made from recycled materials, but not all. And while metal is theoretically recyclable, reclaiming and recycling metal sheds at end of life is not always common practice. Overall, metal has environmental pros and cons compared to other shed materials.
Fire safety: Metal is non-flammable which provides an advantage over wooden sheds when it comes to fire safety. However, plastic and glass sheds would share this fire-resistant property. All shed materials still require following proper fire safety regulations for factors like electrical wiring. Metal alone doesn’t guarantee a fire-safe shed.

Considering all these great benefits, it’s expected that metal sheds for back garden use are going to become increasingly popular in the future.

Examples of Use

Metal garden buildings have many applications in the residential sphere. While some may use these structures in the traditional way to store garden tools or hobby equipment, there are so many more uses for metal sheds in the residential back garden. Since lockdown, more people have set up home offices, studios, and guest houses in their back gardens. Prefabricated metal garden buildings with windows and more finishings have entered the market in recent years to maximise space on residential properties.

Advanced Use Cases: Beyond residential applications, metal garden buildings are also being used in cutting-edge ways, such as hydroponic farming setups and solar-powered workshops, showcasing the material’s versatility.

While the most common uses for metal garden buildings are residential, they are also incredibly useful in the commercial space. Businesses may use metal structures for all types of storage including warehousing, construction site storage, or retail storage. These buildings also have many applications in farming and even in educational institutions, where they can be used for storing maintenance equipment and sports gear.

Enhancing the Aesthetics and Comfort of Metal Sheds

While metal sheds excel in durability and longevity, some people perceive them as less attractive than wood or glass structures. However, there are many great ways to enhance the visual appeal of a metal shed:

Fresh Coat of Paint: Add a fresh coat of paint in an inviting color to liven up the exterior. Many manufacturers offer colorful weather-resistant paints specifically for metal sheds.
Wood Grain Finish: Opt for a metal shed with a realistic wood grain finish if you like the natural look of wood but not the high maintenance.
Wrought Iron Accents: Incorporate wrought iron accents for a touch of classic elegance. Wrought iron details like hinges and handles pair nicely with metal.
Interior Decor: Decorate the interior with rugs, wall paint, and other cozy decor to transform a basic shed into a charming backyard retreat.

Climate Control Tips:In addition to aesthetics, metal’s conductive properties can make it prone to getting too hot or cold. But take heart – there are solutions for maintaining comfortable temperatures:

Insulate the walls, ceiling, and floor to prevent excessive heat transfer.
Install ventilated ridge vents at roof level to promote passive air circulation.
Use shades, awnings, or plant trees strategically to block direct sunlight in summer.
Consider a small HVAC system or space heater to actively regulate interior temperatures as needed.

With some creativity and smart design choices, metal sheds can be just as eye-catching and comfortable as traditional materials. Their strengths in durability and weather resistance make them well worth the extra effort.

Looking Ahead

In the future, we can expect to see continued innovation in metal garden sheds and buildings. Manufacturers will likely leverage new technologies to enhance the aesthetics, insulation, and customization potential of metal sheds. With advanced finishes and smart climate control features, metal sheds may address common concerns like appearance and temperature regulation.

Sustainability Trends: As climate change continues to impact materials and regulations, eco-friendly and fire-resistant metal could see increased preference over wood. Initiatives promoting recycling and reducing deforestation may steer more consumers towards metal sheds.

Conclusion

Metal garden sheds offer an exciting modern take on the classic backyard staple. With unmatched weather resistance and durability, metal sheds are built to provide lasting value for homeowners. And their low-maintenance nature saves time and money down the road.

While plastic sheds may seem cheap upfront, discerning consumers will appreciate how metal sheds offer quality at an affordable price point. And enhancements to style and comfort allow metal sheds to rival traditional wood buildings.

As backyards grow into fully utilised outdoor living spaces, a sturdy metal shed can provide much-needed storage, shelter, and workspace. So, for those ready to invest in their outdoor oasis, metal sheds check all the boxes for safety, sustainability, and long-term satisfaction.