When talking about the different types of sheds most people trend towards the standard wooden shed. However, as materials improve in the plastics, vinyl and metal categories, there is a real battle going on as to what type is better for the average homeowner. This article will attempt to give you, the reader, a fair and balanced review between these two types of storage buildings. In our discussion the plastic, resin and vinyl material is really the same, just as metal and steel.
Before going into their differences let’s discuss a few things they share as compared to a wood structure. Both metal and vinyl are resistant to bug infestations as well as rot brought on my moisture. This makes them great alternatives in areas that are prone to a lot of rain and humidity as well as boring and destroying insects like termites. They both tend to be somewhat plain looking but manufacturers seem to be trying new designs from time to time to improve the way they look.
Staying with look, storage sheds made of plastic seem to be some shade of beige. This neutral color is not bad but it’s not especially great either. Metal sheds, on the other hand, do come in a few colors though not too many. With wood, if you don’t like the color you can paint it. Metal and plastic are not very good paintable materials.
A lot of people really like the plastic buildings because they are somewhat lightweight and easy to put together. They also have accessories available that include windows, lights, ranks, hooks and foundation kits. The maintenance for a resin shed is very easy. Most of the time, all you need to do is wash it down once a year with a power sprayer or get a push broom and some gentle dishwashing soap to scrub it down once a year and rinse. Other than that you only need to check the locks, doors and hardware to insure everything is in working order and you are done.
To contrast the metal building, it can also be washed down with a power sprayer but you will need to make sure it dries out properly, especially on the roof. If water is allowed to gather, rust can set in over time and you could develop leaks. Many people choose not to clean their steel buildings and, if small enough, just use a blower to knock off as much dirt as possible on the outer walls.
Metal walls and roofs can be of varied thickness so you need to check out the gauge of the metal on the unit you are looking to purchase. The thicker the metal the more secure and sturdy the building. On the other hand, it is also much heavier.
The plastic walls are reinforced to make them sturdy. However, if the plastic is hit from the outside it will sometimes create a dent in the side of the building that won’t come out. Of course metal walls can get scratched and dinged as well under the right circumstances. Knowing that both are prone to scratch or dent on the outside, make sure you place these sheds somewhere were they will be as safe as possible from being inadvertently hit by someone or something.
Read as much as you can find about the brand and make of the unit you are interested in before you buy and always check with your local codes department to make sure you can put the shed where you want to put it. You will need some basic building skills to put either of these together but you should be able to in a weekend or two; depending on the size you choose.