You know you need extra space for storage. But should you go with a steel storage container or a wooden shed?
Most people realize that wooden sheds are primarily used for general, everyday purposes. For example, storing personal junk, household items, and lawn care equipment. Or doubling as a playhouse or doghouse.
In places such as Australia, Thailand and Great Britain they serve unique purposes such as swimsuit changing rooms, or a place to warm up after a beach day and engage in some light cooking.
These wooden structures are mainly used as “sheds” for outdoor storage needs, not mini cabins for overnight use or long-term living.
The reason for this is that despite the strength of the wood, over time, untreated and neglected wood tends to erode, rot, split, or become susceptible to mold, mildew, and termites.
Maintenance Considerations
This degradation can not only lead to the need to build a new shed after some time, but it can also negatively influence the integrity of items that might be stored inside these wooden sheds.
To avoid extensive deterioration and damage, they require regular maintenance and consistent applications of stains and preservatives.
Because of this extra maintenance and lack of durability, many people are turning to alternative on-site, portable storage structures, such as steel shipping containers that have been repurposed into portable storage containers.
Security and Durability
Storage containers are constructed of Cor-Ten steel, which develops and regenerates when subjected to the influence of weather and actually becomes stronger and more protective when allowed to rust.
So, in essence, this means these containers are better suited for the storage of precious belongings and sensitive paperwork, or for living purposes or portable offices.
Not only can recycled shipping containers undergo modifications and prefabrication to transform into a wide variety of storage and shelter solutions. But they’re also highly durable and protective.
Shipping containers are engineered to withstand harsh environmental conditions. So this means they’re better than wooden sheds at resisting harmful elements in the environment and heavy winds.
So no matter what Mother Nature has in store, shipping containers have the security to prevent rodents from penetrating your unit AND damage to your storage items.
Aesthetics and Affordability
While storage containers are highly durable, secure, and have a rustic and industrial appearance, some people might claim they are not the prettiest structures around or the easiest to relocate.
Containers can be painted and customized with countless additions, but they are still not as elegant as wooden sheds. Most wooden sheds contain a natural look that can match the appearance of your home or garden environment.
Wood is also much lighter than steel and easier to handle, cut, and drill using commonly available tools. This means wooden sheds can be prepared and positioned onsite, independently modified once installed, and relocated without having to call a trucking service.
They can also fit in tough to reach areas if you don’t have enough space to position a container.
For example, your backyard may have power lines preventing a forklift from being able to scoot by a narrow passageway.
But constructing wooden sheds from scratch tends to be more expensive than using a container for storage because of the availability of recycled shipping containers.
Appearance VS. Low Cost and Low Maintenance
The decision on whether you should choose container storage or wooden shed boils down to:
- The length of time you plan to use the portable structure
- Your storage needs
- Your budget
While both can be used for broad purposes, the unsurpassed strength, value, affordability, and lifespan of containers make them a reliable choice for those looking to protect valuable property for a temporary or permanent time period.
But if you want a permanent shed that’s ultra good looking and sophisticated, then it’s possible a prefabricated wooden shed might be your best bet. Just don’t forget about the maintenance!
