Wood Carports Vs. Metal Carports
Make no mistake; carports are a great way to protect your cars from environmental forces such as UV rays, wind, and rain. They’re typically built from wood or metal and come in a wide variety of sizes and configurations. However, despite tackling the same job, there are fundamental differences between a stick-built carport and one made from hardened steel.
So, let’s take a quick look at these impressive structures and see which option wins out in a competition for the ages. Which is cheaper to build: wooden or metal carports?
If you’re curious about the better option for your needs, stick with us! Today, we’ll cover these structures, their prices, and the benefits of owning each type.
Budget Busting
When it comes to any construction project, one of the most critical factors will be your budget. You’ll need to develop a plan for how much you can afford to spend on your carport while factoring in other potential expenses that may arise. But what does that mean when weighing the benefits of steel and wood carports?
Unfortunately, with the rising cost of lumber, it’s become prohibitively expensive to undertake almost any stick-built structure. However, by the time you complete your project, you will likely have expended your entire budget on supplies alone.
This is not the case for steel buildings, however. Metal carports are far more affordable than wooden options. Sometimes, even up to 40% cheaper! So, when it comes to pricing, wooden carports simply don’t stand a chance.
The Benefits of Steel Carports Over Wooden Carports
There is a wide range of reasons that steel buildings are now one of the most popular construction methods on the market. So, let’s take a closer look at why these versatile buildings dwarf the competition.
1. Maintenance Needs
Wooden structures are susceptible to moisture damage, rot, mold, pests, and fires, raising the likelihood that you’ll need regular repairs to keep your structure in top-notch condition. However, steel buildings are naturally resistant to all these factors. As such, you’ll spend minimal time performing maintenance throughout ownership.
2. Eco-Friendly
Steel is more easily sourced than wood. It doesn’t require deforestation and is 100% recyclable. After years of service, you can melt your material and use it again without diminishing its strength. Good luck getting that kind of performance out of wood!
3. Safety
Unlike brittle materials like wood or concrete, steel naturally flexes when met with external forces such as wind or snow. This allows it to withstand incredible amounts of weight that would destroy a wooden building.
4. Size Options
From smaller 2-car carports to enormous, enclosed garages, steel structures can be built at almost any size or configuration, giving you an unrivaled level of control over the size of your building and how it can be used!
5. Assembly Time
Wooden buildings require comprehensive planning and the careful eyes of an architect for completion. As a result, the construction process can take weeks, months, or even years to complete. However, steel buildings are designed using precise techniques in a manufacturing facility, allowing the material to be delivered and constructed almost like a giant jigsaw puzzle. This streamlined process dramatically reduces the time it takes to build a carport compared to other building methods.
6. Custom Looks
Did you know that metal buildings are some of the most customizable structures around? Almost every part of your building can be altered or updated, from the roof paneling to the foundation. You can even choose custom color options that will allow your building to stand out from the crowd!
7. Future Expansions
Expanding a metal structure is far easier than any wooden counterpart. They’re designed for quick expansion! But with a stick-built carport, you’ll spend tons of time working with an engineer to ensure your structure is expanded safely.
8. Fire Protection
As mentioned earlier, steel buildings are naturally resistant to fire. In fact, they can withstand temperatures as high as 1,200 degrees! And while no building is fully fire-proof, a steel building will always be safer than any wooden structure.
9. Insurance Costs
Thanks to steel building’s effectiveness against fires and volatile weather, many insurance providers will charge less to cover a steel building than one built from wood!
The Benefits of DIY Metal Carport Kits
Most metal carports will include professional installation as part of the purchase price. You pay for the structure, then kick back and leave the hard work to the professionals. However, if you have a background in construction, it might be a great benefit to handle this installation on your own with metal carport kits.
These kits come with all the fasteners and components you’d find on a traditional steel structure, except you receive a discount for installing it yourself. It’s a great option that gives you the power to complete a job on your own time without worrying about scheduling a professional crew.
American Metal Buildings Is Your Destination for High-Quality Metal Carports
No matter how you roll the dice, it’s evident that steel carports far outweigh the competition in terms of strength, versatility, and affordability. These structures hold up better, last longer, and provide customers with unparalleled customizability. And American Metal Buildings wants to make you the proud owner of your new metal carport or steel garage!
We’re proud to have a proven track record for delivering premium structures, affordable prices, and customer service that goes far beyond the sale.
So, if you’ve been searching various carport for sale ads and considering what’s the best option for your needs, give American Metal Buildings a call at +1 (877) 277-3060! We’ll be happy to work with you to design and customize a metal carport to protect your vehicles, equipment, and valuables!