(update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

[one more cast]

I am wanting to put up a garage this summer. I will need to hire it built for the most part and want to keep the price as low as possible. The size will be approx. 28X30 min. to 30X40 max.depending on the price difference. What are your thoughts on steel vs wood?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

IMHO, I think it would boil down to price, especially if you have to have it done. I would be sure to research it both ways. There are stickbuilt kits that are available. They give you all necessary components. It takes all the guesswork and planning out of it. You may be able to find a local framer type to throw it up for you if the combined price was better than steel. I would say that the only draw back to steel would be the architectural aspect. If that is not an issue, you'll probably find steel to be the way to go. Go as big as you can. You won't regret it.<br /><br />BTW, I'm jealous!

 

[ndemge]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

You going for Pole barn? or framed?

 

[deputydawg]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

Will it be heated and used for a shop or just a garage to park in?<br />I have had both and must say I prefer the steel. Right now wood would go with my house better, but if I put up a garage on the lot across the street I would go steel. If treated right and put up right it will last a lot longer and need fewer maintenance repairs like roof and paint. <br />If I planned on making a shop I might consider wood because it is easier to insulate and will be warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

 

[ehenry]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

I'd look real close at a metal building, OMC. When I had my shop buiilt which is a 24x30 framed building it had no insulation, no dry wall or ceiling, no electricity or running water and it was almost 13k. If I'd done my home work I could have had a good bit larger insulated metal building built. With the way they can do metal buildings now they can make them look almost like a wood frame structure.

 

[one more cast]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

This will be just the shell done by contractors.I, with the help of my wife and friends will be doing the insulation, wiring, and possibly the doors.I am undecided as to stick or pole framing. Its all about the price. The last garage I built myself was 24x30 and cost me a grand total of $3200 in the early '80's. I really hate to contract it out but my health forces me to.Its cold here for 6+ months a year so it will be heated.

 

[ehenry]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

I'm no carpenter. They haven't invented the board stretcher yet.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

The steel ones tend to sweat but I agree they do go up fast. <br /><br />I am w/o a garage but when I save the cash I will build a wood one with a steel roof and a major steel support for a hoist. The snow slides off those metal roofs rather nicely.<br /><br />Bob

 

[Rudderman]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

When I get round to building my garage, it will probably be made from steel A frames, with insulated metal cladding like this stuff >><br /> http://62.89.146.7/common/products/ks1000rwroof/index.htm <br /><br />Either that or it'll be block-built cavity wall construction with slated roof.<br /><br />Either way, its gonna be insulated, I'm tired of all my tools rusting in a damp shed

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

OMC, do you have any Amish around there? In my part of the state, lots of people have the Amish build their garages and pole barns. There rates are alot cheaper than most contractors. I do know that steel buildings are less for insurance purposes.

 

[dolluper]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

Steel costs a bundle to heat and they are always cold remember the arthirits ,you will pay in pain that's the reason I'm retired out of the cold garage, got a double at home of wood insulation and vineal with oil furance that I have no prob's working in and alot cheaper to build and heat. Work there in the winter without heavy coats but in the metal one I always had a big coat on and I was 20 times busyer but it also was twice the size and forced gas hangers

 

[one more cast]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

One option I have is to have a sawyer come in with a band saw. I have a bunch of hemlock and red pine and we do have Amish people about 15 miles away. I never though to check with them.

 

[dolluper]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

Cheap wood cheap labour sounds good

 

[one more cast]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

Thanks iboaters, I guess I'll be visiting the Amish. <br /> One more question. what do I do about insurance or do the Amish usually carry it?

 

[mscher]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

The Amish do good work, but are not necessarily cheaper. I have heard than in many cases, the opposite is true, so check around for several price quotes.<br /><br />I have been in several large and small steel pole buildings, insulated with spray-on foam insulation. I was suprised how warm they were with even a minimal heat source.<br /><br />If I were building, I would go with that combo in a heart-beat.

 

[Mark42]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

Did you check with any pre-fab house companies? They generally can deliver a pre assembled structure cheaper than you can build it yourself.

 

[llfish]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

Steel is the way to go. Stronger and cheaper to put up because of the time factor. Can be insulated as good as any wood structure.

 

[one more cast]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

Anyone want to recommend any steel brands? I am going to do my homework on this project.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

Originally posted by One More Cast:<br /> Anyone want to recommend any steel brands? I am going to do my homework on this project.

I would at least look at General Steel. They do a lot of advertising. It would at least give you a baseline for steel. Not sure if they work with small structures but it's a starting point. Do report back on the results of your due diligence.<br /><br />btw, it looks like you are getting a bit of snowmobile weather. The problem is that everyone will be out of the mood.

 

[dolluper]

Re: (update question)Steel Garage vs Wood

Hay here's some links<br /> http://directory.google.com/Top/Bus..._Maintenance/Residential_Housing/Steel_Frame/ <br /> http://www.miracletruss.com/workshop.html <br /> http://www.absoluterv.com/Garage_Kits.htm <br /> http://www.americansteelspan.com/trucking.html