Commercial or hobby farms require a wide variety of structures for storage, raising livestock, and harvesting. Typical structures include barns, sheds, silos, and stables. Regardless of what type of farm you run, you’ll need to construct these buildings with affordability and durability in mind.

You can use any material you’d like, but most farmers narrow their choices down between two main contenders: wood and steel. Both materials have their own set of advantages and drawbacks, making the decision quite difficult. To make the most informed decision that is best for your farm, you’ll need to understand the difference between both materials thoroughly.

Cost

When it comes to saving money on farm buildings, the material isn’t the only factor to consider. Construction methods and labor can significantly affect the cost. In general, steel will provide a higher upfront cost than wood. In the long run, you may pay less for steel due to its longer lifespan and durability compared to wood. Building farm structures yourself or with affordable builders can save you a lot of money if you prefer steel’s durability over wood’s.

Pole barn construction is a much quicker and cheaper method than other types, like stick frames. Finding pole barn construction near me allowed me to cut costs in order to afford steel over wood. Wood is definitely more budget-friendly overall when comparing upfront costs. Assess your needs and create a budget to determine what you can afford.

Environmental Impact

Both steel and wood have minimal environmental impact, but there are some exceptions and things to consider.

Steel is often made with recyclable materials, reducing resource waste. It’s also highly recyclable and durable even when reused. However, the production process contributes to a higher carbon footprint due to the energy required. Steel can create energy-efficient buildings with proper insulation and construction, though. Long-term energy consumption and environmental impact are also important considerations.

Wood is highly renewable, and trees can be grown to create more. Wood also can store carbon, which can offset emissions and reduce your carbon footprint over time. If you don’t source your wood properly, however, it can contribute to deforestation, which harms the ecosystem. Untreated wood can break down and release its stored carbon back into the atmosphere.

Weather Resistance

Farm structures are highly susceptible to the elements each season. They are typically simple structures with minimal insulation, so materials must be weatherproof.

In general, steel is the better choice for weather resistance. It can withstand extreme temperatures, high winds, and even earthquakes in most situations. Steel typically has a

protective coating to increase its longevity in various temperatures and environmental conditions. It is also non-combustible, meaning it won’t easily catch and spread fire.

Wood is durable, but it can warp or crack in extreme temperatures or excess humidity. Excessive water damage can contribute to rot, requiring replacement. Wood can also catch fire and spread it more readily. Painting or staining wood can help increase its environmental resistance, however. Most wood is treated with a protective coating.

Durability and Longevity

When it comes to durability, steel takes the gold medal. With minimal care, steel buildings can last over fifty years. Its weather resistance, long lifespan, termite resistance, and minimal maintenance requirements make it ideal for many farmers. Wood is also quite sturdy and durable, but it can be vulnerable to extreme temperatures and humidity. Termites love wood, so sealing and treatment sprays may be required to keep the critters off. With proper care, however, wood can also last many years.

Aesthetics

Many people prefer the look, smell, and feel of a wood structure, especially on a farm. Its natural, traditional, and rustic appearance appeals to many and fits in with the rest of the farm. Wood can be carved into intricate designs and finishes. Different types of wood offer different shades and styles. Paint can protect the wood and provide many different color choices.

While steel is less flexible in terms of carving and aesthetics, you can create many modern, sleek looks with steel materials. You can select from a wide variety of vibrant colors for steel. Steel can also include painted designs or logos. However, the natural farmhouse charm can often be lost when steel is at the forefront.

Maintenance

Maintaining farm structures takes up a lot of highly coveted farming time, so it’s important to select a material that requires as little maintenance as possible.

Steel is highly durable even without maintenance, so consider it a contender. You’ll want to inspect it regularly for rust and corrosion and periodically clean it. Protective coating makes it resistant to damage, but reparations are very easy.

Wood needs to be inspected and treated for rot, mold, and termites. If it expands or contracts due to extreme weather, it may need to be repaired or replaced. For protection, wood may also need to be periodically repainted or resealed.

Conclusion

If you’re still having trouble making a decision, it’s important to evaluate your own needs on a farm. If money isn’t much of an issue, and you’d prefer a hands-off farm structure, you may want

to go with steel. If you’re on a tighter budget and don’t mind a little maintenance work to save money, wood could be your best bet. If you value aesthetics over everything and want a traditional farmhouse look, wood won’t steer you wrong. If you’d rather have a sleek, modern structure that is highly durable, opt for steel. You can consult with local builders and suppliers to help you compare your options as well.