steel or stick built???

[that-guy]

recently bought a new house that already has an existing 2 car garage attached. this, i would like to keep pretty clear, and allow for myself and my wife to get our primary cars in and out on a daily basis. so now i need somewhere to put the tools and equipement i have aquired over the years that are now in storage (welders, work tables, drill press, 2 post lift, sheet metal bender/brake, etc...) i basically want an over sized 2 car garage. 24x24, maybe 24x30, all depends on price. i have been looking into some amish built garages, and they range anywhere from $8K to $18K range delivered. so i also looked into the metal buildings, which appears to be much cheaper, and in my eyes, since its metal and not wood, should last damn near forever

what are the pros and cons for either option? i have read elsewhere on here the difficulty of finishing or insulating a metal building...what are the truths behind this? i will be using this for automotive work and fabrication

i also intend on having some sort of heating source in the garage, probably either a wood pellet stove or cast iron wood stove. how badly do the metal buildings leak the heat out, or let the cold in? any incite on this matter will be greatly appreciated

 

[JCQuick]

I'm thinking the same thing

 

[HeloMech]

I have a metal building. 24x36. I didn't have mine insulated like most do with the insulation between the structure and tin. Should have. I'm wiring and insulating now. It will be as sealed as you make it and still cost less than wood. IMOA they don't look as good as a garage built to match the house. Mine left me with more $ for more tools and toys! Plus my house is brick and matching it would have cost double.

 

[hidollartoys]

If it is about the money.... Get quotes and go with the CHEAPEST one.

 

[kbs2244]

The biggest complaint about the metal package deals is their “tin box” look.
It can be overcome but by the time you do that the cost advantage is gone.

So, if looks are important to you, stick built will probably come out ahead.
One style look seldom costs more than another in a stick built building.

 

[wnstwolf]

I went stick built to make the design not so metal boxish and then covered it in metal to last long time with little maintenance. material 18k labor. on me...60'x40' with 20x40' loft above center bay

 

[that-guy]

i also need to look into my HOA and make sure that a metal building is even allowed. i know that for regular sheds that people have in the neighborhood, they have to be shingled and sided the same as the house, so this poses a concern. i am still wondering about how you even insulate a steel structure???

guess i'll do some shopping for right now. dozens of Amish builders in the general area. hopefully one of them will have the deal i am looking for

 

[JCQuick]

any update that guy

 

[LEVE]

If you're in an earthquake prone area... stick built buildings are more robust. Wood can twist and sway a bit and come back to the original configuration. Often steel will bend, and stay in that bend when the shaking is over.

 

[3pedal]

I have a non insulated steel sided pole barn. I can get the wood stove running for a few hours and make it alright in there during the day, but I can't keep it warm when the sun sets. I like the high ceilings of a metal building, just make sure you can insulate it.