Wood Frame or Metal Frame

[Mouche3]

I plan on building a shop in the near future, either a 40x60 or 40x80 with 16ft side walls. I live in central Louisiana and was wondering which type would be better, wood frame or metal frame? And what's the benefits of one over the other? thanks for the help

 

[ddawg16]

Welcome to GJ.

That question has been asked numerous times.....and answered even more.

Use the search function....just that one subject alone should keep you busy for a couple of days.

 

[DHS]

I am sure you have the same problem with termites that we do down here, so I would go with metal frame.

 

[Cyberbear]

My building practices teacher in college didn't approve of metal studs, too flimsy and moved when under stress. There are a lot more considerations than termite damage to think about: buildings are colder, water condenses on them, inside and out, and you need inside stud walls to hang stuff. And, not everyone has experience working metal buildings properly, so give this lots of consideration.

 

[rburke65]

What do you think Mouche? I don't live there so I have no idea which is better. Which is better for what? There are both good.

 

[plow]

I like Crawfish.

 

[rustyjames]

Wow 16' high walls? For that height I'd go structural steel and metal stud walls.

 

[madosta]

There's even wood post, metal truss hybrids.

If I had the budget, all steel, open span, huge over head crane. Steel costs more and is better IMHO. If you want storage, we build lots of 16' high machine sheds up here with our snow loads all wooden post and some 2x6 spliced poles which are pretty sweet.

More headroom with different truss designs, etc.

 

[brownbagg]

just call general steel and order a steel bld, come in on a flat bed, but it together yourself, no termite no sawdust , no nail, no body beechin about steel studs, done.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If this a shop you are going to be working in, how do you plan on heating/cooling it ? and how do you plan on insulating it ?

 

[bwane]

My building has a steel frame with purlins on the walls for the metal siding. The termites cab still get in and attack wood shelves, and cardboard boxes
get your metal at McElroy Metals

http://www.bing.com/local/details.aspx?lid=YN376x6752937&q=Mc Elroy Metal Service Center&form=LARE

 

[baimasanji]

I am sure you have the same problem with termites that we do down here