Wood vs Steel

[TT350]

I signed up to get some advice from you guys to help me with my dream
shop/house.

Me and my wife want a gambrel style shop with living quarters up top.
Has anyone weighed the difference between pole barn style construction
using wood post and truss vs metal building style framing using metal girts and purlings.

Thanks for your time

Chris

 

[NUTTSGT]

Glad to see you posted that question here. You may want to add your location to help the guys answer your question. Are you capable or do you plan on doing any of the construction yourself ?

 

[6768rogues]

If you are in a cold climate, go for wood. Steel buildings have too much steel that is not thermally broken between the outside and inside areas. That steel conducts heat and will sweat.
In a hot climate, steel might be better because of termites and other crawly things that eat wood.

 

[akdiesel]

For most basic construction needs wood is by far the easiest to work with, modify and repair if needed. If using steel then attaching items like cabinets, trim, Sheetrock, etc..., will need to have some wood laths to attem them to, which in general basically doubles up on your costs and material.
If you are concerned about wind or termites look into ICF's.

 

[TT350]

I'm sorry, I live in south MS, Katrina ground zero.
I'm about 45 mile NNW of Gulf Port MS and about 50 miles NNE of New Orleans LA.

My zip is 39426

No show here to speak of, county wind load is 120 MPH

 

[TT350]

I like wood for the most part.
I put a lean-to or drop shed on my shop I'm working in now and used all treated
lumber and noticed that the Carpenter bees that we have ever spring will not touch it.

They bore holes in everything but my treated wood.

I was tolled that the termites won't though it ether.

 

[djkeev]

Pole barns are not always allowed to be used for living quarters, check your local zoning rules.

SIPS - Structural Insulated Panel Systems

http://www.sips.org/

Contact a local supplier. One of the best modern building systems available.

Dave

 

[NUTTSGT]

Are you actually planning on living upstairs or just a rec room/guest quarters ?

 

[Randy in Maine]

Pole barns are not always allowed to be used for living quarters, check your local zoning rules.

SIPS - Structural Insulated Panel Systems

http://www.sips.org/

Contact a local supplier. One of the best modern building systems available.

Dave

I will scond that suggestion. Mine is only a 40' x28' garage, but it is incredibly strong, tight, and energy efficient. Very cost effective and went up quickly. We don't have termites here though. The secret is keeping the roof from blowing off.

Another option may be those insulated poured concrete form buildings. Quite popular in the midwest where tornados happen.

 

[akdiesel]

Pressure treated wood will loose its properties if exposed to the elements.
We had carpenter ants living in 4x4 fence posts after 15 years of being installed.

 

[WVBrady]

Pressure treated wood will loose its properties if exposed to the elements.
We had carpenter ants living in 4x4 fence posts after 15 years of being installed.

I had the same thing happen with treated landscaping timbers, except with carpenter bees. It looked like someone had been shooting them with a .22 rifle.

 

[TT350]

No sure about the fence post but the treating on the landscaping timbers is not the same as yellow wood lumber.

I don't know if it's not the same chemical or what but they rot fast down here.

I plan on making it my home.

 

[Justanoldguy]

Pressure treated wood will loose its properties if exposed to the elements.
We had carpenter ants living in 4x4 fence posts after 15 years of being installed.

What sort of pressure treatment do you guys have in the USA?

There is a range of treatment here in NZ from basic house framing timber right up to highly pressure treated posts for wharfs etc. eg in the ocean.
I have seen these posts last 50 or more years and still look good.
All construction timber (mainly pine here) that is in the ground has a 50 year lifespan ..
Must be something in your soil .. lol

 

[akdiesel]

I am not sure what chemicals or process is done to our lumber products. I have heard a portion of cyanide is used but I can not confirm that.
Wind in our area will evaporate it quickly and then rain or standing water will saturate it.
I am one for longevity, but if you have a product that lasts that long I would be leery of working hands on with it.

 

[Justanoldguy]

I'm 60 and it hasn't killed me yet...