Lighter Than Wood: The Durable Material To Use For A Backyard Shed

If you're ready to add square footage to your backyard, allow us to, well, shed a bit of light on the situation. When you add an extra unit to your property, there are endless possibilities. And while wood is a popular option if you're going to use the spare dwelling as a living space, craft room, or home office, if it's designated as tool storage or to keep all your gardening essentials organized, there is a durable, lower-maintenance alternative: corrugated aluminum.

Though there are definitely some pros to having a wood shed — including the ability to customize the exterior to your unique tastes — it will add some tasks to your to-do list. To ensure the wood doesn't rot, incur water damage, or become inhabited by pests, you'll need to seal it every few years and reapply paint or stain at least once a decade. High temps can also cause wood to warp or crack, leading to costly repairs. Corrugated aluminum, however, offers lightweight grooved sheets that are able to withstand intense conditions with very little upkeep. They're also generally cheaper and much easier to install.

Allow us to build the case for an aluminum shed. Certainly not a heavy metal, corrugated aluminum weighs in at 60% less than other popular shed metals like galvanized steel. Because the panels are easier to maneuver, they can be configured into many different layouts. But aluminum is hardly a flimsy material. Rot-, insect-, and fire-resistant, aluminum sheds can last upwards of a decade, even in harsh weather conditions and with very little maintenance. Most also come with a protective rust-resistant coating, though you'll want to inspect it regularly for damage and apply a rust inhibitor if necessary. And since they are quite effective at reflecting heat, the space can remain cool during hot weather.

In addition to being durable, corrugated aluminum is also quite inexpensive. Though wood sheds can cost upwards of $7 per square foot, aluminum checks in at roughly $5 per square foot. Plus, while not quite as customizable as wood options, metal sheds can be personalized. While the image that corrugated aluminum may bring to mind is more workhorse than show pony, metal sheds can be built in a variety of finishes and shades beyond the standard silver.