Steel offers many advantages over wood for use in outdoor structures; particularly in applications of weather exposure such as greenhouses, hay and equipment barns, wood storage, livestock shelters, and other agricultural or storage buildings.
Structurally speaking wood undoubtedly can’t compare to steel. Wood can be more attractive initially than steel although the new wears off quickly and then the maintenance begins.
Due to the nature of wood it will inevitably warp, crack, and rot over time and if exposed to high humidity, UV rays or moisture the lifespan of that wood will be shortened dramatically.
With a galvanized steel structure you won’t have to deal with re staining every few years or replacing warped or rotten lumber.
Metal will eventually rust through as well but will take many, many years compared to wood.
Steel buildings can cost twice as much as their wood counterparts but when you factor in longevity, reduced maintenance, and resale value it becomes obvious that metal is the clear winner in outdoor applications.
Wood framed construction works well in housing and other buildings where the wood isn’t exposed to the weather or the aesthetic value justifies the disadvantages of wood.
The galvanization process thermally adheres the molten zinc into the steel by changing the molecular properties; creating exceptional protection against corrosion.
Unlike paint and powder coating, the zinc compound applied to the steel does not easily chip or scrape off; even when hit or scraped against other steel such as the forks on a forklift when moving the material.
We use Allied-Gator Shield tubing featuring the industry-leading triple layer protection with 50% more pure zinc.
Galvanized steel is the preferred choice for many outdoor applications because it offers longer lasting protection with unprecedented longevity than any other type of coating.
Just look around in your day to day activities and notice the prevalence of galvanized steel used by the road department, fence industry, agricultural and horticultural industry; as well as other numerous uses requiring exposed steel.
Go take a close look at used wood framed and steel framed structures and you will see why steel is the only way to go.
Better yet go check out other galvanized steel structures then visit one of our displays and see firsthand the distinct advantages and what makes our products so clean and professional.
