A Cost Comparison Between Metal Barn Buildings and Wood Barns

Barns are an important part of American agriculture; they serve as a backbone of farms, ranches, and agribusiness operations. Whether you want a new barn project, to expand an existing one, or to replace an old one, the choice of material is crucial. Two of the most popular choices are wood and metal, each with its own distinct features. Let’s see what makes prefab metal barns different from traditional barn buildings to provide farm, ranch, and agricultural business owners with a clear insight into financial and practical implications.

Initial Construction Costs

Metal Barns

These are cost-effective constructions in the long run. The affordability is due to prefab barn parts that are manufactured in factories under strict conditions and guidelines. You can get these barns in standard sizes. The cost of a prefab steel barn can range from $15 to $35 per sq. ft.

Since most parts are made in factories and steel is a lightweight material, it’s easy to ship and assemble quickly. Metal barn buildings take less time and labor to install, reducing downtime. So farm owners can start operations early.

Wood Barns

Wooden barns come with a higher initial price due to the rising cost of lumber, labor-intensive construction, and specialized carpentry. Some factors like the type & quality of wood can also impact the cost, as certain types of wood are more expensive than others. The average cost of a wood farm barn is about $30 to $45 per sq. ft.

Moreover, the volatility of the lumber price can further increase the overall costs. Not only that but if you need a larger barn, you have to spend more on foundation and structural reinforcement, which eats up available space for farm work. This is what sets apart metal from wood barns since steel posts are thin & sleek, taking less internal space.

Long Term Maintenance

Metal Barns

What sets metal barn structures apart from wooden ones is their low maintenance need. Metal buildings do not rot, decay, twist, crack, or are affected by pests, making them reliable for rough farm use in the long run. When comparing metal red barns to traditional wood structures, it can be seen that wooden ones require very high monthly maintenance to retain their shine.

The monthly maintenance cost of a metal prefab barn is far less than that of wood. Metal requires occasional cleaning and inspection, while mold spores can seep into the timber, leading to deep cleaning needs. Since metal doesn’t rot or decay like wooden panels, it requires less frequent repairs and replacements, saving money.

Wood Barns

A wooden farm barn demands regular upkeep to maintain its structural integrity and shine. This includes periodic painting and sealing against moisture and pests like termites and rodents. Weather changes can lead to excess humidity, which can cause wear and tear, leading to rot and damage over time.

Frequent repairs and replacements can become costly for older barns, leading to higher & time-consuming maintenance. These are strong reasons to own a metal barn as the cost of upkeep will remain low with time.

Durability And Longevity

Metal Barns

Certified prefabricated barns can withstand high-speed winds, heavy snow loads, and hail storms. This translates to less damage and repair costs after extreme weather events. In fact, you can opt for certified 12-gauge steel buildings that can tolerate winds of up to 180 mph and snow loads of up to 80 PSF.

Metals are non-combustible materials and come with a good fire rating. So, farmers can save money on insurance premiums and avoid risks of accidental farm fires.

Wood Barns

A wooden barn can offer traditional charm, but it may result in higher upkeep costs in areas prone to harsh weather and storms. Wood is excellent at absorbing moisture from heavy rainfall and floods, which can lead to costly replacements.

Wood catches fire easily and can quickly get out of control before firefighters arrive. This can lead to severe damage to the property and farm’s assets.

Factors Boosting ROI And Long-Term Value

For Metal Barns

Less upkeep cost means more savings over time by reducing the cost of repairs and replacements, pest control, painting, and sealing frequently. A sturdy and well-maintained barn makes the property more attractive to buyers if you decide to sell.

These versatile buildings can be used for multiple farm operations like livestock shelter, hay bales, storing equipment and tools, or to renovate into a barn with a living quarter. This flexibility adds to its long-term utility.

For Wood Barns

Wooden barns add a traditional appeal to farm and ranch, enhancing its visual & historical value. A well-preserved wood barn can increase a property’s value to buyers drawn towards rustic style and heritage. However, they will need very high maintenance to last that long and will cost much time for a farmer or a ranch owner.

It is less suitable for agribusinesses as large wooden barns can complicate design and increase operational costs, reducing profits. They can opt for a clear span metal building with no internal supporting columns or walls, giving maximum usable space.

Benefits Beyond Costs

Metal Barns

Customization Options – Steel prefabricated barns can be customized for:

• Size with custom width, height, and length
• Layout to suit horse barn, dairy farm, cold storage, inventory, or food processing factory
• Taller and wider doors without additional reinforcement for stability
• Windows for natural light and airflow
• Insulation for temperature control
• You can choose the right color for metal buildings for aesthetics and practicality.
• Lean-to for additional open storage space, loafing shed, or regular-use tools

Practical Considerations –

• A prefab steel barn is easy to expand with minimal effort, offering better scalability for changing farm or ranch needs.
• Steel structures can adapt to different types of climate zones and meet & exceed local building codes.
• Farmers can opt for up to 300 ft. wide clear span interior or up to 600 ft. wide multi-span interior to set up and organize all operations under one roof.
• These barns are made using recycled, sustainable, and eco-friendly materials.

Wood Barns

Customization Options –

• With their traditional charm, rustic aesthetics, and intricate design, wooden farm barns can be tailored to suit heritage farming needs.
• They can be designed for specific uses like stable, hay storage, or farm offices, but tricky to modify.

Practical Considerations –

• Making structural adjustments or expanding wooden barns requires extensive planning and construction due to the complexity of their framing. This will increase the cost of any modification to an existing building.
• These barns are more susceptible to weather changes like moisture and temperature fluctuations, which can affect durability.
• Wooden barns can provide traditional layouts for smaller-scale needs but may not offer clear spans like steel farm buildings.
• These require a high amount of trees to be cut and shaped into panels for use, leading to material waste, deforestation (trees take decades to grow back), and loss of habitat for animals.

Make The Smart Choice Today With Right Barn!

Choosing between wood and metal barn buildings is more than just a cost decision. It’s about making an investment that aligns with the farm or ranch’s future needs and goals. A metal farm building offers cost-saving, durable, and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional material with less maintenance to worry about. You can also invest in a sturdy metal barn by calling us at (704) 579-6966 today!

Don’t forget to ask for a free quote on your metal custom barn design from our metal building experts. We include shipping and installation in our final quote for your convenience.