Metal vs. Wood Buildings: Cost & Durability Comparison

Aaron Williams

April 4, 2025

When planning a new structure for your property—whether it's a workshop, storage building, garage, or even a barndominium—one of the most fundamental decisions is your choice of building material. At Indaco Metals, we've been manufacturing quality metal buildings in Oklahoma since 1995, but we understand that property owners need objective information to make the right choice for their specific needs.

This comprehensive guide compares metal and wood construction across all the factors that matter most to Oklahoma property owners: cost, durability, maintenance, and performance. Let's start with a side-by-side cost comparison that reveals the true lifetime value of each option.

The Real Cost Difference: Metal vs. Wood Buildings

While the initial price tag often drives purchasing decisions, the true cost of ownership extends far beyond construction day. This detailed breakdown reveals why so many Oklahoma property owners are choosing metal buildings for long-term value:

Cost Factor	Metal Buildings	Wood Buildings	Notes
Initial Material Costs	$7-$12 per sq ft	$15-$25 per sq ft	Metal typically has 30-40% lower initial material costs
Foundation Requirements	Less demanding (lighter structure)	More substantial (heavier structure)	Metal buildings may save $1,000-$3,000 on foundation costs
Labor Costs	$3-$5 per sq ft	$7-$14 per sq ft	Wood construction generally requires more skilled labor hours
Construction Timeline	1-3 weeks	4-8 weeks	Faster build time reduces labor costs
Insurance Premiums	15-30% lower	Standard rates	Metal's fire resistance and durability reduce premiums
Maintenance (Annual)	$0.10-$0.25 per sq ft	$0.50-$1.00 per sq ft	Wood requires regular treatment, painting, pest control
Roof Replacement	Every 40-60 years	Every 15-30 years	Metal roofing lasts 2-3 times longer
Energy Costs	May be higher without proper insulation	Naturally better insulated	Proper insulation can make metal buildings equally efficient
Resale Value (after 20 years)	70-80% of original value	60-70% of original value	Metal buildings typically depreciate more slowly
Lifetime Cost (50-year total)	$35-$50 per sq ft	$70-$90 per sq ft	Long-term ownership strongly favors metal construction

Now, let's dive deeper into each of these factors to help you determine which building material best suits your specific needs.

Initial Investment: Understanding the Upfront Costs

Material Expenses

Metal building kits from Indaco Metals typically cost 30-40% less in materials than comparable wood-framed structures. This significant difference stems from several factors:

Metal is manufactured with precise specifications, reducing waste
Steel production benefits from economies of scale
Pre-engineered metal building kits eliminate on-site cutting and fitting
Wood prices have risen dramatically in recent years while steel has remained more stable

While a standard 30'x40' wood-framed shop might require $18,000-$30,000 in materials alone, a comparable metal building kit often ranges from $12,000-$20,000. This difference becomes even more pronounced with larger structures.

Foundation Considerations

The structural efficiency of steel means metal buildings typically weigh 30-50% less than wood-framed buildings of the same size. This weight difference directly impacts foundation requirements:

Metal buildings often require only concrete piers or a thinner slab
Wood structures typically need more substantial continuous foundations
In Oklahoma's clay soils, the lighter weight of metal buildings can mean fewer foundation issues over time

This foundation difference typically translates to $1,000-$3,000 in savings for average-sized outbuildings.

Labor and Construction Timeline

Pre-engineered metal building kits dramatically reduce construction time and labor costs:

Metal buildings from Indaco include pre-cut, pre-drilled components
Assembly requires fewer specialized skills
Construction time is typically 50-75% faster than comparable wood structures
Fewer weather delays during construction
Less waste and cleanup time

For Oklahoma property owners handling their own construction, this efficiency means your building is operational sooner. For those hiring contractors, it translates to significant labor savings—often $4,000-$10,000 on medium-sized buildings.

Oklahoma Weather Performance: Which Material Stands Up Better?

Fire Resistance

In rural Oklahoma where fire response times may be longer, building material can make a significant difference:

Steel is non-combustible and won't contribute to fire spread
Wood-framed buildings are inherently combustible
Metal buildings provide valuable extra minutes for emergency response
Many insurance companies offer reduced premiums for metal buildings due to lower fire risk

Moisture and Pest Resistance

Oklahoma's humid summers create challenging conditions for buildings:

Metal is naturally immune to termites, woodborers, and other pests
Wood requires ongoing treatment and monitoring for pest infestations
Metal won't rot, warp, or develop mold from moisture exposure
Wood buildings require regular treatment and maintenance to prevent moisture damage

These factors contribute to the dramatic difference in maintenance costs shown in our comparison table.

Wind Resistance

Oklahoma's position in "Tornado Alley" makes wind resistance a critical factor in building selection:

Properly engineered metal buildings from Indaco are designed to withstand wind loads up to 90 mph
Metal buildings feature continuous load paths from foundation to roof
Wood structures rely on multiple connection points that can weaken over time
Metal buildings maintain structural integrity better during extreme weather events

Our customers report that insurance companies often recognize these advantages with premium discounts of 15-30% for metal structures.

Lifetime Value: The True Cost of Metal Building Ownership

While initial construction costs often drive decisions, the 50-year ownership comparison reveals a different story:

Maintenance Requirements

The maintenance difference between metal and wood buildings is substantial:

Wood buildings require regular painting every 3-7 years
Wood needs periodic treatment against pests and moisture
Metal buildings need only occasional cleaning and fastener checks
Metal roofing lasts 2-3 times longer than asphalt shingles

Over a 50-year period, wood buildings typically require 7-10 major maintenance interventions, while comparable metal buildings might need only 2-3.

Energy Efficiency Considerations

Common misconceptions about metal buildings and energy efficiency deserve clarification:

Uninsulated metal buildings do conduct heat and cold more readily than wood
However, properly insulated metal buildings can be equally or more energy efficient
Indaco's building kits include options for various insulation systems
Metal roofing reflects solar heat, reducing cooling costs in Oklahoma summers

The key is proper insulation—learn more about insulation options for metal buildings here.

Longevity and Depreciation

Perhaps the most compelling advantage of metal buildings is their extraordinary lifespan:

Quality metal buildings regularly last 50+ years with minimal intervention
Wood structures typically require major renovations after 20-30 years
Metal buildings maintain their structural integrity longer
Slower depreciation improves property values and potential resale

Metal Building Customization and Aesthetics: Beyond the Basics

Modern metal buildings have moved far beyond the utilitarian "tin shed" aesthetic:

Design Flexibility

Indaco's metal buildings offer extensive customization options
Choose from 17 different color options for roofing and siding
Combine metal with stone, brick, or wood accents for custom looks
Incorporate wainscoting, porches, and architectural details
Create virtually any interior configuration without load-bearing walls

Many customers are surprised by how residential and attractive modern metal buildings can be. Visit our 3D Builder tool to visualize the possibilities.

Specific Use Considerations

Different applications may favor different building materials:

Workshops and Garages: Metal buildings offer clear span interiors without support posts, making them ideal for vehicle storage, workshops, and equipment access.

Storage Buildings: Metal's resistance to pests, moisture, and fire makes it superior for protecting valuable items.

Barndominiums: The ability to combine living and utility spaces makes metal buildings increasingly popular for these hybrid structures. Learn more about Oklahoma barndominiums here.

Agricultural Buildings: Metal's durability in harsh conditions and resistance to moisture and pests makes it the preferred choice for agricultural applications.

Making Your Decision: Pole Barn vs. Metal Building vs. Traditional Wood

With all these factors in mind, how do you choose the right building type? Here's a simplified decision framework:

Choose Metal When:

Long-term value is a priority
You want minimal maintenance
You need clear span interiors without posts
Weather resistance is crucial
You're concerned about fire safety or pests
You want faster construction
Insurance costs are a consideration

Choose Wood When:

Initial cost is the primary concern
You plan to sell the property within 5-10 years
You want to build in phases over time
Your design requires very custom architectural features
You plan to modify the structure frequently

For many Oklahoma property owners, the ideal solution is a hybrid approach—metal building kits with wood interior finishing or decorative wood accents on exteriors. This combination leverages the structural advantages of metal with the aesthetic warmth of wood.

Next Steps: Exploring Your Options with Indaco Metals

As Oklahoma's trusted metal building manufacturer since 1995, we're here to help you make the right choice for your specific needs. Our team can provide:

Detailed quotes comparing metal building options
Personalized consultation about your specific project
Expert advice on foundation requirements
Information about DIY-friendly building kits
Referrals to trusted contractors if needed

Visit our showrooms in Shawnee or Sand Springs to see our materials firsthand, or contact our sales team to discuss your project in detail.

Shawnee Location:

3 American Way

Shawnee, OK 74804

(405) 273-9200

Sand Springs Location:

17427 W 9th St

Sand Springs, OK 74063

(918) 419-6053

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5pm

Whatever your building needs, we're here to help you create a durable, attractive, and functional structure that will serve you well for decades to come.