Steel vs. Wood RV Garages
If you're considering building an RV garage, one of the first decisions you'll face is choosing between a steel building and a traditional stick-built (wood-framed) structure.
TLDR; Both options have their pros and cons, but if you're looking for something that blends with your home and stands the test of time, stick-built construction has the edge. If you’re looking for a quick-and-dirty structure for a business or agriculture, steel may be a better fit.
The Drawbacks of Steel RV Garages
Pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMBs) are marketed as a cost-effective, quick-to-build solution. While there are certainly scenarios where steel structures make sense, they come with some notable drawbacks:
1. Aesthetic Challenges
Steel garages tend to look like, well, cheap barns. If you’re after something that complements your home and doesn’t look like a giant shipping container, steel might not be the best choice. Stick-built garages can be designed to match your home’s architecture, with custom finishes, roofing, and trim options that blend seamlessly.
2. They just don’t feel “quality”
Steel garages tend to age like milk
If you’ve ever been in a steel garage, you know what I mean. Gaps where the walls meet the ceiling; doors don’t feel as substantial; the whole structure feels almost temporary. Prefabricated buildings tend to feel this way, even wooden ones like cheap sheds. They are susceptible to permanent denting from small impacts and hail, and can rust out in adverse conditions.
3. Energy Efficiency Issues
Steel naturally conducts heat and cold, making temperature control more difficult. Metal buildings suffer from extreme temperature swings, requiring more effort (and cost) to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This is due to thermal bridging—where heat or cold transfers easily through the metal framing. Wood, on the other hand, is a natural insulator, allowing stick-built garages to maintain a more comfortable interior temperature with less energy consumption.
4. Minimum size requirements and difficult customization
Stick built garages are as remodelable and customizable as homes. It’s a lot harder to remodel or expand your steel garage in the future to suit your needs than a traditional garage.
The Pros and Cons of a Stick-Built RV Garage
Classy sand stucco finish
Now that we’ve covered the downsides of steel, let’s talk about the pros and cons of a wood-framed RV garage.
Pros:
Customizable Design – Match your home’s aesthetics with any siding, roofing, or window style you prefer.
Better Insulation – Wood framing allows for high-efficiency insulation, keeping your garage comfortable year-round.
Easier to Repair – If a wooden garage takes damage, repairs are often simple and inexpensive compared to replacing metal panels.
Higher Property Value – A well-built, stick-framed garage adds to your home’s resale value and doesn’t look like an afterthought.
No Minimum Size Requirements – Stick-built garages can be designed to fit any lot size, making them a great option for smaller properties where steel structures might not be feasible.
Cons:
Potentially Higher Upfront Cost – Stick-built garages can require more materials and labor, increasing initial costs. However, they often pay off in durability and energy efficiency.
More Complicated Construction – Unlike steel garages, which often come as prefabricated kits that assemble like giant IKEA furniture, a stick-built garage requires skilled craftsmanship. A well-built custom garage depends on an experienced general contractor who knows how to navigate engineering requirements, zoning, and high-quality construction techniques.
More Design Decisions – With so many customization options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Having an experienced builder to guide you through engineering requirements and layout choices can make all the difference.
Let’s Build Something That Lasts
At Old Reliable Construction, we specialize in high-quality garages, casitas, and ADUs designed to fit your needs. If you’re looking to build an RV garage that complements your home and stands up to the elements, we’re here to help. Reach out today, and let’s talk about our design-build process to bring your vision to life.
