13/03/25
One of the biggest decisions when planning a shed is the frame material. Timber, and pole sheds specifically, are the most common alternative to steel in New Zealand. Here's how they actually compare.
Timber is susceptible to rot, pests, and fire damage over time. Steel resists all three and holds up better in high wind or heavy snow regions. Wide Span Sheds builds every frame from high-tensile steel manufactured for NZ conditions specifically, not adapted from a generic design.
Steel is significantly stronger than timber for the same size member, which means larger, clear-span buildings without the internal posts a timber or pole structure often needs. Wide Span Sheds customises spans up to 25m and bay widths up to 6m, in 100mm increments, so the design isn't limited by what timber framing can support.
Steel components are manufactured off-site and arrive ready to erect, which is generally faster than framing a timber structure on-site piece by piece.
Steel needs very little upkeep, no treating against rot or pests, no repainting or re-staining over time. Timber and pole sheds need more regular maintenance to hold up over the same period. Wide Span Sheds backs every steel build with an up to 50yr guarantee.
Steel can be cut, welded, and formed into custom configurations more easily than timber, which is part of why Wide Span Sheds offers a free design service to customise dimensions to the millimetre rather than working from a fixed template.
Pole sheds are usually the budget-focused choice, and the upfront cost can look attractive. But once size, features, and site conditions are factored in, a well-designed steel shed from Wide Span Sheds can offer comparable pricing with a longer lifespan and less ongoing maintenance. The comparison only holds if you're pricing the same size and spec, a smaller pole shed will always look cheaper than a larger steel one.
Steel is fully recyclable at the end of its life, and its reflective properties reduce heat absorption compared to some other cladding materials, which can help with energy use inside the building.
Timber and pole sheds have their place, but steel offers more durability, strength, and design flexibility for most NZ conditions, with lower maintenance over the life of the building. Wide Span Sheds engineers every steel shed to the specific site it's going on, not a generic spec sheet.
Talk to your local Wide Span Sheds team about whether steel is the right fit for your next build - 0800 WIDE SPAN
Get your farm, lifestyle block, horticulture property or home ready for the busy season with our practical NZ spring checklist. From shed maintenance and machinery to livestock, growing and outdoor jobs, get organised now before the spring rush.
Spring Property Checklist
William's award-winning Pioneer Red lifestyle shed is much more than a practical building. Designed to honour family history, celebrate New Zealand steel heritage, and create lasting memories, this Central Otago project demonstrates how a thoughtfully de...
William's Pioneer Red Legacy: A Shed Built for Generations
Meet Jessica Richards, owner of our Waikato branch and the only sole female owner-operator in the Wide Span Sheds NZ network. Discover her journey from barber to franchise owner, her passion for learning every aspect of the construction process, and her ...
Meet The Team - Jessica Richards - WaikatoPlease provide as much information as you can so we can assign the correct specialist in our team to help you out.
As one of New Zealand's leading shed providers, we have one of the largest ranges of quality steel sheds.
