Wood or metal?

[CityGirlintheCountry]

I am researching barns. This barn will eventually house chickens (my breeding pens) on one side. The other side will be for goats and sheep. One small space will be for tools and whatnot.

I keep thinking of doing wood because of the insulating properties. Winters here get down occasionally into the teens, but not tons lower. Summers are wretchedly hot. It routinely is in the mid to high 90s with a zillion percent humidity. I think metal would be too hot in summer and would toast the chickens.

My dad keeps touting the metal barns due to their durability and the fact that they don't have to be repainted all the time.

What experience do y'all have with barns and which do you prefer?

 

[debilorrah]

Wood. Because Ken is constantly taking it apart and rebuilding it better.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Wood, because I spent 20 years building cabinets. The only thing I can do with metal, is cut myself!

 

[gritsar]

City, we have both types of outbuildings on the farm. The old barn was wood, but it's since been torn down. Now there's just a large covered pole barn for hay storage, roof and supports are metal. Keith's shop is metal and so are most of the pump houses. The storm cellar house is of course concrete.

I prefer wood, but here the metal holds up much longer.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

Only thing metal is good for is a roof on a henhouse or barn!!! My 2 cents!!!

 

[bustermommy]

Metal gets waaay too hot.

 

[Spookwriter]

Big metal garage here...34x80

Gets a tad warm if left closed up.

Two sliding doors on either end keep me a breeze blowing.
Even a couple of those big floor fans to use when it gets real hot.

But it looks good, very little upkeep.

Very useful building.

The smaller garage is 30x40, T-11 siding. Requires upkeep.
We have spoke of redoing with metal sides.

Metal roof on home, with air space underneath. Cool enough.

Prettiest barns? I liked the old Mail Pouch look.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Metal is more cost efficient.

It's not really any hotter than wood if you get white.

It all comes down to what YOU want