Natural designs using neutral tones and earthy materials have become more popular on homes and commercial buildings. One way to achieve this look is to use wood siding. Accents on windows, trim, or a complete wood panel installation can help bring natural designs to life. But more and more people are opting for alternatives to real wood for reasons like fire resistance, maintenance, longevity, and cost. Metal panels that mimic the look of real wood are quickly becoming a top choice.
But what’s better for your project — real wood or metal that looks like wood?
In this article, we’ll look at the deciding factors between real wood and metal that looks like wood and determine the pros and cons of each material.
Cost
Real Wood
Real wood may have a lower installation cost compared to metal that looks like wood. However, real wood will require ongoing maintenance to defend against rotting, mold, and termites. How much it costs to install real wood will depend on your unique project, including its scope and design features.
Metal That Looks Like Wood
Metal that looks like wood will have similar or slightly higher installation costs than real wood. But metal is more durable than real wood — including better protection against wind, rain, and natural weathering — and won’t need nearly as much ongoing maintenance.
Durability and Longevity
Real Wood
One of the biggest drawbacks of using real wood on your project — and one of the main reasons people opt for an alternative lookalike wood product — is because of the long-term issues that come with using real wood siding. Real wood, while authentic, comes with many problems, including:
- Moisture absorption leading to rot, mold and mildew
- Warping and splitting due to temperature fluctuations
- Pests like termites and carpenter ants
- Fire hazards
Real wood typically lasts 20 to 30 years, depending on upkeep and environmental conditions. Regions that have more extreme temperature fluctuations, or those in especially wet climates, may shorten the lifespans of real wood.
Metal That Looks Like Wood
The advantage of using metal that looks like wood is that it is much more durable and long-lasting than real wood. It’s resistant to rot, mold, and insects. It’s non-combustible and carries a Class A fire rating, making it a great choice for those in wildfire-prone areas who still want the natural look of metal. Metal is much better at withstanding harsh weather like snow, high winds, and hail, and will handle extreme temperatures much better than real wood.
Metal can easily last forty years or longer with minimal maintenance, and metal paint warranties offered reflect this longevity.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Real Wood
Real wood will require ongoing maintenance, particularly if the project is in a wet region with excessive rainfall. Maintenance may include regular cleaning, sealing, and staining.
You’ll likely want to schedule frequent inspections to make sure that you don’t have any termites, rotting, warping, or splitting, which can degrade the appearance of real wood and pose a hazard to its functionality.
Metal That Looks Like Wood
Metal will not need nearly as much maintenance as real wood, but It’s still a good idea to still get regular inspections to make sure that everything is operating as it should.
Aesthetics and Design Flexibility
Real Wood
One of the sticking points with those deciding between real wood and metal that looks like wood is the authenticity of real wood. Metal that looks like wood, for all its durability and maintenance-free advantages, is not actually wood, and many people who are looking for authentic designs may not like this aspect. Real wood offers unique grain patterns that can match design preferences.
The appearance from afar may seem negligible, but some home or building owners are looking for that natural feel that only comes from real wood.
Keep in mind that real wood may also fade or discolor quicker than metal due to weather exposure.
Metal That Looks Like Wood
Metal that looks like wood closely resembles the aesthetics of real wood. It’s continued to improve in recent years and will only keep getting better, increasingly resembling real wood — even close up. It’s a popular pairing with board and batten panels.
But it’s not authentic wood, and that could be a deciding factor for many. If the siding is in a spot where it will be viewed up close, some might notice that it lacks the unique texture of real wood.
Metal that looks like wood mimics the appearance of real wood while also providing additional aesthetic benefits, including:
- High-quality paint systems that reduce color fading
- Defense against rotting, warping, and splitting
Keep in mind that with metal, you should pay attention to common problems during installation. Designs will have to account for issues like dissimilar metal corrosion, which occurs when two dissimilar metals come into contact and create a reaction that leads to rust. This can happen even if the metals aren’t touching — water runoff from a copper gutter to steel siding can lead to corrosion.
Another issue that comes into play with metal is the repetition of the wood grain pattern. Since it’s not real wood and the finish is manufactured, installers will have to be aware of repeating patterns on the panels. During manufacturing, a pattern is required not to repeat for thirty feet, but it may become apparent horizontally on panels.
So, while real wood has its own design problems to be aware of, metal also has pitfalls that you’ll need to avoid during the design and installation phases.
Sustainability
Real Wood
For some, the environmental impact of the materials you use is a major consideration. The maintenance of real wood can increase the labor and materials needed.
Metal That Looks Like Wood
Metal is made from recycled materials and is fully recyclable as the end of its life. Some metal coatings also use cool metal roofing, which include pigments that reflect the sun’s light, helping keep the interior of homes and buildings cool and reducing energy costs.
Installation
Real Wood
Specialized techniques and added time spent sealing and caulking real wood can increase the cost and time of the labor for authentic wood. You’ll have to find knowledgeable installers who have experience working with real wood.
Metal that Looks Like Wood
Metal is lightweight but will still require experienced installers to do a quality job. The time and amount of labor it takes will also depend on the metal thickness you use, the type of metal wall system, and whether your system is engineered or not.
Exposed fastener systems are easier to install than engineered standing seam systems, for example, and 26-gauge steel is easier to bend and hem compared to the thicker 22-gauge steel.
Resale Value
Real Wood
Potential buyers may like the classic look of wood, but some may also know that it comes with added maintenance and even full replacements in the future, which could lower the selling price or drive some buyers away.
Metal that Looks Like Wood
The added durability of metal can help raise the final listing price of a home or building, as it will require little maintenance in the future.
Real-World Applications: When to Choose Real Wood vs. Metal that Looks Like Wood
When to Use Real Wood
- Custom Homes: Homeowners using architects or who are looking for a specific, authentic design will often use real wood to complete their vision.
- Mild Climates: Milder, drier climates won’t put as much stress on real wood and may not require the durability of a metal alternative.
- Historical Sites: Buildings committed to preservation and honest restoration can match the look and feel of their historical site with authentic wood.
- Owners Committed to Maintenance: Real wood will require frequent maintenance and inspection to keep it in good shape. Those home and building owners committed to upkeep will be good matches for the maintenance required of real wood.
When to Use Metal that Looks Like Wood
- Fire-Prone Areas: Metal that looks like wood is fire-rated and is effective in protecting homes and buildings from wildfire damage when used in a class A assembly. Use metal for fire-prone areas.
- Low-Maintenance Preferences: Those owners who want to install their siding and forget about it – metal is the way to go, since it will require minimal maintenance compared to real wood.
- Harsh Weather Environments: Engineered metal roofing and siding systems are designed to withstand intense wind and rain and will last for multiple decades even in harsh weather conditions.
- Energy Efficiency Goals: Metal is fully recyclable at the end of its lifespan. Customers can also buy cool metal roofing coatings, which can help reduce heat absorption in their homes and buildings.
- Commercial Projects: Many large-scale commercial projects will require durable materials to make sure that the building will last. In these cases, wood alternatives like metal are a good option.
Looking for More Information on What Materials to Use on Your Metal Roofing Project?
Choosing what material to use on your project is a major decision. You want to protect your home or building while also fitting it to your unique design. Your specific project, including its location, design goals, and your preferences will all play into whether you choose real wood over metal that looks like wood.
Check out these additional resources in the Metal Roofing Learning Center:
What Is Standing Seam Metal Roofing? Comparisons, Types, & Uses
Standing Seam vs. Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing: Which Is Best?
Top 7 Problems When Designing Standing Seam Metal Roofs – Sheffield Metals
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