Digging Deeper
3. A Balanced Perspective
Okay, let's weigh the pros and cons of each material type a little more thoroughly. No material is perfect, so understanding the downsides is just as important as knowing the upsides. This is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak!
Wood Pros: Readily available, relatively inexpensive (depending on the type), easy to work with, aesthetically pleasing, renewable resource (when sourced sustainably).
Wood Cons: Susceptible to moisture damage, rot, and insect infestation, requires regular maintenance, can warp or twist over time, not as strong as steel or engineered lumber.
Steel Pros: Extremely strong, can span long distances, durable, resistant to fire and insects.
Steel Cons: Heavy, difficult to install, prone to rust, not aesthetically pleasing on its own, requires specialized tools and skills for cutting and welding.
Engineered Lumber Pros: Stronger and more stable than solid wood, less prone to warping and twisting, can be used in both interior and exterior applications (with proper treatment), often more affordable than steel.
Engineered Lumber Cons: Not as aesthetically pleasing as solid wood, can be more expensive than some types of solid wood, requires careful handling to prevent damage, may contain adhesives that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
