The True Cost of Metal Buildings
- Aaron Williams
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
30-Year Cost Comparison for Oklahoma Property Owners
Aaron Williams
October 18, 2025
When comparing building options, most people focus on the upfront price tag. But here's what we've learned after nearly 30 years in the metal building business: the initial cost is just the beginning of the story. The real question Oklahoma property owners should ask isn't "what does it cost to build?" but rather "what will this building cost me over the next 30 years?"
At Indaco Metals, we've seen thousands of metal buildings stand strong through decades of Oklahoma weather while their wood-framed counterparts required constant maintenance, repairs, and even replacement. Let's break down the true cost comparison so you can make an informed decision for your property.
Initial Construction Costs: Metal vs Wood
For a typical 30x40 building in Oklahoma, here's how the upfront costs compare:
Cost Component | Metal Building | Wood Frame Building |
Building Materials/Kit | $15,000-$25,000 | $18,000-$28,000 |
Foundation (Concrete Slab) | $4,000-$8,000 | $4,000-$8,000 |
Assembly/Construction Labor | $5,000-$10,000 | $8,000-$15,000 |
Electrical/Finishing Work | $3,000-$8,000 | $3,000-$8,000 |
Total Initial Investment | $27,000-$51,000 | $33,000-$59,000 |
At first glance, the upfront costs are comparable, with wood sometimes appearing slightly more expensive. But this is where many property owners stop their analysis – and where they make a costly mistake.
Year 1-10: The Maintenance Gap Begins
Metal Building Maintenance (Years 1-10)
Annual inspection: $0 (DIY) or $100-$200 (professional)
Occasional touch-up of scratches: $50-$200 every few years
Gutter cleaning: $100-$200 annually
10-year total: $1,500-$4,000
Wood Building Maintenance (Years 1-10)
Paint/stain every 3-5 years: $2,000-$4,000 per application
Pest inspection and treatment: $300-$600 annually
Roof inspection and minor repairs: $500-$1,500 every 2-3 years
Wood rot repairs (siding, trim): $500-$2,000 as needed
Gutter cleaning and repair: $150-$300 annually
10-year total: $8,000-$18,000
10-Year Maintenance Advantage: Metal saves $6,500-$14,000
Year 11-20: Major Repairs and Replacements
This is where the cost difference becomes dramatic. Oklahoma's weather – intense sun, severe storms, humidity fluctuations, and temperature extremes – takes a serious toll on traditional construction.
Metal Building Costs (Years 11-20)
Continued routine maintenance: $1,500-$4,000
Possible door hardware replacement: $200-$500
Touch-up coating on high-traffic areas: $300-$800
20-year cumulative total: $5,000-$13,300
Wood Building Costs (Years 11-20)
Continued routine maintenance: $8,000-$18,000
Partial or complete re-roofing: $8,000-$15,000
Siding replacement (partial): $5,000-$12,000
Structural wood replacement (rot damage): $3,000-$8,000
Updated pest treatments: $3,000-$6,000
20-year cumulative total: $27,000-$59,000
20-Year Maintenance Advantage: Metal saves $22,000-$45,700
Year 21-30: The Replacement Reality
Here's where many wood building owners face a difficult truth.
Metal Building Costs (Years 21-30)
Continued routine maintenance: $1,500-$4,000
Possible panel replacement (if damaged): $1,000-$3,000
Hardware updates: $500-$1,000
30-year cumulative total: $8,000-$21,300
Your metal building is still going strong with decades of life remaining.
Wood Building Costs (Years 21-30)
Major structural repairs or partial rebuild: $10,000-$25,000
Complete re-roofing (second time): $8,000-$15,000
Extensive siding replacement: $8,000-$15,000
Foundation repairs (moisture damage): $3,000-$10,000
Continued routine maintenance: $8,000-$18,000
30-year cumulative total: $64,000-$142,000
Many wood buildings at this age are approaching the end of their useful life or requiring renovation costs that approach new construction.
30-Year Maintenance Advantage: Metal saves $56,000-$120,700
Hidden Costs: Insurance and Energy
Insurance Savings
Metal buildings typically qualify for lower insurance premiums, especially in Oklahoma's tornado-prone regions. Insurance companies recognize that steel construction is more resistant to wind damage, fire, and pest-related issues. Many property owners see annual savings of $200-$500 on their insurance premiums simply by choosing metal construction. Over 30 years, these savings add up to $6,000-$15,000 – a significant cost advantage that many people overlook when making their initial building decision.
Energy Efficiency
With proper insulation, metal buildings can actually be more energy-efficient than wood structures. Metal roofs reflect solar heat rather than absorbing it, reducing cooling costs during Oklahoma's brutal summers. The tight construction of metal buildings also reduces air infiltration, making them easier to heat and cool efficiently. Modern metal building insulation systems perform exceptionally well, and many owners report annual energy savings of $100-$300 compared to similar wood structures. Over 30 years, these energy savings total $3,000-$9,000 or more.
The 30-Year Total Cost Comparison
Let's add it all up:
Cost Category | Metal Building | Wood Building | Metal Advantage |
Initial Construction | $27,000-$51,000 | $33,000-$59,000 | $0-$8,000 |
30-Year Maintenance | $8,000-$21,300 | $64,000-$142,000 | $56,000-$120,700 |
30-Year Insurance | Baseline | +$6,000-$15,000 | $6,000-$15,000 |
30-Year Energy | Baseline | +$3,000-$9,000 | $3,000-$9,000 |
30-Year Total | $35,000-$72,300 | $106,000-$225,000 | $65,000-$152,700 |
What These Numbers Mean for Your Project
A metal building from Indaco Metals can save you $65,000 to $150,000 or more over 30 years compared to traditional wood construction. That's not accounting for:
Lost productivity during repairs
Inconvenience of ongoing maintenance
Potential business interruption
Replacement value after 30 years (metal buildings continue functioning; many wood buildings need replacement)
Ready to Build for the Long Term?
When you factor in the complete 30-year cost picture, metal buildings aren't just competitive with wood construction – they're dramatically more economical. The higher upfront cost (when it exists) is recovered within the first decade, and the savings continue to compound year after year.
At Indaco Metals, we've watched our buildings perform in Oklahoma's challenging climate for nearly three decades. We've seen 25-year-old metal buildings that still look great and function perfectly, while wood buildings from the same era have been re-roofed twice, re-sided once, and still face ongoing maintenance challenges.
Let's discuss your specific project and provide a detailed cost analysis:
Shawnee Location:
3 American Way
Shawnee, OK 74804
(405) 273-9200
Sand Springs Location:
17427 W 9th St
Sand Springs, OK 74063
(918) 419-6053
Or contact us online for a free quote.
