Shed build - wood vs steel

Originally Posted by nuttyass2000

Hi,

I've been looking at replacing an old fibro shed, 5.4 x 3.4 with a new one. It currently .

If this be asbestos fibre-cement, get a professional in. If you don't know whether it's A/c, get a test kit to find out. Point google at your health dept for information about it.

Asbestos dust is evil, especially if you're young and very especially if you smoke.

I have an A/C shed, I'm happy to use it, but I'm not making any holes in the sheets of AC.

Originally Posted by johncs

If this be asbestos fibre-cement, get a professional in. If you don't know whether it's A/c, get a test kit to find out. Point google at your health dept for information about it.
Asbestos dust is evil, especially if you're young and very especially if you smoke.
I have an A/C shed, I'm happy to use it, but I'm not making any holes in the sheets of AC.

Yes asbestos dust is nasty stuff, but is stable in fibro so is OK to handle so long as you do not use machinery on it to create asbestos dust and follow the guidelines with protective clothing and on disposal. Contrary to what jonhcs says you can make holes, just not with power tools and following some rules. But . . . what you are allowed to do with it yourself varies with jurisdictions - sensible ones allow you to follow guidelines and DIY - others (eg: Qld) force you to use a licenced removalist. Do search on the govt site in your state and you'll find plenty of info - as you will searching this site.

As to wood or steel - your choice as they each have advantages and disadvantages (I prefer wood, but have used both). Mostly you will find the steel ones are cheaper, but not always. The advertised prices often have many exclusions that are actually essential (like a slab or stormwater connection) so you need to get detailed quotes and compare like to like. As you already have slab you might find wood more suitable - the better cost for steel is due to modular sizing - once you go to customised sizes price goes up.

Not sure what you are proposing with the slab - you say it is poor condition, but you will be leaving it in place?Even if you build over the slab you need to ensure that all plumbing & electrical services are safely and properly removed and sealed up.

Treated pine does not warp anymore than other timbers if the correct grade is used and properly fixed. This reputation often comes from those using landscaping low grade products for structural work. Treated pine weatherboard is stable and widely used around the world. It is important to only accept timber that is fit for purpose - I return to the supplier any, bent warped or twisted pieces delivered and if I get it myself I sort and select only straight pieces.

BUT . . . If you are able to use the same shed and the work is renovation & repair of the existing building then you don't need approvals etc. Why would you not simply remove the fibro cladding and re-clad with timber or colourbond, or blueboard & render or whatever? Add a new roof, put a new layer on the old floor to renovate it (plenty of choices here) and away you go. You might need to do some fixing and reinforcing work on the old frame, but it is usually easier to repair than tear down and replace (and much cheaper) unless it has too many rotting members.