If you’re thinking about installing cabinets in your garage, you have two main options when it comes to choosing a material; wooden cabinets or steel cabinets. But which is better? If we’re completely frank, both metal and wood cabinets can be great for garages of all sizes and storage capacities, so it’s really just a question of picking what works best for your needs.

In the following guide, we’re going to compare wooden cabinets and steel cabinets when it comes to their durability, aesthetic appeal, and cost, so you can make the choice that works best for your needs. Let’s take a look.

Wood cabinets vs. Steel cabinets: key considerations

Before taking a look at the benefits and drawbacks of both wood and steel, what are the major considerations to take into account when it comes to comparing these materials? Here are some of the most important factors to consider:

1. Durability. While you might think that steel cabinets provide the most durable option for your garage, this isn’t strictly true. Some manufacturers use flimsy and thin steel during production, which means that the overall weight capacity of the cabinets is reduced, and you’ll need to replace them more often. This is why it’s important to opt for trusted, reputable brands such as New Age: NewAge garage cabinets are made with either 24 or 18 gauge steel, making them incredibly sturdy and durable in the long-term.

2. Cost. Garage cabinets are always going to be an investment no matter which material you opt for, but in some cases, wooden cabinets can actually be cheaper than steel alternatives. For example, Ulti-MATE garage cabinets are shipped flat-packed via freight delivery, which means that you can save hundreds on shipping costs. 

3. Aesthetic appeal. Both wood and steel cabinets look great in any garage, but you don’t need to always opt for steel if you’re trying to achieve a more polished, refined look; Ulti-MATE wooden garage cabinets are finished with a glossy lacquer, which not only looks great but also increases the cabinets’ resistance to elements - perfect for withstanding garage humidity.

As you can see from the points listed above, there’s a significant element of mythology when it comes to comparing steel and wood; while some might consider that steel is always the superior option when it comes to durability, this will ultimately depend on the manufacturer, and how sturdy their steel is. 

Plus, when comparing prices between wood and steel cabinets, you can’t ignore the associated shipping costs: since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, freight delivery costs have increased substantially, so finding ways to minimize this portion of the expenses (such as opting for flat-pack delivery offered by Ulti-MATE) can help to bring the overall costs down.

Which is best, steel cabinets or wooden cabinets?

There really is no straightforward answer to this question, as both steel and metal are both great materials for cabinet storage. That being said, understanding the specifics of your own garage can help you make a more informed decision:

Heat and humidity

As you may already know, wooden furniture doesn’t always fare well in hot, humid garage temperatures. If your garage has a number of windows or is subject to intense heat during the summer months, you may want to opt for steel cabinets; if you’d prefer wooden cabinets for aesthetic reasons, make sure to opt for Ulti-MATE’s wooden cabinets, which are protected with a moisture-resistant lacquer finish.

Style and decor

Both steel and wood cabinets can be customized to complement your existing garage decor or theme, but you might have more flexibility over color schemes with a steel cabinet. Steel cabinets come in a variety of different colors, including red, gray, silver, and black. 

Storage needs

You should also consider your own storage needs before choosing a cabinet material; if you’re looking to store heavy-duty items and tools, steel might seem the best option, but make sure that you’re opting for a sturdy, thick steel (such as cabinets from New Age’s Bold or Pro series, which are made with 18-24 gauge steel.)