Many gardeners are switching from traditional wood or plastic beds to metal raised beds because they function and look great. But is metal really a good material for this purpose?
In this article, we'll show you all the pros and cons of using metal for a loft bed, including tips on how to choose the best material for the most durability and long-term use.
1 – Metal will not decay or deform over time
One of the main advantages of using metal instead of wood is that it will not rot and warp over time like wood does.
Wood in a raised bed can be especially problematic if left untreated or not wide enough, as it can quickly begin to rot and crack. Once this happens, soil can begin to seep from the sides onto the trail or lawn. This can make the walls of the loft bed unstable or even collapse.
Wood may also shrink and swell depending on the weather, absorbing moisture if not handled properly.
The beauty of metal raised beds is that (as long as they're made of the right metal) they won't rot, warp, or be too weathered.
2 – metal does not need to be treated
If you are using wood for your raised bed, it will need to be treated with paint or oil to keep it in good condition.
If the wood is not treated regularly, it will in time start to warp, crack and let more moisture in.
With metal, as long as you get the right kind, you don't need to deal with it as it won't let moisture in or crack over time.
3 – Reduce long-term expenses
While some might argue that it is cheaper to use a wood or plastic bed than a metal bed, wood is becoming more expensive so there is often little difference between the two.
If the initial cost of building a loft bed out of metal or buying a ready-made bed is slightly higher, you should save money by using metal in the long run.
This is because metal lasts longer than wood or plastic and doesn't require annual treatment, so you won't have to replace your metal bed for years.
Quality off-the-shelf metal loft beds sometimes come with a ten-year structural warranty, so it's often worth paying more for a quality bed that will last longer because it will cost less in the long run.
4 – The metal bed takes up little space
The sides of most metal loft beds are usually thinner than wooden beds, so they take up less space.
The thinner sides of a loft bed are especially useful if you don't have a lot of space, or if you want to place multiple beds and allow room for walking between each bed.
Gardeners who want to create a vegetable garden to grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs often choose metal raised beds to create a uniform, easy-to-use production area that they can use for years and seasons to come.
5 – Metal loft beds look great
While wooden beds look good, they can fade and deteriorate over time, making them look a bit tired.
In contrast, metal beds are all the rage right now, especially corrugated metal beds, and they look great in traditional or contemporary gardens.
You can buy ready-made metal beds in a variety of shapes, sizes and depths, depending on your space, and they often come in a variety of colors to help enhance the modern look.
Disadvantages of using metal as a loft bed
Now let's look at the potential disadvantages of using metal in garden raised beds, and how to avoid possible problems:
1 – Certain metals will rust
Using the wrong metal for a raised garden bed can cause rust, which can cause discoloration, and over time the metal can start to become brittle and flake, causing holes in the structure.
If you're considering building your own loft bed out of metal or buying an off-the-shelf bed, be sure to buy galvanized metal that won't rust.
Galvanized metal is usually made of steel impregnated with molten zinc. This process helps protect the underlying metal and prevents it from rusting.
Therefore, choosing galvanized metal is the key to ensuring the durability of your metal loft bed. It's also important to make sure the metal is bolted to stainless steel that won't rust.
People often mistakenly use the wrong bolts, which can rust and snap off in time, causing the bed to crack or deform—even if the sides are made of galvanized metal.
If you are buying ready-made beds, it is a good idea to check their material and check that the joints are in good condition to avoid rust due to damaged joints or bolts.
2 – metal bed will sag
Another disadvantage of metal loft beds is that they can dent or warp.
When you have a busy garden or a productive vegetable patch, it's easy to kick the bed or bang it with garden tools.
If the metal is thin, it will dent easily, and it will be difficult to knock it back in, causing the side of the bed to look misshapen.
It's not always easy to prevent things like this, but choosing a slightly thicker, better quality metal should make it harder to dent.
3 – Metal loft beds can get scratched
Another problem with metal beds is that they can get scratched. Not only does this make them look tired over time, but it can also lead to rust.
Rust can sometimes occur if the exterior galvanized coating is scratched to expose the underlying metal (usually steel). Over time, this bare metal can rust and then get inside, causing it to flake off and break down.
Scratching can be avoided by choosing high-quality metal and taking good care of the bed when using garden tools.
4 – Metal beds are not always suitable for children
If you have young children running around in your garden, trips and falls are inevitable, so you want to make sure you are as safe as possible.
Some metal raised garden beds have sharp or very straight edges that can be dangerous if a child (or even an adult) falls on them.
The good news is that you can get metal beds with rounded edges, so this might be a consideration if you have young children visiting your garden, or if someone is more prone to tripping or falling.
all in all
, metal is a great material choice for raised garden beds; they look great, last longer, and require no long-term maintenance.
They can even be cheaper than wood because they don't need to be replaced as often and you don't have to spend money on paint or oil.
Metal will rust, but if you choose a good quality galvanized material, you should have no problem, especially if you buy a guaranteed ready-made bed.
