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March 25, 2025

Wooden Storage Box vs. Metal Container: Which Is Better for Your Belongings?

Figuring out a way to store your items is one thing, but deciding on the best way to do it is another story. Many often overlook certain things when it comes to deciding the proper route to go in self-storage, and that includes the kind of material that you will be provided with.

One of the most common materials portable storage boxes are usually made with is metal. But how does it fare in the long run?

Metal storage containers may seem like a sturdy option at first glance, but they come with some drawbacks that can affect the safety and condition of your belongings over time. Wooden storage boxes, on the other hand, offer a few better benefits that make them a superior choice when it comes to long-term storage. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at why wood is a better choice for portable storage and how our units at Big Box ensure maximum protection for your possessions.

Wooden Storage box vs metal container - Big Box Storage

5 Advantages of Using A Wood Storage Box

If you’re undecided about whether to go the wooden or metallic way, here are a couple of advantages you’d have if you pick the former: 

1. You Get Superior Protection from Extreme Temperatures

Wood naturally insulates, so the inside of a storage box is more stable in both hot and cold conditions. This is the same reason why wooden homes and cabins remain comfortable year-round.

A metal storage box does the opposite. It absorbs and conducts heat, turning into an oven in the summer and a freezer in the winter. If you’re storing anything sensitive (like electronics, antiques, or important documents), wood creates a far safer environment.

2. Little to No Condensation and Moisture Damage

Wood allows for better airflow than metal, and in turn, reduces the buildup of condensation inside the box. This can lower the chances of mold or mildew developing, especially when items are packed dry and stored in a well-ventilated space.

Metal storage units tend to trap moisture. When temperatures shift, condensation forms more easily inside. This then creates a damp environment that can damage sensitive items over time.

3. No Rust or Corrosion Risks

Metal storage containers don’t hold up well in humid or coastal areas.

Moisture causes them to rust, and once that process begins, it only gets worse. Over time, rust eats away at the metal, making the container weaker and even leaving stains on whatever is stored inside.

That being said, wood storage containers are a more dependable option when it comes to this aspect, as they stay strong without the risk of any corrosion.

4. It’s Gentler on Your Belongings

The inside of a wooden storage box has smooth, forgiving surfaces that won’t scratch, scuff, or dent your furniture and valuables.

Metal containers, on the other hand, have rigid, industrial interiors. This basically means that your items are more likely to shift and get damaged during transport. So, if you have delicate or high-value items to store, wood will offer better protection.

5. It’s More Environmentally Friendly

Wood, as we know it, is a renewable resource that can always be repurposed or recycled at the end of its lifespan. Metal storage containers, however, are a lot harder to produce and recycle, so the environmental impact is much higher. Choosing wood means choosing sustainability without sacrificing the durability you get.

Are Wooden Storage Boxes Strong Enough to Hold Heavy Items?

Wood storage units don’t have any problem withstanding the weight of any items or goods without stress. Our wooden containers at Big Box are built with high-strength materials that are reinforced to handle any heavy loads like furniture, appliances, and business equipment with no problem.

It’s also great for any holiday decor, from lights and even Christmas trees the ones that fit their 8’L x 5’W x 7’H dimension, that is! Just take a look at this review from a first-time customer who used our units to store holiday paraphernalia.

Will Wood Storage Boxes Rot or Deteriorate Over Time?

As long as wood is treated, you’ll have no problem with it rotting easily in just a short period of time. Our wooden storage boxes are made of high-quality wood that is resistant to pests, decay, and other external factors, so rest assured that there is little to no possibility of deterioration.

We can also store your storage unit in our climate-controlled facility, with no exposure to rain, snow, or extreme weather that will produce any warping, cracking, or mold growth. That being said, it’s also free from the risks of theft and vandalism. 

Are Wooden Storage Boxes Weatherproof?

Not entirely, but here’s the thing: most storage containers aren’t. 

Weather can be unpredictable, and no box is completely immune to every condition out there. What matters more is how well that box can handle the elements when they do show up.

Wooden storage boxes hold up well when stored in the right environment. At Big Box, we go a step further by wrapping each unit in a weather-resistant material if it’s kept outside. These covers are built to withstand sun, rain, wind, and whatever else the seasons throw at them. 

Meanwhile, the boxes themselves are kept in indoor, climate-controlled storage when needed, so they’re not left exposed to weather changes that can affect both the container and what’s inside. You won’t need to worry about sudden storms, harsh UV rays, or overnight frost impacting your stuff.

So while wooden storage boxes aren’t completely weatherproof on their own, the way we store and protect them makes all the difference.

Are Wooden Boxes Secure Enough?

Absolutely! Security is one of the biggest things we focus on at Big Box, and wooden storage boxes are a strong part of that setup. 

Our indoor storage centers are monitored with surveillance systems and managed access, so only authorized staff and customers can enter. The boxes themselves are built to be lockable, so only you have control over who has access to your items.

Wooden storage box and metal container comparison

Wooden Storage Box and Metal Container Cost Comparison

Purchasing a metal container can cost between $2,000 and $4,000, and most other storage companies charge anywhere from $100 to $180 per month. 

At Big Box, storage starts at just $89 per month, and that includes climate control at no extra charge.

There are no hidden fees for basic protection, and you won’t have to worry about added costs for rust prevention, weatherproofing, or temperature regulation like you would with a metal container. Wooden storage boxes also come with fewer maintenance needs, which keeps long-term costs down.

Not sure how many boxes you’ll need? Use our storage space estimator tool to get a quick recommendation based on your home size. Each Big Box holds about one room’s worth of items. If you’re unsure, you can order extra boxes. You will only be charged for the ones you actually use. And if you need another later on, just call us, and we’ll deliver one to you.

Get Yourself a Wooden Storage Box with Big Box

Wooden storage boxes offer real advantages when it comes to protecting your belongings. They help regulate temperature, manage moisture better than metal, and are stored in secure, climate-controlled facilities that keep your items safe and in good condition.

If you’re storing sensitive items like electronics, important documents, furniture, or anything that needs to stay dry and undamaged, a wooden storage box is a smart choice. They’re also great for long-term storage, seasonal items, or even during home renovations and moves.

Big Box makes it easy. We deliver the box to your door, let you load at your own pace, and offer affordable monthly rates with no hidden fees. Ready to store smarter?

Get a quick quote or give us a call to schedule your delivery.