Metal has taken off as a building material in recent years, especially for prefabricated homes. That means it is turning up in a lot of tiny houses. Metal offers the following benefits:
- Durability. Metal is a sturdy material that can stand up to wear and tear and the elements better than softer materials.
- Fire-resistance. Unlike wood, metal will not burn down.
- Pest-resistance. Pests that chew through wood do not chew through metal.
- Eco-friendly. Metal building materials may come from recycled sources. If the metal building does go into disrepair years in the future, the metal can be recycled again.
- Longevity. A metal home or one with metal elements may last longer than one designed entirely out of less durable materials.
- Aesthetics. Metal can add modern or industrial vibes to a home.
Both for reasons of practicality and aesthetics, it is common for tiny houses to include multiple building materials for the interior and exterior. For example, many tiny houses feature a combination of wood and metal siding.
Metal roofs are almost ubiquitous, so I will ignore them for the sake of this article. I have also left out shipping container homes, as they deserve a separate feature. Most of the tiny houses in this list are not entirely metal but contain significant metal elements. Let’s check them out!
1. Corrugated Metal House for Under $35,000
At the time I discovered this beautiful tiny house, it was on sale for $34,999—a pretty amazing low price.
As you can see, there are a variety of different types of siding, but a large section is corrugated metal.
A combination of rustic and modern elements make for a balanced look.
The same corrugated metal as you see on the exterior also forms some decorative wainscoting indoors.
That wainscoting can be found in both the bathroom and bedroom.
Tiny House Tour: Corrugated Metal House
2. The Envy
Incredible Tiny Homes called this home the “Envy.” This name is duly reflected in both the green color of the siding skirting the base of the house, and its overall enviable nature.
The most prominent part of the siding is corrugated metal. Amazingly, this little house measures just 144 square feet, making it a spectacularly tiny abode.
While the corrugated metal on the exterior of the house stands out, the interior is dominated by wood as the principal building material.
Tiny House Tour: The Envy Tiny House
3. The White House
The floors are Brazilian Pecan hardwood, and the house features a neutral color scheme with a contemporary appearance.
Tiny House Tour: The White House
4. The Crow
The Crow, designed by Blackbird Tiny Homes, features a mix of wood and corrugated metal siding. The two materials form a lovely contrast, and the house features a metal split gable roof as well.
Entering through the red door, we find ourselves in a spacious interior with an IKEA kitchen.
Tiny House Tour: The Crow Tiny House
5. Tiny Cornish Shepherd’s Hut
This awesome tiny house was a custom build by its owner. As you can see, the siding is entirely corrugated metal.
The interior of the tiny house redefines “cozy!”
Tiny House Tour: Tiny Cornish Shepherd’s Hut
6. The Russian River Studio
One of my favorite houses is the Russian River Studio designed by Cathy Schwabe Architecture. This artist’s retreat features both wood and metal siding, with the metal siding being on the north face. That wall needed some extra protection, thus the practical decision to switch siding materials.
I love how airy and wide open the interior is. Also, check out how there are hidden workspaces:
Pretty cool!
Tiny House Tour: Russian River Studio
7. Incredible Tiny Homes Texas-Style Tiny House
This 250 ft.² tiny house by Incredible Tiny Homes is yet another one that features a split between wood and metal siding.
The metal siding positively shines, giving the house a sleek appearance.
The huge windows all around bring a ton of light into the interior and open it up to expansive views of the surrounding scenery.
Tiny House Tour: Texas-Style Tiny House
8. Corrugated Metal Mushroom Dome Tiny House Rental
This unique cabin in Monterey Bay, California, was at one time the top rental available on AirBnB.
The siding around the dome is corrugated metal.
You can sleep here …
… and look out at the trees here.
Tiny House Tour: Mushroom Dome
9. Tiny Metal House with Metal Roof and Accents
The metal roofs are prominent enough that in contrast with the wood siding, they have an effect that is decorative, not just practical. On the left, you can also see some metal siding incorporated into the design.
The shower in the home features corrugated metal walls as well.
Tiny House Tour: Metal House with Metal Roof and Accents
10. SteelGenix Micro Homes
A SteelGenix Micro Home starts with a sturdy, moisture-resistant steel frame like this.
Here are two finished SteelGenix tiny houses:
The contemporary exterior is accompanied by a perfectly-matched interior.
With its minimalist design, the home is pleasing to the eye and exquisitely functional at the same time.
Here is the second home:
Alas, there are only concept images for the “Stealth Microhome.”
But you can imagine easily what it would be like to live surrounded by such huge windows and expansive views!
Tiny House Tour: SteelGenix Micro Homes
11. Skookum
The Skookum by Westcoast Outbuildings is a 365-square-foot house on a double-axle trailer.
The green metal siding instantly catches your attention, especially in contrast with the lavender door, the wood log accents, and the trim around the large windows.
Here is a closer look at both the wood trim and the beautiful green siding.
… and a closer look still. The door here allows you to access the gas water heater.
The interior features beautiful soft wood tones.
The lavender door seems to be echoed by some other decorative elements in the home which are likewise in shades of purple.
Tiny House Tour: Skookum
12. The Blue Mountains Luxury Tiny House
One of my favorite metal tiny houses is this sleek modern gem. Designed by Tailored Tiny Co., it is called the Blue Mountains Luxury Tiny House.
The jet black corrugated siding is just stunning. It also draws emphasis to the contrasting wood featured under the awning above the wide doors.
The interior is just as modern as the exterior, and likewise is pretty minimalist in design. One extra-cool feature is the illuminated steps that lead to the loft.
Tiny House Tour: Blue Mountains Luxury Tiny House
13. The Coyote Cabin
If you are ready for a life of adventure in a stunning Western-themed tiny house which features metal siding, you will love the Coyote Cabin.
The trailer features a gooseneck design, and the exterior siding is a combination of natural wood and brown metal.
You can get a closer look at the textures and colors at play in this shot. The combination of siding materials is featured on every side of the home.
There are some corrugated metal panels inside the home.
The overall look and feel of the house are very rustic.
Tiny House Tour: Coyote Cabin
14. The Sol Duc Cabin
This ultra-modern tiny house is one that has gone somewhat viral over the years. On the official page for the cabin, it says, “The shutters are operated manually via custom steel rods. The large panels slide on hardware that was originally designed for sliding barn doors, attached to the steel roof beam structure. The cabin seals up entirely when not in use and is virtually indestructible – it’s made of unfinished, mild steel and structural insulated panels. Most of the cabin was prefabricated off-site, which minimized construction waste and site disruption.”
Here is what the structure looks like with the panels in place over the windows. Now the glass is protected, and the occupants of the house can enjoy privacy.
It has an amazing industrial look to it, and situated on stilts as it is, it seems almost as if it is floating in its woodland surroundings.
And finally, here is an example of one of the phenomenal views from outside.
Tiny House Tour: Sol Duc Cabin
Metal Makes for a Durable and Beautiful Siding Material in Tiny Houses
You have now had a chance to explore a few tiny houses which incorporate metal siding as well as other metal structural components. Be sure to visit the source links to check out additional details and photos for each of these beautiful homes. And if you are going to commission a tiny house of your own, consider the structural, aesthetic, and environmental benefits of going with metal elements.
