Metal Building Siding Options: Choose Your Decorations & Look

Introduction

A structure, a home, or any building is really just a combination of a bunch of small details. Many different components and aspects go into any given building to give it its own identity or functional capabilities. From the foundation, to the roof, to interior design, and more, it is really just the culmination of a bunch of individual choices. In this article, we are focusing in one of those aspects – siding.

As you know, siding is the material attached to the exterior of any structure, and keeps what is outside out. It keeps the house insulated for energy efficiency, and protects against any environmental hazards from the outside.

When it comes to metal buildings, there are many siding options to choose from. Whether you concern is expense, ease of construction, or style, we will examine your options in this article. With any metal building, there are various siding options available – such as aluminum, copper, stone and wood?

This can give you an excellent amount of options and make sure that your metal building matches your tastes and your branding.

For instance, faux wood can give you a warm appearance for your commercial building, which would be a good option for restaurants or hotels, while metal siding serves a bit more of a utilitarian function with a quality material.

In This Article

In this guide, you’ll find out everything you need to know about metal building siding options, including what they are and average costs. We will examine all your options in siding, and compare their pros and cons. We will then provide you with an outline for what you can expect to spend, and the top companies which provide metal siding.

Are you ready to get going and learn more? Let’s get started.

What’s in this guide?

What is a metal building?

A metal building is a simple structure which is usually made out of a strong but flexible metal such as steel, which can be made to your unique specifications.

Often, metal buildings will be prefab which means that each piece is manufactured in a factory, then they are transported to your site and assembled by yourself or professional builders.

Metal buildings are preferred because they are strong and very durable. Metal is a great building material because it is easy to assemble, long-lasting, and cost effective. Building with metal panels can results in many structures and designs, of which are used for many different purposes.

This can help you to create a building which matches both your needs regarding dimensions. But, also your style and your choice of things like doors and windows.

Now, let’s take a look at the materials you can use.

What is metal building siding?

Metal building siding is the material that is used for the exterior walls of your metal building, which doesn’t necessarily have to be a metal.

This allows for much more customization for your metal building, so it adds both functional and aesthetic value.

For instance, if you want a uniform, sleek and modern look for a school, you can choose flat steel for your exterior.

On the other hand, for a sustainable restaurant, you might want to use repurposed wood or a faux wood to give that natural look.

Each one of these materials has its pros and cons, which you can read more about below.

What are the options for metal building siding?

Here are some of the materials you can use for your metal building siding. In this section, we will examine the materials, as well as their pros and cons for building and design.

Metal

When it comes to metal siding panels, using a metal such as steel can be one of the cheapest options. As well as one of the most popular too.

Corrugated metal

Corrugated metal features easy installation, as well as the fact that it can be customized in a variety of colors and color combinations.

Some suppliers even offer 26 gauge corrugated metal which can withstand extreme weather and lasts for a long time.

Steel will often be around $10 per square foot.

• Strong material
• Structurally stable
• Long lasting
• Lots of colors to choose from
• Aesthetic branding
• 40-year paint warranty

Copper

Copper is an excellent option for customers who want a more rustic look for their barns, metal buildings and homes alike.

Not only do these sidings provide an attractive option visually, but they can also add value, they are durable and long lasting too.

However, you should keep in mind that copper will be the most expensive option, as it is often around $20 to $35 per sq ft.

• Material for restorations
• Rustic colors and texture
• Flexible
• Durable
• Perfect for traditional looks

Stone, rock and brick

Stone

Some suppliers offer their customers stone for their metal building siding, which is a warm and robust alternative to steel which can be customized to match your needs, as well as your branding.

For instance, GenStone has multiple types of stone that range from a sandy desert brown to dark iron grey.

Because this stone is used as a veneer, their panels are easier to install than some of the alternatives and a more affordable option.

• For both interiors and exteriors
• Doesn’t degrade or deteriorate
• Comes in a variety of colors
• Easy installation process
• Looks warm and inviting

Rock

Not only is there a variety of different stone veneers to choose from, but you can also benefit from being able to browse through rock as well.

Perfect for the exterior of your home, rock gives a different style to your home or commercial building, with organized squares or rectangles that provide an organized but textured look.

• Emulates the texture of the rock
• Won’t fracture or degrade
• Half the cost of masonry
• Unique patterns to choose from
• Adds a sense of drama to exteriors

Brick

A brick veneer can also be attached to your metal building as a siding option, and they are an excellent fit for customers who like the classic, vintage look of red brick. Or, pale brown brick to fit in with your neighborhood.

There are many benefits to using veneers instead of real brick, such as the weight factor, the durability and the flexibility of design.

• Looks like a real brick
• Classic design look
• Fire resistant
• Easy to install
• Lightweight
• Resistant to moisture

Wood

Wood is a versatile option to use when choosing your metal building siding, as you aren’t limited by choices of colors, or by the look of the wood regarding structure and texture.

Your choices can range from the look of board and batten which features a wooden plank look. Or, you could choose wooden wrapping which can be mixed with other types of materials.

• Creates a striking facade
• The range of classic and contemporary looks
• Suitable with other materials
• Strong and resistant
• Suits a natural look

Stucco

Another popular option for many customers is to use stucco, which is a fine plaster which is used as a coating for walls that gives both texture and tasteful decor too.

You can choose from having stucco sprayed onto your building, or you could use panels which provide insulation as well as quick installation.

• Available in a variety of colors
• Gives an interesting texture
• Provides insulation
• Budget-friendly options

Decision-Making Factors

Now that you have seen all the siding options available to you, you might be wondering how you could possibly make a decision. There are just so many options available, all which have their own benefits and downsides.Our advice is that you should first settle on a list of criteria that is important to you in your siding decision. After all, this is your choice, and your design. We recommend that you sit down, and evaluate a list of factors that you would want out of your building project, and then try to match your preferences to the options above.

Price

The first factor in deciding on a building material for siding is price. Of course, price is a valuable consideration in any construction decision, but the more relevant variable is price vs. quality. Often if you spend more, you can expect to receive materials which have more specific benefits to your situation. For example, some metal sidings will cost more because they are stronger and more long-lasting.

However, you have to be sure that these added benefits justify your initial investment.

Durability

Next up, and closely tied to price, is durability. This is such a key component in siding because it is essentially the whole purpose of siding. You want a material that is strong, and will keep your structure protected and insulated for years to come. As you can see from the above, different materials have different strengths in this regard.

You also need to consider how much protection you actually need. Certain buildings, such as those which are heavily exposed to the wind and elements, may require stronger siding.

Maintenance

Next up is maintenance. The initial install is always considered, but often people forget that you may need to come back to siding for routine touch-ups. If you want to avoid doing this as often, you should invest in a more durable material off the bat.

Materials such as metal siding tend to hold up longer. However, this typically comes with the trade-off that you are paying more up front.

Ease-of-Install

Closely tied to maintenance is ease of install. Some sidings are much easier to install than others. You install a wall panel much quicker than you can install individual pieces of wood or brick siding. The more complete your siding is when you buy it, the easier it will be to install.

Style

Finally, but no less relevant, is style. In fact, this might be your primary concern when it comes to siding your place as a homeowner. Simply put, siding is an important design choice because everyone can see it. Your siding forms a large part of the first impression of your home. It covers the entire outside of your house, so you want it to be a material that your eyes agree with.

Different types of siding have different types of style implications. It all comes down to personal taste. If you have a preference one way or the other, that is your choice to make. If you are still struggling, check out some design resources or current trends to make your choice easier.

Metal building siding costs

The price of your metal building siding option varies depending on the type that you choose from, the materials and the size of your building.

However, here is a guide that you can use to help you work out some of your costs.

Siding Type	Price
Siding	$4,000 – $18,000
Brick or Stone Siding	$8,000 – $22,000
Fiber Cement Siding	$750 – $5,000
Liquid Siding	$2,000 – $7,000
Metal Siding	$2,500 – $5,000
Stucco Siding	$2,000 – $12,000
Wood Siding	$700 – $2,500
Siding – Clean	$500 – $640
Siding – Paint	$1,850 – $2,500

Top metal building companies

1. Renegade Steel Buildings

Type: Steel building provider

Locations: Georgia

With over 50 years of combined experience in the steel building industry, Renegade Steel Buildings has a focus on working with you as the customer to create a steel building which matches your needs.

This might mean things like choosing the color scheme you wish to use or basic customization like skylights or exterior cladding.

2. American Buildings

Type: Steel building provider

Locations: Virginia, California, Indiana, Georgia, Nevada

American Buildings was founded in 1947 just after the second world war, and since then they have been leading the steel building industry for over 70 years.

Since their inception, they have worked on a variety of different projects which range from retail, commercial use, warehouses, livestock storage and educational buildings.

The steel buildings that American Buildings have developed have often included the use of alternative materials such as glass and brick for example.

3. Steel Structures America

Type: Steel building provider

Locations: Idaho, Washington

Steel Structures America is an Idaho and Washington-based company who create both residential, commercial and agricultural buildings which can be used for a wide range of purposes.

There is a vast selection of siding options on offer, which means that you can customize your structure to your branding and business needs.

4. Prime Buildings

Type: Metal building provider

Locations: Texas

Prime Buildings specialize in the dairy, equestrian and agricultural sectors, which is why they can lend their expertise to provide you with a specialized metal building which works for your business.

Some of the benefits of choosing Prime Buildings includes permanent structures, a streamlined process and cost-effective solutions.

5. Worldwide Steel Buildings

Type: Steel building provider

Locations: Missouri, Colorado, Minnesota

Worldwide Steel Buildings is a 4.5/5 star rated company which specializes in the design as well as the construction of steel buildings across the U.S. Their buildings can be used for many uses such as aircraft hangars, horse arenas and residential buildings.

They claim that their steel buildings are created with the customer in mind, so you can build your steel structure and save on your costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many different options available when it comes to your metal building – including stone, rock, brick and wood, among others.

They all have their advantages, especially if you live in an area which has rules about the exterior of your home or commercial building. In the end, the choice is yours, and will really depend on your own preferences.

Have you found out which metal building siding option might be best for you?

Finally, do you want to learn more about building elements, particularly for your steel building?

Take a look at the Green Building Elements guides on metal buildings here.