Metal Building Color Schemes and Finishes

When it comes to installing a metal building on your property, most of the reasons you are doing so is probably for function. You might require one for a storage building, as a barn, as a garage, or any other sort of commercial building. However, even within buildings that are primarily functional, personal style preferences might remain an important consideration.

In this article, we’re focused on exactly that. We’re going to show you all the ways you can make your metal building customized to your own tastes. If you can dream it, you can pretty much make it a reality when it comes to finishes for your metal building. The options, in colors and types of finishes, are almost endless.

When ordering your building, you will be asked to choose the color of the roof, walls, and the trim pieces, and you will have a choice of siding options for the exterior of your building. Each manufacturer will have different options, so be sure to shop around.

We’re going to look at the options that are available for metal building exterior finishes and colors. And if you happen to have an idea that isn’t listed here, feel free to reach out to your metal building supplier, because they can probably make it happen.

In this guide

Colors

When selecting your metal building finishes, you have the option to choose colors for your roof, walls, and the trim pieces. The number of possible color combinations are only limited by your imagination.

Each manufacturer will have their set of standard colors to choose from. They will usually offer custom colors, for an additional cost. Keep in mind that metal buildings are designed to last 20-50 years, so today’s trendy color may not be as attractive in 50 years.

You will also want to consider how the colors you select will affect the interior temperature of the building. Dark colors will attract and hold in heat, and lighter colors will reflect the heat, keeping the building cooler.

However, the real tough decision comes when trying to decide which color combinations you personally enjoy. Matching colors can be harder than it seems. With so many color options available, it can be hard to know which ones will match and which ones will clash.

In the next section, we’re going to provide you with some popular color combinations.

Popular Color Choices

As mentioned, it can be pretty difficult to choose custom color combos that will match. They need to match not only the colors on the structure itself, but the colors in the surrounding environment, and the other buildings on your property.

Matching colors is not always as easy as it sounds. Especially when you need to pick a roof color, a side color, a trim color, and more. It can all get a bit overwhelming, especially when you are no style expert.

There are a few basic rules to remember, such as the idea that white or black basically combines with anything. There are also several other color combinations that go well together. You can even use an online tool such as a color visualizer to see your end result. But at the end of the day, the color combination is your choice, and as long it matches your personal style, there is no wrong answer.

However, if you are still having trouble deciding, here are few examples of successful paint color combinations to get you inspired:

KOKO BROWN SADDLE TAN
KOKO BROWN & SADDLE TAN

 

POLAR WHITE MEDIUM BRONZE
POLAR WHITE & MEDIUM BRONZE

 

SNOW WHITE CLASSIC GREEN
SNOW WHITE & CLASSIC GREEN

 

SNOW WHITE CRIMSON RED
SNOW WHITE & CRIMSON RED

 

SNOW WHITE FERN GREEN
SNOW WHITE & FERN GREEN

 

SNOW WHITE GALLERY BLUE 2
SNOW WHITE & GALLERY BLUE

 

SNOW WHITE GALLERY BLUE
SNOW WHITE & AQUA BLUE

 

SNOW WHITE KOKO BROWN
SNOW WHITE & KOKO BROWN

 

SNOW WHITE ROYAL BLUE
SNOW WHITE & ROYAL BLUE

 

SNOW WHITE RUSTIC RED
SNOW WHITE & RUSTIC RED

 

SNOW WHITECRIMSON RED invert
SNOW WHITE & CRIMSON RED INVERTED

 

Metal Building Finishes

No matter what type of exterior style you are looking for, whether it is the traditional metal building look or a more custom mix of materials, you can do it with a metal building.

In this section, we’re going beyond just color choice, to the actual type of siding that you put on your metal structure. Siding is a bit more of a functional choice, but it can actually be quite a bit of a style choice as well. After all, siding is highly visible, and will really impact the look of your building overall.

There are many different choices in siding, each of which have their own look and feel. Here are a few examples:

Corrugated metal siding 

Metal wall panels are mechanically attached to the steel building structure, and they have what could be called the “traditional metal building look.” The panels have raised ribs that run vertically from the roofing to the ground or the bottom of the panel.

Metal building suppliers provide different metal wall thicknesses, measured in gauges. Unlike other materials, the higher the number, the thinner the material is. So, a 26-gauge wall panel is thicker than 24-gauge panel. And, the gauges are not consistent across different kinds of metal. Keep this in mind when comparing buildings.

Rock/stone/brick 

There are a couple of ways to get the “look” of rock, brick, or stone on your building. One way is to replace the metal wall panels with actual rock, brick, or stone. The manufacturer will omit the usual wall panels, and you or a contractor can install the rock or brick. Make sure that you include structural reinforcement, such as rebar, in the wall to maintain the structural integrity.

You can also get the “look” of rock, brick, or stone by using GenStone, a metal panel system that has the look of these materials. It is cast from real stone or brick and is hand-painted with 12 coats of durable exterior paint to give it an authentic look. It is easy to install and can even be added to an existing building. GenStone can be purchased as part of your metal building package or separately from big box home improvement stores.

Stucco 

If you would prefer a stucco look without the real stucco price, you can use a spray that gives your building a stucco-like finish or install stucco panels. The spray can be installed on top of the standard corrugated metal wall panels or sprayed on foam boards for a flat look, while the stucco panels are installed like traditional siding.

Similar to rock or brick, you have the option of using real stucco in place of the metal wall panels for your building. Keep in mind that if you are adding a stucco finish without the standard metal wall panels, additional beams may be required.

Wood siding/shiplap 

Wood or shiplap siding can be used instead of the standard metal wall panels if you prefer the natural wood look. The sides of the building are left open, and the siding system is installed directly to the structural support system. Additional beams may be required.

Advantages of Siding

Of course, siding holds more advantages than simple looks. Siding is basically the first thing that protects your building from the outside. If your building is highly exposed, it may be particularly vulnerable to elements such as wind and precipitation. Therefore, don’t choose siding just based on looks, consider its durability and strength.

Understandably, the stronger the siding, the more expensive it tends to be, so be sure to consider this as well. When it comes to siding, you want to consider both quality and looks.

How Do I Make My Choice?

With all the options presented in this article, from different color combinations to different types of siding, you might be wondering how to make your choice. At the end of the day, it’s your choice, and you should make it in regards to your personal style preferences.

Before you decide on color vs. siding vs. different combinations, just take a few minutes to consider the general aesthetic you are going for. Think about the other buildings on your property, and think about whether you are going for a more traditional or a bolder look. If you can narrow it down into categories, you’ll greatly simplify your decision going forward.

If you are still stuck, there’s lots of inspiration out there. A quick online search of popular color combinations or siding strategies should leave you properly inspired about what to do next.

Conclusion

As you can see, you can finish a metal building in as many ways as you can finish a stick-built building. Make sure that you investigate all the options, so you are getting the best look for your building.

Keep in mind that some cities or locations have restrictions on the colors and materials that can be used on the exterior of buildings. This can be due to neighborhood restrictions or historical districts. Make sure you research these restrictions, if they exist, before you select the colors for your metal building.