Metal Siding Options
You have many options that can have a great impact on the energy efficiency, durability and comfort of your building.
If you are going to be building a metal residential or commercial structure, one of the key decisions you will need to make is what type of metal siding to use.
You may be surprised by the sheer number of options that exist. In fact, you can achieve just about any look you want these days with steel, aluminum, or other metals.
To help you find the perfect type of metal siding for your project, let’s go over some of the most popular metal siding options. But first, let’s talk a bit about what you need to think about when choosing metal siding panels.
Types of Metal Siding
Now that you have some factors in mind to think about while you are picking out metal siding panels, let’s take a look at some of the different types that are out there.
Metal Shiplap
Do you like the traditional wood shiplap siding that you see on suburban homes built prior to the 1950s?
Then you will be delighted to find out that you can actually build a home with a similar appearance with all-metal siding.
Like wood shiplap, metal shiplap features narrow horizontal panels.
You can even find metal shiplap siding products that feature texturing that resembles wood grain.
If you are not looking closely, you can easily mistake it for actual wood. In fact, somebody standing at the curb looking at your home will likely never guess that it is made of metal.
The curb appeal of metal shiplap is hard too overstate.
The appearance of the siding is warm and traditional—but it is much stronger than actual wood shiplap.
Best For:
Consider this type of metal siding if you want your siding to mimic wood and have a traditional suburban appeal. Think of it as a “best of both worlds” option.
Corrugated Metal Panels
One of the most instantly recognizable styles of metal siding is corrugated metal. Panels of corrugated metal feature smooth ridges and troughs.
Not only does the corrugated shape of the metal look appealing, but it also offers some practical benefits. It is very durable, and when deterioration does take place, it is not nearly as easy to spot on corrugated panels as it is on flat panels.
That means that you will not need to spend much time on maintenance or repair.
Furthermore, it is easier to install corrugated metal panels than some other types of metal panels.
Best For:
Think about going with corrugated metal if you want to install your metal panels yourself, and/or you want something that is simple to maintain.
You might also want to choose corrugated metal house siding if you are going for a rustic or industrial look.
Board & Batten Metal Panels
Another option to consider for metal siding is batten metal panels.
Just as metal shiplap panels are designed to resemble wood shiplap panels, batten metal panels are designed to look like old-fashioned board and batten systems.
These panels feature concealed fasteners with prominent, raised seams. Often, batten metal panels are installed vertically, but you will sometimes seem horizontal configurations as well.
Best For:
Some people choose batten metal panels because they want to capture the look of traditional board and batten siding.
But other people pick batten metal panels for just the opposite reason—they are going for a modern look. If you are aiming for a modern vibe, try going with wider panels.
If you prefer a traditional style, narrower panels with contrasting paint colors and/or wood grain texturing may help you get the appearance you want.
Box Rib Metal Siding
Box rib metal siding is another option worth considering for your home or commercial structure.
This type of siding takes its name from the box shape of its ribs. The fasteners are exposed. As with other types of metal siding, it can be installed with either a vertical or horizontal orientation.
The pronounced ribs give the siding a very unique look.
And from a practical standpoint, you will appreciate how easy it is to install these panels thanks to their exposed fasteners.
Best For:
If fast and easy installation is important to you, this should be one of the types of metal panels you consider for your structure.
You might also consider it for aesthetic reasons.
It will give your home a distinctive texture that you are unlikely to find on too many surrounding dwellings.
Standing Seam Metal Siding
Standing seam panels strongly resemble board & batten but there are a few key distinctions.
Standing seam metal siding has a look that is very similar to that of batten metal panels.
The main distinction is that the lip is normally more pronounced with standing seam panels.
Once again, you have wide, flat surfaces and prominent seems standing up between them.
Best For:
You can use standing seam metal siding to give a building a look that is either traditional or modern, depending on colors, finishes, and measurements.
V Groove Siding
Previously, we talked about metal shiplap siding, which is one type of flat metal panel you can choose for your building. Another type of flat metal panel worth considering is a V Groove Wall panel system.
You can choose this type of panel if you want a look that is pretty much the opposite of a standing seam.
Rather than wide, flat panels divided by convex seams, you have wide, flat panels divided by concave grooves.
The resulting appearance is very clean and minimalist.
Best For:
Bridger Steel says, “As an interior panel, V Groove is able to emulate traditional wood siding, with the benefit of creating more depth due to metals reflective qualities. The clean minimal lines help designers create visual sight lines in rooms and transition areas as well.”
Although this type of siding is recommended for a traditional look, we also think it is highly compatible with more modern styles.
Metal Siding Companies
Our list of professional manufacturers for metal and steel siding products.
6 Considerations When Choosing Metal Siding Panels
Your choice of siding for a metal structure is not as clear cut as you might think. Consider the following six points when trying to determine which type and material best fits your project.
1. Appearance
The primary consideration when choosing metal siding panels for most people is probably going to be the way they will look.
You likely have a style in mind for your structure. You might want it to look traditional, rustic, modern, or minimalist.
While metal may be your preferred material from a strength and longevity standpoint, it may or may not be the material you would ideally like from a visual standpoint.
Do you want your building to look like it is made of metal, or would you prefer the illusion of traditional wood siding? Both are possible.
Some types of panels are more compatible with a traditional “wood” look than others.
Also, something as simple as the width of your panels can determine a lot about the overall style of your structure.
Narrower panels tend to make a structure look more traditional, while wider ones tend to make it look more contemporary.
2. Installation
Something else you might want to think about before you pick out what types of metal siding panels you want is who will be handling the installation, and how much time and money you have available.
Metal siding can be easier or harder to install, depending on the type you go with. If you want to DIY any aspect of installation, choosing panels on the basis of ease of installation might be sensible.
3. Maintenance
Generally speaking, metal siding is easy to maintain, period. That is one of the primary reasons for choosing it for your home or commercial structure.
Nevertheless, some types of metal panels require less maintenance than others because they are better at concealing wear and tear.
So, if minimizing maintenance is your goal, keep that in mind while you are evaluating the different options available to you.
4. Material
There are four primary materials that you can choose from when you are picking out metal wall panels for the exterior of your building.
Steel: If you want to choose an especially strong metal for your building, think about going with steel. This metal also resists corrosion very well, making it an ideal choice in climates with ample precipitation.
Zinc: Zinc is a rust-resistant metal that features a low melting point. It is softer than steel, making it easier to shape. But if you live in a region with hail, you might want to avoid it since it can be prone to hail damage.
Aluminum: One of the top benefits of aluminum is that it is less likely than other metals to be damaged by exposure to salt in the air. That makes it a good option if you are in a coastal location.
Copper: With its low melting point, copper is one of the softer metals used in construction. It is reasonably strong, but you can shape it to your needs. Be aware, however, that hail may damage it.
5. Gauge
Metal panels for siding come in different gauges (thicknesses). The lower the gauge number, the thicker the metal. The thicker the metal, the stronger it will be.
That does not mean that you necessarily need or want to go with the thickest gauge that is out there, however.
If you are not sure, aim somewhere in the 24 to 29 gauge range for steel siding.
6. Pricing
The material you choose, the thickness of the metal, and the type of panel will all factor into the cost.
Also consider that heavier metals may cost more to ship, and that panels that are more difficult to install may be more expensive with respect to labor.
What is great about metal as a siding material, however, is that in the long run, it is extremely cost effective.
Metal is much harder to damage than wood, so you will spend less time and money on repair work.
Metal is resistant to termites and other pests, so you will be much less likely to have to spend money to clear out an infestation in your home.
Metal structures outlast wood structures in general. The metal building you construct today should still be in excellent condition many years down the road when other buildings around it need to be repaired or replaced.
So, even if you choose premium panels, over time, your decision to build with metal instead of wood should end up paying for itself.
Enjoy the Durability and Versatility of Metal Siding
Now you are familiar with some of the popular metal siding types available for residential steel homes and other structures.
The type of metal siding you choose will have a profound impact on the appearance of your metal building. But no matter what style you go with, you can look forward to a structure that is durable, low-maintenance, and long-lasting.
