Comparing Pole Barn Siding Options

When it comes to building a long-lasting garage, workshop, horse barn or barndomium that provides decades of reliable use, one of the most important things to consider is what materials to use for your pole barn siding. There is a broad range of popular pole barn cladding materials that can be used to create your custom pole building, each with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. 

Before you get started with your pole building design, take some time to review the available material options and how each could impact the longevity and functionality of your barn.

What pole barn cladding is best for you?

At Beehive Buildings, we use American-made, 29-gauge PBR panel metal cladding finished with Weather XL Paint System from Valspar. We also offer cedar board and batten, vinyl, stucco and Hardie board siding options. In this post, we focus on the three most common exterior options our customers choose for their pole barns: metal, cedar board and batten, and vinyl. 

Pole Barn Metal Siding 

When it comes to pole barn siding, it’s difficult to beat all of the advantages of metal cladding. Metal siding is exceptionally durable and our 29-gauge PBR metal cladding is backed by a 40-year manufacturer warranty. At Beehive Buildings, we also provide a 10-year craftsmanship warranty on each of our pole buildings in addition to the manufacturer warranty. With the added Weather XL Paint System from Valspar, this metal siding further protects your investment from excessive wear-and-tear, and in terms of efficiency, metal siding outperforms vinyl in extreme cold. Pole barn metal siding offers long-term savings thanks to its superior efficiency and low maintenance requirements. 

Pole Barn Wood Siding

While cedar board and batten siding is beautiful, it’s also one of the more expensive pole barn exterior options and can require more frequent maintenance than other siding materials. When left to age naturally, wood siding requires steady treatments every 4 – 6 years. However, recent advancements in engineered wood siding products have made significant improvements to the material’s overall durability and ease of maintenance. 

Beehive Building’ cedar wood and batten pole barn cladding can be installed in its raw form or treated with Jasperwood stain, depending on your preference. Many times, wood stains are applied so the wood achieves a certain aesthetic, requiring continued maintenance to preserve the desired color. With Jasperwood stain, however, the end result is a weathered lumber look on-trend with the current reclaimed wood fad. Because the point of this stain is to achieve a weathered effect, you’ll only need a one-time application and won’t need further upkeep. 

Pole Barn Vinyl Siding 

For those who don’t want a metal pole barn but are looking for a more economical option than cedar board and batten, stucco or Hardie board siding, vinyl siding offers much more in the way of durability, low maintenance and efficiency. Some vinyl siding even offers extra insulation via high-performance technology designed to withstand both hotter and colder temperatures. 

Pole barn vinyl exterior can also withstand more abuse than its wooden counterpart. Since it is one solid material, it won’t dent, scratch or require repainting. It does, however, have a tendency to crack — especially in extreme, dry heat — meaning you’ll likely have to repair your pole building’s vinyl siding on occasion.  

Build Your Pole Barn with Beehive Buildings

When deciding on the best pole barn siding options for your custom build, the experts at Beehive Buildings can help you make an informed decision to meet your needs. From metal to cedar, vinyl to Hardie board, we provide our customers with the hands-on support and superior products they need to enjoy years of hassle-free use. Ensure your investment lasts the long-term and contact our team for a custom pole building quote today!