PANEL TYPES

A diverse selection of precision-formed steel panels designed for superior durability, weather resistance, and customized style.

Understanding Metal Building Panels

When it comes to choosing the right siding for your pre-engineered metal building, the type of panel you select plays a major role in both function and appearance. Each panel style offers unique benefits depending on your application — from agricultural structures to commercial warehouses. Below, we break down the most common siding profiles: R Panel, Ag Panel, 7.2 Panel, and PBU Panel, along with available color options in Standard SMP Siliconized Polyester Paint and Fluropolymer Kynar® 500 High-Performance Coatings.

R Panel

R Panel is one of the most widely used siding options in commercial and industrial metal buildings. It offers a sleek, modern appearance with high strength and durability, making it a go-to choice for both wall and roof applications.

Rib spacing: 12 inches on center
Rib height: ~1.25 inches
Panel width: 36 inches coverage
Fastened with exposed fasteners

Warehouses
Manufacturing facilities
Steel barns
Commercial shops

Cost-effective
Low maintenance
High structural strength

Ag Panel (Also known as Agricultural Panel or U Panel)

Ag Panel is a lighter-gauge panel typically used for agricultural or residential structures. It has a similar look to R Panel but with lower rib height and is often more economical.

Rib spacing: 9 inches on center
Rib height: ~0.75 inches
Panel width: 36 inches coverage
Exposed fastener system

Barns and pole buildings
Equipment sheds
Residential garages
Farm structures

Lightweight
Easy to install
Affordable for large-scale agricultural use

7.2 Panel

The 7.2 Panel is known for its bold, deep ribs and superior load-carrying capability. This panel is ideal for both walls and roofs in commercial and architectural applications where aesthetics and performance matter.

Rib spacing: 7.2 inches on center
Rib height: ~1.5 inches
Panel width: typically 36 inches
Available in exposed or concealed fastener systems

High-end commercial buildings
Schools and institutions
Retail stores
Public facilities

Exceptional structural strength
Striking architectural appearance
Great for high wind-load areas

PBU Panel

PBU (Purlin Bearing U Panel) is a versatile panel often used in both siding and roofing applications. It is similar to R Panel but includes a bearing leg that makes installation over open framing easier and more secure.

Rib spacing: 12 inches
Rib height: ~1.25 inches
Panel width: 36 inches
Designed to span purlins with enhanced support

Industrial buildings
Self-storage units
Commercial retail buildings
Open frame metal buildings

Strong purlin support
Clean overlap for better water shedding
Easier alignment during installation

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Standard Color Options

All panels are available in a range of standard colors finished with Siliconized Polyester (SMP) paint, which provides strong UV protection and weather resistance. Steel Craft Builders standard colors come with a 30 year paint finish warranty Popular standard colors typically include:

Polar White

Light Stone

Ash Gray

Saddle Tan

Burnished Slate

Rustic Red

Cocoa Brown

Charcoal Gray

Crimson Red

Hawaiian Blue

Black

Desert Sand

Gallery Blue

Fern Green

Galvalume

Kynar® 500/ PVDF Premium Color Options

For customers seeking a high-end finish with long-term color retention and superior resistance to chalking and fading, Kynar® 500 / PVDF coatings are available on most panels. Kynar Colors come with a 35 year finish warranty on all colors.

Snow White

Almond

Slate Gray

Medium Bronze

Brownstone

Hunter Green

Classic Green

Brite Red

Harbor Blue

Midnight Bronze

Natural Patina

Colonial Red

Tundra

Pacific Blue

Copper Metallic

Silver Metallic

Building Beauty with Strength

At Steel Craft Builders, we engineer buildings that perform as impressively as they look. When your project includes specialized finishes or architectural details, our team ensures every element is built to last, combining structural integrity with standout design that enhances your structure.

Getting started is easy

Request your free estimate and connect with our team to start planning your project.

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