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Bridger Steel Project News, Highlights & Helpful Tips

Flat Panels: Everything You Need to Know

[fa icon="calendar"] 11/10/2020 / by Kaylee Beattie

Creating an unbelievable flush appearance, Flat panels will change the way you look metal. Paired with the durability of steel, these panels can be used in both interior and exterior settings and will outperform other materials by a landslide. Here’s your ultimate guide to Flat metal panels.

Shiplap Wall Panels on a Modern Home

What are Flat Panels?

Flat panels are a type of metal panel profile that create a flush, seamless appearance. They use a concealed fastener system, so no hardware is visible after installation, making for a clean, uninterrupted finished product. They can range in size and shape, and are able to be used as wall panels in both interior and exterior settings. Flat panels create a crisp look that replicate a wood-plank appearance, but bring the longevity and durability metal provides.

What Flat Panel Profiles Are Available?

Bridger Steel has two main Flat panel profiles available: Shiplap Wall and V Groove Wall. Both of these options create a flush look, with some variations that make them unique from one another.

Shiplap Wall

The Shiplap Wall panels are a perfect choice for those looking for clean, visual lines. They’re able to be run both vertically for a more traditional shiplap look, or horizontally for a look similar to lap siding. Shiplap Wall panel’s versatility make them ideal for architecturally demanding projects.

A favorite aspect of this panel is its availability in a variety of “reveals.” This means that you can choose a desired gap between the panels, whether it be flush or up to an inch. Shiplap panels can also be run in variegated patterns.

Here are some more of our Shiplap Wall panel’s specifications:

  • 22 or 24 gauge (thickness) available
  • Concealed Fastener system
  • Panel Length: 3’-30”+
  • Available in Flat, Single or Double Stiffener, or Variegated Assembly variations
Shiplap Wall Panel Profile

 

V Groove Wall

If you’re looking to replicate the appearance of wood or vinyl plank siding, but you want the durability and longevity of metal, V Groove Wall panels are ideal. These panels give texture and depth to any space, whether used indoors or outdoors.

V Groove Wall panels also utilize a concealed fastener system in order to deliver the ultimate flush appearance. With a wide range of width availability, this is an ideal panel for those looking to create a truly unique appearance.

Here are some other good-to-know facts about V Groove Wall panels:

  • 24, 26, or 29 gauge available
  • Concealed Fastener system
  • Panel Length: 10’ for 12” coverage or 20’ for 18” coverage
  • Available in Variegated Assembly variations
V Groove Wall Panel

 

Benefits of Flat Panels

Flat metal panels are a great choice for most projects, and have some beneficial qualities that make them a preferred choice over other materials. Here are just a few:

  • Aesthetics — Probably the biggest and best benefit of Flat metal panels is their aesthetically pleasing appearance. They replicate the look of wood-planks, but come with the strength of steel. You can choose from a variety of painted finishes, or opt for a textured finish like our Charred or Weathered Wood, to even further create the wood plank look. Plus, Flat panels create uninterrupted, bold lines that are ideal for a modern look!
  • Longevity & Strength — As with other metal panels, Flat panels also carry the same durability and lifespan. You can expect your Flat panels to last between 40-70 years, and sometimes even longer. They’ll hold up well in all types of conditions, including heavy snowfalls, high-speed winds, and more. Flat panels allow you to get the design style you want with the strength you need fro m your building materials!
  • Minimal Maintenance — One of the biggest headaches of wood plank walls and vinyl siding is their constant need for maintenance. With Flat panels, maintenance will be the last of your worries. Metal requires extremely little upkeep — no annual sealing, power washing, scrubbing, or other costly maintenance required. You simply just want to give your panels a yearly inspection to ensure there’s no damage.
  • Versatility — A huge benefit to Flat panels are their versatility. There’s virtually no project they can’t handle. From accent walls to covering thousands-of-square-foot commercial spaces, these panels are up for any challenge. They’re ideal for architecturally demanding projects because of this. No matter what idea you have for these panels, there’s likely a way to get it done.

Examples of Flat Panels

Flat panels are designed with versatility in mind. Whether you’re utilizing them on the interior of your home or as commercial building siding, they’ll perform extremely well for years and years to come. Here are just a few examples of different applications of Flat metal panels.

V Groove Wall panels

This stairway uses V Groove Wall panels in our Vintage finish for a stunning, clean look.

Shiplap Wall Panels

Here’s a mantel and fireplace created with Flat Shiplap panels — it will last for decades!

V Groove wall panels in use

Create a rustic look with V Groove wall panels using a Rawhide finish.

Shiplap Wall panels on a fireplace

An interior fireplace utilizes our Charred Wood finish on Shiplap Wall panels to create something beautiful.

Commercial building using Shiplap panels

These Shiplap Panels on this commercial building bring a modern look with the toughness of steel.

FAQs About Flat Panels

1. Can Flat panels be installed horizontally or vertically?

Both! Flat panels are able to be installed both ways. Installing them vertically creates a more traditional Shiplap look, while installing them horizontally creates more of a lap siding look. Again, the versatility of these panels make them a great choice for your next wall or siding project.

2. Can Flat panels be used for roofing?

No. Flat panels are strictly wall panels. Siding, interior accents, etc. are all great ways to utilize them. However, they are not able to be used for metal roof applications.

3. Are there custom options for these panels?

Yes. Bridger Steel can work directly with you to create the look and performance you desire. As with any customization, you should expect increased lead times and turnarounds, as well a slight increase in overall cost. However, creating the exact look you want is usually worth it!

4. Are Flat panels difficult to install?

Due to the concealed fastener system both Shiplap and V Groove walls panels use, they are a bit more difficult to install compared to other panels. They require a few special tools for installation to be complete because of their clip system, too. If you’re looking to DIY install your panels, but sure to consult with our Product Specialists and install guides beforehand. If you’re hiring a contractor, read these tips before hiring them.

 

If you’re interested in using Flat panels for your next project, get in touch with our team of expert Product Specialists today. We’ll work directly with you to get all the details of your project figured out — including the right profile, gauge, and color or finish of your panels. We’ll help make your dream project a reality. Contact us today, or fill out a Get a Quote form to get the process started.

Topics: Metal Siding, shiplap, Home Advice

Kaylee Beattie

Written by Kaylee Beattie