Are you looking for a way to add both protection and visual appeal to your metal building?
Look no further than wainscoting!
This simple yet effective feature is a popular choice among pole barn owners in Montana, and for good reason.
Not only does it serve as a buffer between the primary structure and potential damage, but it also adds a touch of contrast and style to your building.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of installing wainscoting on your metal building, so you can enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.
Let’s get started!
How To Install Wainscoting On Metal Building
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Wainscoting
The first step in installing wainscoting on your metal building is to measure the area where you want to install it.
Once you have your measurements, you can purchase the appropriate amount of wainscoting material.
Typically, wainscoting comes in strips that are four feet tall and can be made of steel, stone, brick, or vinyl.
Using a saw or other cutting tool, cut the wainscoting to the appropriate length for your building.
Step 2: Attach the Wainscoting to the Building
Next, you’ll need to attach the wainscoting to your metal building.
Using screws or nails, attach the wainscoting to the lower section of your building.
Make sure to leave a small gap between each strip of wainscoting to allow for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
Step 3: Add Finishing Touches
Once you have attached the wainscoting to your metal building, it’s time to add some finishing touches.
You can choose to paint or stain the wainscoting to match the color of your building or choose a contrasting color for added visual appeal.
Additionally, you may want to add trim around the edges of the wainscoting for a more polished look.
Step 4: Enjoy Your New Wainscoting!
Congratulations! You have successfully installed wainscoting on your metal building.
Not only does it add an extra layer of protection against potential damage, but it also adds a touch of style and contrast to your building.
And if your wainscoting ever does receive damage, it’s easy and affordable to replace.
Consider adding wainscoting to your metal building today for a simple yet effective upgrade.
What Is Wainscoting And Why Install It On A Metal Building?
Wainscoting is a decorative panel that is typically installed on the lower section of a building. It serves both functional and ornamental purposes, adding an extra layer of protection against potential damage while also adding visual appeal to the exterior of the building.
When it comes to metal buildings, wainscoting is often made of steel and comes in strips that are four feet tall. It can also be made of other materials such as stone, brick, or vinyl.
One of the main benefits of installing wainscoting on a metal building is the added protection it provides. The lower section of a building is often the most susceptible to damage from things like rocks, gravel, or other debris. Wainscoting acts as a buffer between the primary structure and potential damage, helping to prevent dents and other types of damage that could be costly to repair.
In addition to its protective qualities, wainscoting also adds visual appeal to a metal building. By choosing a contrasting color for the wainscoting, you can create a two-toned effect that adds depth and interest to the exterior of the building.
Finally, wainscoting is also easy to replace if it does sustain damage. Rather than having to replace an entire section of siding or wall, you can simply replace the damaged wainscoting at a much lower cost.
Tools And Materials Needed For Wainscoting Installation
Before beginning your wainscoting installation project, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand. Here is a list of what you will need:
1. Wainscoting material (steel, stone, brick, or vinyl)
2. Saw or other cutting tool
3. Screws or nails for attaching the wainscoting to the building
4. Paint or stain for finishing the wainscoting
5. Trim for edging the wainscoting
In addition to these basic materials, you may also need some additional tools to complete the installation process. These tools include:
1. Measuring tape
2. Level
3. Drill or screwdriver
4. Hammer or nail gun
5. Caulk and caulk gun
6. Sandpaper for smoothing rough edges
Make sure to have all of these tools and materials on hand before starting your wainscoting installation project to ensure a smooth and successful installation process.
Preparing The Metal Building For Wainscoting Installation
Before you begin installing wainscoting on your metal building, it’s important to prepare the area properly.
Step 1: Clear the Area
First, clear the area where you will be installing the wainscoting. Remove any debris, dirt, or dust from the surface of the metal building. Make sure the surface is clean and dry before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2: Check for Damage
Inspect the surface of the metal building for any signs of damage. Look for dents, scratches, or other imperfections that may affect the installation process. If you notice any damage, repair it before proceeding with the installation.
Step 3: Allow for Expansion and Contraction
Metal buildings are prone to expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. To prevent damage to your wainscoting, it’s important to leave a small gap between each strip of wainscoting. This will allow for expansion and contraction without causing damage to your new wainscoting.
Step 4: Install Lath
To prevent wet floors from damaging your wainscoting, install a piece of 3/8 inch thick lath on the wall at the floor. This will create a barrier between the planks and the floor, preventing any moisture from damaging your wainscoting.
Step 5: Allow for Adjustments
Metal buildings can be affected by changes in humidity levels. To prevent any warping or buckling of your wainscoting, allow the material to adjust to the relative humidity in the space where it will be installed. Unpack the planks in the room where they will be installed at least 2-3 days prior to the project.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your metal building is properly prepared for wainscoting installation. With a little bit of preparation and care, you can enjoy a beautiful and durable addition to your metal building that will last for years to come.
Measuring And Cutting The Wainscoting Panels
Before you can attach the wainscoting to your metal building, you need to measure and cut the panels to the appropriate size. Here’s how to do it:
1. Take accurate measurements of the area where you want to install the wainscoting. Use a tape measure and transfer the measurements to the back face of the wainscoting panel.
2. Make a mark along the top edge of the panel and another at the bottom edge. Align the chalk box hook to one mark and stretch it across to the opposite. Keeping the chalk line taught, snap a line.
3. Place an “X” to the right of the line so you know what side is the waste material.
4. Once you have the width of each wall, consider how many panels you would like to install on each of them. It’s easiest to start with a rough idea of how big each panel should be, then layout roughly how many you will need.
5. You can find out how many panels you need by dividing the width of each wall by the rough panel size. You’ll probably end up with an odd number, like 3.4 panels, and that’s ok, just round to the closest whole number.
6. If you need to cut a panel to fit a specific area, use a saw or other cutting tool to cut it down to size. Always make your cuts on a bead, not on the flat portion of the board when cutting MDF bead board. That’s the best way to make the cuts disappear.
7. Nail scraps from 1/4-inch plywood to pad out the existing baseboard and bring its face flush with that of the bottom rail. Set the baseboard in place and shim the low end until the piece is level.
8. Measure the biggest gap between the bottom of the baseboard and the floor, and cut a scrap block to this size plus 1/4 inch.
9. Run the block along the floor against the baseboard with a pencil on top to scribe a cut line on the piece, as shown.
10. Rip the baseboard using a circular saw.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your wainscoting panels are accurately measured and cut for your metal building project.
Attaching The Wainscoting Panels To The Metal Building
Attaching the wainscoting panels to the metal building is a crucial step in the installation process. Here are a few methods commonly used by builders:
1. Formed Base Trim: This method uses a one-piece extruded aluminum trim that provides a superior method of attachment for the bottom of the building’s wall panels. The trim system provides both a ledge for the panel to sit atop as well as an attachment point to the slab. It requires less labor to install and nearly eliminates the possibility of insects and rodents entering the building. This method also saves money on foundation costs compared to the base conditions that require a concrete notch.
2. Base Angle: This method uses a painted trim piece for the wall paneling to sit atop, attached to a 2” x 4” base angle fastened directly to the building’s slab with masonry fasteners. This design prevents the bottom of the wall panel from coming in direct contact with the concrete, reducing the risk of wall panel corrosion. The metal building slab needs to be poured three inches wider and three inches longer than the actual length of the steel building to allow for a 1-1/2” x 1-1 1/2” notch that the wall sheets sit in.
3. Base Channel: This method uses a painted trim piece for the wall paneling to sit atop, attached to base channel fastened directly to the slab with masonry fasteners. This design also prevents the bottom of the wall panel from coming in direct contact with concrete, reducing the risk of wall panel corrosion.
4. Low Base Girt: This method uses a painted trim piece for the wall paneling to sit atop, attached to a low base girt. This method can be used in situations where a full slab is not being poured and only piers are being used to support the building or when wall panels will not extend all the way down to the ground.
Finishing Touches: Caulking And Painting The Wainscoting Panels
After attaching the wainscoting to your metal building, it’s time to focus on the finishing touches. One of the most important steps is caulking the gaps between each panel. This will not only give your wainscoting a more polished look, but it will also help prevent moisture from seeping in and causing damage.
To begin, choose a high-quality caulk that is designed for use with metal buildings. Silicone caulk is a popular choice, as it is flexible and can withstand extreme temperatures.
Using a caulking gun, apply a bead of caulk along each gap between the wainscoting panels. Make sure to apply enough caulk to fill the gap completely, but not so much that it overflows onto the panel surface.
Once you have applied the caulk, use a wet cloth or your finger to smooth it out and create a finished seam. This will help ensure that the caulk is evenly distributed and provides a tight seal.
After caulking, allow the caulk to dry completely before moving on to painting. This may take several hours or overnight depending on the type of caulk used.
When it comes to painting your wainscoting panels, there are endless options for color and finish. You can choose a color that matches your building or opt for a contrasting color for added visual interest.
Before painting, make sure to prime the wainscoting panels with a high-quality primer designed for use with metal surfaces. This will help ensure that the paint adheres properly and lasts for years to come.
Once the primer has dried, you can begin painting your wainscoting panels. Use a high-quality paint designed for use with metal surfaces and apply it evenly with a brush or roller.
Allow the paint to dry completely before adding a second coat if necessary. Once your paint has dried, you can add any additional trim or decorative elements to complete your wainscoting installation.
With these simple finishing touches, your wainscoting installation is complete and ready to enjoy!