Options for Metal Building Interior Wall Finishing

One of the greatest benefits of a Worldwide Steel building is the level of customization we offer for every building project. Many other metal building companies just give buyers four walls of steel framing in predetermined sizes, plus metal sheeting for the walls and roof. 

At Worldwide Steel, you’re presented with options from the moment you begin conceptualizing your building design. And each kit comes with the precut pieces and instructions for those interested in a DIY building project to take pride in. From doors, windows and skylights to gutters, eaves and cupolas, you can truly make your building your own. 

Outside, this means finishing your steel building with something other than corrugated metal panels – stucco, wood or vinyl siding, cedar shakes, or even brick. Then there are porches, patios, walkways, landscaping and a variety of other elements to add curb appeal.

And for some of our customers, customization stops there — at exterior walls and external appearance. Maybe they’re storing heavy machinery, hay or building a metal garage. In these cases, function comes well before form for a building’s interior. They just need heavy-duty building materials, proper ventilation, some spray foam insulation, and the right size doors. Maybe some plumbing, HVAC systems, electrical wiring, or liner panels if they want a more finished industrial look. 

But what about our customers who are interested in outfitting a pole barn home with comfortable living quarters? Those building homes, barndominiums, man caves, small business buildings, rec centers and churches? When people will be spending a lot of time in a building, they want some additional comfort and beauty on top of the durability that’s a given with Worldwide Steel Building kits. Not just metal framing and concrete floors. 

Upgrading the Interior Finishing Of Your Metal Building

If you’re in the market for a new building that you’ll spend a lot of time inside, it’s important to consider how you want the interior space to look, feel and operate. Fortunately, when you work with Worldwide Steel, you have options to finish the inside of your steel building just like you would traditional construction. 

Add character and coziness to your floor plan by carefully selecting interior finishes that will add to the comfort, looks, privacy and practicality of your new metal building. When it comes to finishing the interior walls of a metal building, the possibilities are nearly endless! From wood framing to wall panels made from reclaimed timber, drywall or shiplap, to wood flooring, shelving and fireplace mantels, and even secondary interior framing with wooden beams. Each option offers unique benefits and aesthetics, catering to different needs and preferences. Here, we explore some of the most popular choices:

1. Drywall: A classic and widely used option, drywall is favored for its smooth finish and ease of customization. It can be painted in any color, allowing for complete control over the interior appearance of your metal building. Drywall is also relatively easy to install and provides a certain level of insulation and soundproofing, making it ideal for office spaces, workshops, or living areas within metal structures.

2. Metal Panels: For those seeking to maintain the industrial look of their metal building, interior metal panels are a perfect choice. These metal wall panels are incredibly durable and resistant to damage, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or environments that require robust materials. They also offer a seamless look, aligning with the exterior aesthetics of the building, and are easy to clean and maintain.

3. Wood Paneling: Wood paneling adds warmth and a natural aesthetic to the interior of a metal building. It’s an excellent choice for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere, especially in residential or public-facing commercial spaces. The variety of woods and finishes available means you can achieve anything from a rustic cabin feel to a sleek, modern look. However, it’s worth noting that wood paneling requires more maintenance than other options and may not be suitable for very humid environments.

4. Vinyl or Fabric Wall Coverings: For those looking to add a decorative touch or specific theme to their metal building, vinyl or fabric wall coverings are ideal. These materials come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, allowing for a high degree of customization. They are also relatively easy to install and replace, giving you the flexibility to update the interior look without major renovations. Additionally, certain types of wall coverings can offer additional insulation and soundproofing benefits.

Anything you could expect to find in a home or office building, you can include in your Worldwide Steel building.

You can purchase many customization options directly from Worldwide Steel to be delivered as part of your building kit. And when you’re looking for metal building finish options beyond what we provide, we don’t leave you to fend for yourself.

In cases where we don’t directly manufacture or supply building finish accessories, we partner with some of the highest-quality finish providers in the midwest. When we recommend another business to our customers, you can be sure we’ve done our due diligence. The product will be quality, the craftsmanship will be quality, and the service will be exceptional.

Case in point: Elmwood Reclaimed Timber. Elmwood brings your visions to life through their reclaimed timber options and custom wood solutions. 

Get To Know Elmwood Reclaimed Timber

Whether you want to panel the walls of your man cave with a rustic reclaimed barnwood, add an accent wall of American walnut to your bedroom, add timber beams to the ceilings of your barndominium, or add a warm-yet-corporate finish to your office building with American ash, Elmwood has you covered. 

They offer reclaimed wood planks for walls that can help you achieve any design look you’re going for, from “rustic cabin” to “timberchic” and everything in between. Elmwood paneling collections include reclaimed oak, heart pine, elm, Douglas fir, mixed wood, barn wood, American walnut, American white oak, American ash, European white oak and custom options. 

We love partnering with Elmwood because we’ve seen how their reclaimed wood paneling can transform a metal building, and because they’re just great people to work with. Just like Worldwide Steel, they offer unbelievable customization options. Whatever you have in mind, they’re ready to help you bring it to life! They’re passionate about their craftsmanship and are always ready to help make your interior and exterior finishes the best they can be. You can check out some of their projects for proof (and for inspiration).

Of course, adding custom interior finishes to your metal building kit will add to the final cost of your metal building. However, that cost will almost always be less than the cost of finishing traditional construction. Plus, even when you add traditional finishes, you still get the benefits of steel – like the resistance to mold, mildew and pests, the ruggedness to stand up to fires, weather and other natural disasters, to name a few.

Think wood paneling is a design trend that was left behind decades ago? Think again — wood-paneled walls are back, and better than ever. Here are some modern wood paneling trends for walls and ceilings in 2023. 

Ready to get building? Let’s talk. Call Worldwide Steel at (800) 825-0316 today.