Options for your Structure

Montana Made Barns purchases all of our materials from Bull Mountain Lumber. Bull Mountain Lumber is an Amish company in Montana. There are other options you can choose from when purchasing your barn. Tim Tracy and Gina Tracy will discuss options with you while writing your proposal. You can browse other options at Protech’s website. Please contact us anytime to ask a question about options for your structure.

Metal Profiles

Definition: The shape or contour of the metal panels used for the roof or walls.
Details:

  • Common profiles include R-panel, Corrugated, or U panel.

  • Each profile has different rib heights and spacing, which affect strength, appearance, and cost.

  • Example: R-panel is durable and economical for walls and roofs.

R-Panel

Best for: Walls and roofs on barns, shops, and garages
Appearance: Flat panels with deep ribs spaced about 12 inches apart
Key Traits:

  • Durable and cost-effective — one of the most popular styles for agricultural and commercial buildings.

  • Exposed fasteners (screws) make installation quick and affordable.

  • Handles wind, rain, and snow well due to its rib strength.
    Visual style: Industrial, traditional barn look.
    Pro Tip: Choose R-panel if you want low maintenance and strong weather performance at the best value

  • PBR is also an option for a stronger, more robust version of the R Panel, as it includes an extra purlin bearing.

A gray R-panel metal roof panel against a white background, labeled 'R-PANEL' at the top.

Corrugated Metal

Best for: Rustic barns, accent walls, or interior finishes
Appearance: Classic wavy design with tight, consistent ripples
Key Traits:

  • Provides a vintage, old-fashioned aesthetic — often used to mimic historic farm buildings.

  • Lightweight but slightly less rigid than R-panel.

  • Ideal for siding accents or decorative interior barn elements.
    Visual style: Rustic, classic Americana feel.
    Pro Tip: Choose corrugated metal if you want a traditional, country look or to complement wood finishes.

Close-up of corrugated metal sheet with the word "CORRUGATED" in bold black letters above it.

U-Panel Metal

U-Panel metal is a versatile, durable, and attractive panel style commonly used for both residential and commercial pole barn projects. It features medium-depth ribs with a flatter, more uniform surface than corrugated panels, giving it a cleaner look while maintaining structural strength.

Design Features:

  • Profile Shape: U-shaped ribs that are evenly spaced and shallower than R-panel ribs.

  • Rib Height: Typically around ¾" to 1", making it smoother and easier to work with for interior or exterior use.

  • Fasteners: Uses exposed fasteners for quick installation and a traditional metal look.

  • Finish Options: Available in galvanized, painted, or textured finishes to match color schemes or enhance corrosion resistance.

Gray metal U-panel roofing sheet with vertical ridges and the words 'U-PANEL' at the top.

Types of Siding

Definition: The material and style used on the barn’s exterior walls.
Options include:

  • Metal siding – Most common, low maintenance, and long-lasting.

  • Wood siding – Offers a rustic aesthetic but requires more upkeep.

  • Vinyl siding – More residential-looking, with easy maintenance.

  • Board and batten – A vertical wood or metal siding pattern that gives a classic barn look (more on this below).

Each type affects insulation potential, durability, and the overall character of the building.

Infographic showing four types of siding materials: metal siding, wood siding, vinyl siding, and board and batten siding, each with samples and labels.

Roof Pitch

Definition: The steepness or angle of the roof, expressed as a ratio (e.g., 4/12 means 4 inches of rise for every 12 inches of run).
Impact:

  • Low pitch (2/12–4/12): Modern, economical, but less snow-shedding.

  • Medium pitch (5/12–8/12): Traditional barn look, good balance for snow and rain runoff.

  • High pitch (9/12+): Classic gambrel or steep barn roof—adds loft space and a more dramatic appearance.

Pitch influences cost, snow load handling, and attic or storage possibilities.


Diagram showing three types of roof pitch: low, medium, and high. The low pitch roof has a gentle slope and is described as modern and economical, with less snow-shedding. The medium pitch roof has a more angled slope, resembling a traditional barn look, offering good balance for snow and rain runoff. The high pitch roof has a steeper slope, similar to classic gambrel or steep barn roofs, adding loft space and a dramatic appearance.

Specialty Metals

Definition: Upgraded or decorative metal materials used for accents or specific areas.
Examples:

  • Copper trim or cupolas

  • Weathered steel (rustic “Corten” look)

  • Textured or colored steel finishes (matte black, charcoal, etc.)

  • Custom trim, flashing, or wainscot panels

These elevate visual appeal and durability but increase cost.

Display of specialty metals: top left is copper trim or cupolas on a building roof peak, top right is weathered steel with a rustic corten look, bottom left is textured or colored steel finishes in matte black and charcoal, bottom right are custom trim, flashing, or wainscot panels in gray.

Vinyl Siding

Definition: A plastic-based siding option used more commonly in residential-style pole barns.
Features:

  • Affordable, lightweight, and comes in many colors and textures.

  • Requires little maintenance but is less impact-resistant than steel.

  • Often chosen when blending a pole barn with a home or office exterior.

Custom Siding

Definition: A tailored exterior finish, combining different materials or patterns.
Examples:

  • Metal lower panels with wood or stone above.

  • Custom color combinations or horizontal/vertical panel mixes.

  • Integrated design features like wainscoting, trim bands, or color blocking.

Used to make the building match a brand aesthetic or blend with surroundings.

A house with a custom siding featuring metal lower panels with wood and stone above, surrounded by a landscaped yard with bushes, plants, and two dogs sitting on a walkway.

Board and Batten Siding

Definition: A traditional vertical siding pattern where wide “boards” are spaced apart, and narrow “battens” cover the seams.
Details:

  • Commonly made of wood or metal panels.

  • Delivers a classic barn aesthetic—very popular for modern farmhouse or rustic styles.

  • When done in metal, it’s low-maintenance and durable but maintains that wood-like look.

A metal barn-style building with vertical siding, two-tone gray color, and sloped roof, shown in an outdoor setting.