✓Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com·Updated April 2026
Designer Metals PermaGuard Log Siding Panel wood-look metal siding on a barn exterior
Designer Metals
Designer Metals offers the beauty, look and feel of Wood but with the strength and ease of Maintenance of Steel. Our Kynar 500 Paint System ensures durablity and beauty for years to come!
About Designer Metals Designer Metalsis the industry leading metal siding product when it comes to beauty & durability. Other product on the market forces it's customers to choose between aesthetics and longevity. We break the mold by providing both! Run by dedicated Amish families that understand the needs of horse owners and have decades of barn building expertise!
Everyone Loves The Beauty of Wood.. But Not The Upkeep!
Everyone enjoys the looks of a beautiful wood barn… but how long does it take before weather, sun, insects and horses that like to chew, ruin it’s appearance. What about paint? How often do you need to paint that barn to keep it’s beautiful appearance? Then, there is always the worry of lightening and fire. What can you do? How can you enjoy the beauty of wood, without the worry and upkeep that having a wood barn requires?
The Answer: Steel That Is Made To Look and Feel Like Wood!
Designer Metals captures the authentic look and feel of real wood while maintaining the strength and durability of steel. We have some extremely nice and realistic wood colors to give your barn the true beauty of wood— without the worry!
Is It True That Designer Metals Use The "Kynar 500" Paint System?
YES! That is a tremendous advantage to you! The Kynar 500 Paint System ensures a luxury finish without sacrificing any durability. You can expect years of endurance with very minimal chalking or fading.
There are 7 layers of durability:
* Backside- A primer coating is applied to the back side of the panel to protect from corrosion.
* Base Metal- Heavy Duty 28g metal helps to hide the imperfections in your wall.
* Galvalume Base Coat- AZ55 Galvalume Coating provides further protection from corrosion.
* Primer Coating - Additional corrosion resistance and priming for Kynar 500.
* Kynar 500- The best coating to provide resistance to chalking & fading.
* Print Layer - The printed layer providing a beautiful finish & texture.
* Clear Coat - Durable finish protecting against scuffs and scratches.
These very important steps ensure that you have the most durable, long lasting, and beautiful finish available in the industry today!
What If I Would Like A Finish That Looks Like Stone?
Barn owners love beautifying their property and few things make for a more beautiful barn, than to match it to the lovely home on the property! If your home is made of stone— or if you just love the looks of stone, but want the ease of use and durability of steel, you will love the Stone finishes atDesigner Metals!
What Color Choices Do I Have?
Few things are as fun as taking a few moments to choose the color of the barn your family will be enjoying for decades to come.
From browns, to rust, to blue, to white, tan,stone and wood, ourwebsite is filled with nearly endless color choices— all with our “7 Layers of Durability” carefully produced for each one.
Can I Work With Designer Metals If I Also Have A Construction Business?
YES! Horse owners are often business owners and may even be contractors, or have friends or family who are in the building trade! We welcome a business relationship with you. Quite often your clients will be amazed, because we offer finishes, that you don’t on steel siding. We would like to take a few minutes to learn more about you, your business, and how you serve your customers. We understand that the customer's experience is the key driver for referrals and repeat business, and we would like to show you how Designer Metals can help increase the satisfaction of your customers. Many contractors tell us how we have “increased their business” simply due to offering a one-of-a-kind elegant siding to make each barn a true “stand out”. So, please don’t hesitate to call us today and allow us to get to know you! How Do I Get Started?
It’s easy! Just pick up the phone and tell us about the new barn you wish to build— we can even give you ideas if you need some. Once we know what your needs will be, we can get the phone number for your barn builder and he can give us the specifications so that we can cut it to his or her specifications. Shipping is easy and we are here to answer your questions! Just pick up the phone, and tell us about the barn of your dreams— we are here to help you every step of the way.
Give Your Barn The Beauty of Wood With The Stregnth of Steel … and Call Today!
Your backyard is an extension of your home, a space to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors. Enhancing it with stylish and durable outdoor structures can transform your backyard into a true oasis. And when it comes to choosing the perfect exterior material,Designer Metal'ssiding stands out as an exceptional choice. You’ll love the beauty, the durability and the fact that many of your neighbors will “ooh and aaah” every time they see your barn. We will cut it directly for your needs. Please visitPermaGuardPro.comto see more photos and information—and we welcome your calls! Designer Metals PermaGuard Log Siding Panel wood-look metal siding on a barn exterior
What makes PermaGuard metal siding look like real wood?
PermaGuard is Designer Metals' wood-look metal siding line, engineered to capture the authentic grain and warmth of natural wood while delivering the strength of steel. A high-definition print layer reproduces realistic woodgrain over a heavy-duty steel base, then a clear coat locks in the finish. The result is barn siding that reads as cedar, pine, or weathered board from the ground up, with none of the splitting, rotting, or insect damage that plagues real lumber on a working farm.
Designer Metals B&B 32-inch coverage board and batten metal barn siding panel
Who manufactures Designer Metals and PermaGuard siding?
Designer Metals has manufactured metal panels and trim since 1999 from its plant at 4708 Hunting Creek Church Rd, Hamptonville, NC 27020, under the tagline "Overcome The Ordinary." Every panel and trim piece is made to order in-house, with standard production running 2-3 days and same- or next-day rush orders available. Because items are cut and printed per order, the company notes that all metal panels and trim are made to order and are not returnable. Reach the team at (336) 468-4317, Monday through Friday, 7:45am to 5:00pm.
Designer Metals Hidden Fastener Board and Batten PermaGuard metal siding panel
How does the Kynar 500 paint system protect your barn?
PermaGuard is built on the Kynar 500 Paint System, a premium Pvdf (polyvinylidene fluoride) resin coating long regarded as the industry benchmark for chalk and fade resistance. The finish is layered for protection: a backside primer coating guards the panel interior against corrosion, a Galvalume base coat shields the steel, and the Kynar 500 topcoat carries the woodgrain print and clear coat. Designer Metals backs the paint with a 40-year warranty, so the color and grain hold up against sun, rain, and temperature swings for decades.
Designer Metals Lap Siding metal panel with wood-look Kynar 500 finish
What gauge steel and panel profiles are available?
PermaGuard uses a heavy-duty 28-gauge base metal that is rigid enough to help hide wall imperfections and stand up to harsh weather. Designer Metals offers nine panel profiles, including the Traditional Panel, Classic AG Panel, B&B 32" Coverage Panel, Legacy Panel, Log Siding Panel, Standing Seam Panel, Hidden Fastener B&B, Lap Siding Panel, and the LeakGuard Panel. Board-and-batten and log-siding profiles are especially popular for barns and outbuildings that want a rustic, timber look. Panels can be produced in lengths up to 55 feet.
How much maintenance does metal barn siding require?
Unlike traditional wood or fiber-cement siding that demands scraping, repainting, or restaining every few years, PermaGuard is finished at the factory and stays low-maintenance for the life of the panel. A quick rinse with a garden hose is typically all it takes to keep the siding looking fresh. For horse owners, that means fewer ladders, less downtime, and a barn exterior that resists fading, cracking, and warping season after season.
How do you order panels, colors, and accessories? Designer Metals offers 40-plus colors, including woodgrain prints and camo patterns, plus a full catalog of building supplies: custom trim made to order in any profile, fastener clips, ridge caps, closures, screws (#10 and #12 wood, metal, and specialty), and matching doors and windows. Premium add-ons include decorative wood-printed Accent Trusses, deep-texture Embossing, and the Dropguard condensation-control option. To get started, call (336) 468-4317, request free samples, or submit an online quote request through the Designer Metals website.
Designer Metals is a metal barn siding product that offers the beauty, look and feel of wood with the strength and ease of maintenance of steel. It is run by dedicated Amish families with decades of barn building expertise who understand the needs of horse owners. The goal is to give your barn the authentic appearance of wood without the upkeep, worry, or fire risk that real wood requires.
Can steel siding really look like real wood?
Yes. Designer Metals captures the authentic look and feel of real wood while keeping the strength and durability of steel. They offer realistic wood colors so your barn has the true beauty of wood without the weathering, sun damage, insect damage, chewing, or repainting that a wood barn demands.
What is the Kynar 500 paint system and why does it matter?
Designer Metals uses the Kynar 500 Paint System, which delivers a luxury finish without sacrificing durability. It is built to resist chalking and fading, so you can expect years of endurance with very minimal change in appearance. It is a key reason the siding holds its beauty over time.
What are the 7 layers of durability in Designer Metals panels?
Each panel is built with seven protective layers: a backside primer to guard against corrosion, a heavy-duty 28g base metal that hides wall imperfections, an AZ55 Galvalume base coat for added corrosion protection, a primer coating, the Kynar 500 coating for chalk and fade resistance, a print layer for finish and texture, and a clear coat to protect against scuffs and scratches. Together these steps produce one of the most durable and long-lasting finishes in the industry.
What colors and finishes are available?
There are nearly endless color choices, including browns, rust, blue, white, tan, stone, and wood looks, each produced with the 7 Layers of Durability. Designer Metals also offers stone finishes, which are popular for matching a barn to a stone home or simply for the look of stone with the ease and durability of steel.
Can contractors and building businesses work with Designer Metals?
Yes. Designer Metals welcomes business relationships with contractors and those in the building trade, and many contractors say it has increased their business by offering one-of-a-kind, elegant siding finishes that competitors don't carry on steel. They like to learn about your business and how you serve your customers, since customer experience drives referrals and repeat work.
How does the ordering and shipping process work?
Getting started is simple: you call and tell them about the barn you want to build, and they can offer ideas if you need them. Once they understand your needs, they coordinate with your barn builder to get the specifications and cut the siding to those exact specifications. Shipping is straightforward and they are available to answer your questions along the way.
How can I get a quote or see more photos from Designer Metals?
You can call Designer Metals at 336-468-4317 to talk through the barn of your dreams and get started. To see more photos and color options, visit their website at https://permaguardpro.com/. They welcome your call and are glad to help you every step of the way.
What is PermaGuard siding?
PermaGuard is Designer Metals' line of wood-look metal siding. It pairs the beauty, look, and feel of real wood with the strength and low maintenance of steel, using the KYNAR 500 Paint System and a high-definition woodgrain print layer. It is designed for barns, outbuildings, and homes that want a natural-wood appearance without the upkeep of lumber.
Is PermaGuard made by Designer Metals?
Yes. PermaGuard is the wood-look metal siding brand from Designer Metals, a panel and trim manufacturer that has been in business since 1999. Designer Metals fabricates the panels in-house at its Hamptonville, North Carolina plant. The PermaGuard brand is also showcased on the company's permaguardpro.com site, which features a live wood-look demo.
What gauge is PermaGuard metal siding?
PermaGuard uses a heavy-duty 28-gauge base metal. The thicker gauge adds rigidity, helps hide imperfections in the wall behind it, and stands up to harsh weather. It is engineered to resist fading, cracking, and warping over the life of the building.
How many layers of protection does PermaGuard have?
PermaGuard is built with a multi-layer construction that includes a backside primer coating to guard against corrosion, the steel base metal, a Galvalume base coat, a primer coating, the KYNAR 500 layer, the woodgrain print layer, and a clear coat. The backside coating is important because it protects the interior face of the panel where moisture can otherwise cause corrosion.
Does PermaGuard really look like wood?
Yes. A high-definition print layer reproduces authentic woodgrain over the steel, and finishes are available that mimic the natural look of cedar, pine, and weathered board. Certain styles also feature shadow lines and board-and-batten accents that add depth and dimension, replicating traditional Craftsman and farmhouse detail.
What panel profiles does Designer Metals offer?
Designer Metals offers nine panel profiles: the Traditional Panel, Classic AG Panel, B&B 32-inch Coverage Panel, Legacy Panel, Log Siding Panel, Standing Seam Panel, Hidden Fastener B&B, Lap Siding Panel, and LeakGuard Panel. The Log Siding and board-and-batten profiles are particularly suited to barns and rustic outbuildings.
How many colors are available?
Designer Metals offers more than 40 colors, including woodgrain prints and camo patterns. PermaGuard finishes range from warm browns and beiges to deep, rustic reds, plus signature wood-grain options like natural pine and shingle styles. Free samples can be requested so you can see and feel the finish before ordering.
What warranty comes with PermaGuard siding?
Designer Metals backs its paint with a 40-year warranty. Because the finish is built on the KYNAR 500 system, the coating resists chalking and fading for decades, giving long-term assurance of the panel's color and appearance.
How much maintenance does PermaGuard require?
Very little. Unlike wood or fiber-cement siding that needs scraping, repainting, or restaining every few years, PermaGuard is factory-finished and stays low-maintenance. A quick rinse with a garden hose is typically all that is needed to keep it looking pristine.
Why choose metal siding over wood for a barn?
Real wood siding splits, rots, warps, and attracts insects, and it must be repainted or restained every few years. PermaGuard delivers the look and feel of wood with the strength of steel, so it resists weather, rot, and pests while keeping a wood appearance. For a working horse barn, that means a durable exterior with far less ongoing labor.
What size panels can Designer Metals produce?
Designer Metals manufactures panels in lengths up to 55 feet, and every panel is cut to order. Standard production runs 2 to 3 days, with same-day or next-day rush orders available. Because each piece is made to order, all metal panels and trim are non-returnable.
Does Designer Metals make matching trim and accessories?
Yes. Beyond siding panels, Designer Metals supplies custom trim made to order in any profile, fastener clips, ridge caps, closures, and screws in #10 and #12 wood, metal, and specialty types. The company also offers matching doors and windows so an entire building can be finished from one source.
What premium add-ons are available?
Designer Metals offers decorative Accent Trusses in wood-printed steel for gables, deep-texture Embossing for added realism, and a Dropguard condensation-reduction option that helps control moisture buildup on the underside of panels. Dropguard is compatible with several of the panel profiles.
Where is Designer Metals located and how do I contact them?
Designer Metals is located at 4708 Hunting Creek Church Rd, Hamptonville, NC 27020. You can call (336) 468-4317 Monday through Friday from 7:45am to 5:00pm; the office is closed Saturday and Sunday. You can also request free samples or submit an online quote request through the Designer Metals website.
Can I get free samples before I buy PermaGuard siding?
Yes. Designer Metals lets you request free samples so you can evaluate the woodgrain finish and color in person before ordering. This is recommended because all panels are made to order and are not returnable once produced. To order, call (336) 468-4317 or submit an online quote request.
Is PermaGuard siding good for outdoor buildings and farm structures?
Yes. PermaGuard is marketed as a metal siding solution for outdoor buildings, and its weather resistance, low maintenance, and authentic wood look make it well suited to barns, run-in sheds, and farm outbuildings. The 28-gauge steel and KYNAR 500 finish are engineered to withstand harsh weather while keeping the rustic appearance horse owners want.
