Color Combination Tips for Your Pole Barn

Building a pole barn is a big decision. Arguably, a bigger decision is how to design your pole barn.

Lately, your spare time has consisted of scrolling through online galleries for inspiration. You didn’t realize how well some paint colors pair up, making it harder to narrow down your options.

After all, a pole barn is a permanent investment. You want to make sure that your decision fits your personal or professional taste.

Luckily for you, we compiled a list of helpful tips for selecting the perfect pole barn color combination.

Don’t have time to read this article? Watch this video to find out which paint colors are the most popular in post-frame construction.

4 Tips to Help You Choose a Pole Barn Color Combination

1) Select a Superior Pole Barn Paint System

First, paint systems play a significant role in helping your pole barn look “fresh” year after year.

Paint systems are identified by their resin type. Three primary resins are used for coating metal panels: polyester, silicone-modified polyester (SMP), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The latter two are standard options in modern post-frame construction.

We recommend using PVDF, also known as Kynar 500® since it’s the premium resin for post-frame construction. 

Its unique formula contains one of the strongest bonds known to humankind. A mixture of fluoropolymer resin and ceramic pigments produces excellent resistance to fading and weathering.

Most post-frame builders use a PVDF paint system. Some competitors offer metal panels coated with SMPs or Kynar 500. If given a choice, you should specify that you’ll only accept steel finished with the latter.

The end result is a durable structure that withstands abrasion, ultraviolet radiation, extreme weather, chemicals, and solvents.

To prove this statement, we traveled with McElroy Metal to Sherwin-Williams' "test fence" facility in Fort Myers, Florida. Watch the video below to better understand the benefits of a PVDF (Kynar 500) paint system.

2) Choose Your Pole Barn Colors (Wisely)

Before you start selecting paint colors, you should consider your surroundings. 

Do you have an existing structure (e.g., house) on the property you’d like to match? If so, ask your post-frame builder for swatches that closely fit your color scheme.

Editor’s Note: “Close” doesn’t mean “exact.” Often, it’s easier to use a complementary color rather than a match.

If you’re the type of person who needs everything to be “exact,” ask your post-frame builder about custom paint colors. This upgrade will (most likely) cost extra.

If you’re not worried about coordinating with an existing structure, then your options are wide open.

We recommend looking at other pole barns, whether online pictures or taking a Sunday drive, for design inspiration. You should also ask your post-frame builder if they have any planning resources (e.g., brochures or online tools).

3) Follow the Pole Barn Color Selection Guidelines

Next, customers make their selection based on one of the following color schemes:

Editor’s Note: The designer wall, commonly referred to as wainscoting, isn’t considered trim. Typically, it’s the same color as the roof, whether blended or accented. More on this building feature in a moment…

4) Other Pole Barn Color Questions You Should Consider

Below, we provided the answers to our frequently asked questions (FAQs) about pole barn colors.

Don't have time to read the rest of this article? We created a handout of our FAQs for easy reference (or later reading). Please click the link below to download this document.

A) What color choices do I need to make?

Once you choose a color scheme, it’ll be applied to the following areas:

• • Doors
  • Primary walls
  • Roof
  • Trim
  • Windows

You’ll want to make sure that your color combination complements these building components.

B) How many colors should I choose?

Most customers select two paint colors, while some only choose one (e.g., Regal White). A small percentage use three, with the third color used as an accent.

Ultimately, the number of colors used in your building design is up to you. There is no right or wrong answer.

C) If I choose two colors, should I put the darker shade on the roof or walls?

Most people prefer light walls with a dark roof and trim. Again, color fading isn’t an issue with the Kynar 500 paint system.

D) Do you have any advice on using a third paint color?

Proceed with caution. Although three-color combinations look sharp, they're challenging to perfect.

If color selection isn’t your forte, it’s best to stick with two hues. But if you’re willing to give it a try, a third color should be close to one of the main accents.

E) Which paint colors look best together?

That’s a great question! Color preference is subjective. The key to an eye-catching color combination is ensuring sufficient contrast between the two shades. 

Listed below are some two-color combinations that customers have enjoyed over the years.

Editor’s Note: This list is a starting point and doesn’t list all possible pleasing color combinations. As mentioned above, there is no right or wrong answer.

F) Are some colors more expensive than others?

Please check with your post-frame builder to see if all standard colors are the same price. It shouldn’t have a dramatic effect on your pole barn cost.

G) What is the purpose of a designer wall (wainscoting)?

Wainscot is a wooden panel used to boost interior appeal. Many homeowners and interior designers use wainscoting as a way to enhance plain-Jane walls.

Similarly, a wainscot is used as a decorative steel panel in pole barn construction. 

The height varies. A 3’ or 4’ strip of steel is added along the exterior base of your post frame building. You can have one-sided, two-sided, three-sided, or four-sided wainscoting.

Moreover, a designer wall enhances curb appeal by providing a visual break. It helps tie the pole barn together.

Owners can upgrade their steel wainscot to something more unique, such as versetta stone. Other exterior options include: 

• • Brick
  • Stucco
  • Various siding products (e.g., aluminum, cedar, and vinyl)

Furthermore, wainscoting serves as a protective layer. 

Repairing a wainscot is easier and less expensive. When the metal panel is damaged, it’s usually in the lower portion. Replacing a 3’ panel is cheaper than a full 16’ panel.

We recommend installing pole barn wainscoting. Trust us; it’ll save you headaches and money in the long run.

Editor's Note: When you're ready to select your pole barn colors, your Project Sales Consultant (PSC) will send you a Color Selector form to fill out. You'll need to specify the paint color of each building feature. We highly recommend familiarizing yourself with the following illustration.

Which Pole Barn Colors Will You Choose?

Do you want to see how certain colors will look on your dream pole barn? You can design your post-frame building with our online 3D tool. Save, print, or email your floor plan to family and friends.

Are you ready to request a quote? Submit your building design to us, and a member of our sales team will give you a call to begin the estimating process.

Have more questions about pole barn colors not covered in this article? Please contact FBi Buildings at 1.800.552.2981 or click here to email us. If you are ready to get a price, click here to request a quote and a member of our sales team will call you.