T-8 PlankWall: A Better Alternative To Longboard Siding & Knotwood
You want a walnut wood look for your siding, but you don’t want the problems or maintenance that goes along with wood. Luckily, there’s the alternative of using metal siding that is designed to replicate the appearance of walnut wood.
There are three types of metal panels that are made to mimic wood: T-8 PlankWall®, Longboard® Siding, and Fabral Knotwood™.
At Western States Metal Roofing, while we only manufacture T-8 PlankWall®, we want you to be fully informed of the differences between the three wood-inspired panels.
In this article, we will compare T-8 PlankWall®, Longboard Siding, and Fabral Knotwood™ based on:
- Cost
- Metal Panel Specifications
- Panel Warranty
- Material: Aluminum v. Galvalume Wood Grain Patterns
- Panel Applications
Cost
T-8 PlankWall®
The cost of T-8 PlankWall® is between $8-$11 per square foot.
Longboard Siding
The price of Longboard Siding ranges from $14- $18 per square foot.
Fabral Knotwood™
Fabral Knotwood™ can cost between $12- $15 per square foot.
Metal Panel Specifications
T-8 PlankWall®
T-8 PlankWall® is made from galvalume metal in a 24-gauge. The concealed fastener panels are 1 inch high, 8 inches wide and 1 foot to 45 feet long. They consist of formed metal sheets with vertical panel edges, with flush joints or reveal between panels. The reveal measures 7.75” face with .25 reveal.
The metal panels are painted to replicate woodgrains with four different patterns within each panel to prevent a repetitive, unnatural look.
Longboard Siding
Longboard® Siding is made from 1/8″ thick aluminum and has concealed fasteners. The length of each panel is 24 feet long with 3 profile sizes (4″ Groove, 6″ Groove, and 6″ Channel). The design is created with AAMA 2604 certified powder coatings.
Fabral Knotwood™
Fabral Knotwood™ is made from aluminum panels that are 18 feet, 6 inches in length. The wood grain pattern on the panels is created using ink and a polyurethane or polyester powder coating.
Panel Warranty
T-8 PlankWall®
T-8 PlankWall® painted panels come with a 40-year limited paint warranty. The surface will be either repainted, repaired, or replaced if crackling, flaking, or peeling occurs.
Longboard® Siding
Longboard siding panels come with a 15-year finish warranty that guarantees against buckling or corrosion. The panels will be repaired or replaced as long as the damage falls within the guidelines of the warranty.
Fabral Knotwood™
Fabral Knotwood™ comes with a 15-year finish warranty and a limited lifetime warranty.
Material: Aluminum v. Galvalume Wood-Grain Panels
There are certain conditions when you have to be careful about which panel you use.
While both Longboard® and Fabral Knotwood™ are made of aluminum, T-8 PlankWall® is made from galvalume.
Properties near the ocean, especially those that are within one mile from the ocean, are surrounded by a high amount of salt particles in the atmosphere. The galvalume tends to not hold up as well as aluminum does when exposed to salt spray. Any area with excessive moisture can also be problematic for galvalume.
To prevent any issues resulting from geographic elements, properties that are waterfront, or close to water, should not use T-8 PlankWall®.
Applications: What Can I Use Walnut Wood Metal Panels For?
There are different ways Walnut Wood metal panels can be used. The metal panels are made for interior and exterior applications and can be used either vertically or horizontally. Some ideas on how to use each panel are listed below.
T-8 PlankWall® Applications
-
- Interior Accent Wall
- Exterior Siding
- Soffit
- Interior Ceiling
- Interior Wall Panels
Longboard Siding Applications
-
- Cladding
- Linear Metal Soffits
- Linear Metal Ceilings
- Thermally Broken Sub-structure
- Link and Lock Battens
- Privacy Screens and Slats
Fabral Knotwood™
-
- Fencing
- Gates
- Screens
- Siding
- Soffits
- Battens
- Decking
- Awnings & Pergolas
- Railings
Alternative To Walnut Wood Siding: Metal Board and Batten
Metal board and batten siding panels in a walnut wood finish bring a captivating fusion of natural warmth and modern resilience to architectural design. These panels mimic the rich texture and intricate grain patterns of real walnut wood, creating an authentic and inviting appearance.
While both wood and metal siding have unique qualities of their own, the decision to use one over the other ultimately comes down to personal preference, maintenance needs, and financial constraints. Nevertheless, both architects and homeowners can enjoy the additional character provided by the walnut finish and the contemporary durability of a metal panel.
To gain more insight about our metal board and batten siding, you can visit our page all about Walnut Wood Metal Board and Batten Siding.
Which Wood-Grain Metal Panel Should I Use?
When you’re looking to incorporate a walnut wood aesthetic into your interior or exterior design without having to do any labor or maintenance to materials, you have multiple metal panel options to choose from.
Take factors such as your budget, location, project type and panel specifications into consideration to decide which metal panel is best for your project.
Continue on to learn more about T-8 PlankWall® Walnut Wood including product specifications and installation information.