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7 Stunning Paint Colors and Siding Options for Your Best Barns Shed
You have successfully assembled your Best Barns shed, and with the sturdy SecureTruss™ framing in place, the structure looks solid in your backyard. The LP® SmartSide® siding is installed and ready for the final touch, which brings us to the fun part. You get to decide exactly how your new building looks.
Choosing the right color scheme can instantly transform a simple storage building into a stunning landscape feature that complements your home. Since Best Barns DIY shed kits arrive with pre-primed siding, the hard prep work is already behind you. You just need to pick your palette and start painting. This guide explores creative shed painting ideas to help you style your new space.
Key Takeaways
- Pre-Primed Surface: Best Barns siding arrives primed, meaning you can skip the base coat and start painting immediately after assembly.
- Use Acrylic Latex: Always choose high-quality exterior 100% acrylic latex paint for the best durability on SmartSide panels.
- Seal the Seams: Apply paintable caulk to all trim and panel joints to prevent water damage and ensure a clean finish.
- Match Your Style: Choose colors that complement your home or garden, such as Sage Green for landscaping or Barn Red for a classic look.
- Protect the Doors: Steel doors may require specific paint application methods, so always read the label on the door before painting.
- Monochromatic Options: Painting the trim and siding the same color creates a modern, seamless appearance perfect for workspace sheds.
Table of Contents
- The Perfect Canvas: LP® SmartSide® Siding
- 7 Paint Color Ideas to Inspire You
- 1. Classic Barn Red
- 2. Modern Charcoal and Black
- 3. Crisp Farmhouse White
- 4. Coastal Navy Blue
- 5. Natural Sage Green
- 6. Earthy Taupe and Brown
- 7. The Two-Tone "Wainscot" Look
- Painting Tips for Best Barns Kits
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Perfect Canvas: LP® SmartSide® Siding
Before we look at colors, it helps to understand the material you are working with. Best Barns sheds use LP® SmartSide® siding, an engineered wood product that comes factory-primed with a light tan color.
This material features a deep cedar grain texture that holds paint exceptionally well, so you don't need to sand it or apply a base coat of primer. You simply need high-quality exterior 100% acrylic latex paint, making the entire painting process fast and satisfying.
7 Paint Color Ideas to Inspire You
We have selected seven distinct styles that work beautifully with Best Barns models, helping you find the perfect match for your yard.
1. Classic Barn Red
You cannot go wrong with tradition, especially if you have the Planner's Paradise or the Backyard Basecamp.
- The Look: Paint the main siding a deep, rustic red.
- The Trim: Use bright white for the corner trim, door frames, and crossbucks to make them pop.
- Why It Works: This combination highlights the classic gambrel roofline and gives your yard a timeless, country feel that never goes out of style.
2. Modern Charcoal and Black
If you chose the Handcrafted Homestead, consider a sleek, modern aesthetic.
- The Look: Use a dark charcoal grey or matte black for the siding.
- The Trim: Paint the trim the same dark color for a monochromatic, seamless appearance.
- Why It Works: This approach makes the shed recede visually, looking more like a high-end architectural studio or office than a standard storage unit.
3. Crisp Farmhouse White
The "Modern Farmhouse" style is incredibly popular right now and works exceptionally well on the Handmade Haven.
- The Look: A distinct, bright white siding.
- The Trim: You can keep the trim white for a clean look or paint it black for high contrast.
- Why It Works: White reflects light to make the shed feel larger while providing a clean, airy aesthetic that matches almost any home exterior.
4. Coastal Navy Blue
The Sophisticated Salt Box features a unique roofline that resembles Cape Cod architecture, making it perfect for a nautical theme.
- The Look: A deep, nautical navy blue.
- The Trim: Crisp white or light gray to frame the structure.
- Why It Works: This combination feels sophisticated and breezy, adding a nice pop of color to your property without looking chaotic or out of place.
5. Natural Sage Green
If your shed is sitting in a garden or near a wooded area, you might want it to blend into the environment. This is a great choice for the Handmade Haven.
- The Look: A soft, earthy sage or moss green.
- The Trim: Cream or natural beige to keep the tones warm.
- Why It Works: The green complements your lawn and plants, allowing the shed to become a subtle backdrop for your flowers rather than the focal point.
6. Earthy Taupe and Brown
Many homeowners need to match their Homeowners Association (HOA) rules, making neutral tones a safe and stylish bet.
- The Look: A warm taupe or beige body.
- The Trim: Darker brown or bronze to add depth.
- Why It Works: This scheme looks grounded and substantial, coordinating well with brick or stone houses for a unified property look.
7. The Two-Tone "Wainscot" Look
Some Best Barns instructions allow you to install trim horizontally, giving you the chance to use paint to mimic a wainscoting effect.
- The Look: Paint the bottom third of the shed a darker shade and the top a lighter color.
- The Trim: Use a horizontal trim board to separate the two colors cleanly.
- Why It Works: It breaks up the height of tall walls, which is particularly effective on taller models like the Homestead XL.
Painting Tips for Best Barns Kits
Caulk Before You Paint
You must caulk the vertical seams where the panels meet as well as around the door and window trim to keep water out.
Use the Right Paint
Always buy "100% Acrylic Latex" exterior paint because oil-based paint can affect the texture of the LP® SmartSide®.
Paint the Doors Separately
If you have steel doors, check the manufacturer's label since most come primed but might need a specific paint type for metal.
Don't Forget the Edges
Remember to paint the bottom edge of the siding panels to seal the wood against moisture from the ground.
Have any questions or would like to place an order? We'd love to help! Chat with our friendly customer service team by calling 1-844-945-3625, chatting in on our website or email us at customersupport@wildoaktrail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of paint should I use on my shed
You should use 100% acrylic latex exterior paint. This type of paint expands and contracts with the wood siding and provides excellent weather protection.
Do I need to prime the shed before painting?
No, Best Barns kits use LP® SmartSide® siding which comes factory-primed. You can apply your finish paint directly to the siding after assembly.
How many coats of paint do I need?
We recommend applying two coats of high-quality paint. This ensures full color coverage and maximizes the warranty protection of the siding.
Can I paint the shed before I assemble it?
Yes, you can paint the panels before installation. However, you will still need to touch up the nail heads and caulk lines after the shed is built.
Should I use a brush or a roller?
A roller works best for the large siding panels, while a brush is necessary for the trim, corners, and detailed areas around the windows and doors.
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