Choose Graepels for Your Steel Cladding
Steel cladding is a durable and versatile option for both architectural and industrial applications. It enhances the visual appeal of buildings while offering long-lasting protection against harsh environments. The term “steel” covers a wide range of iron-carbon alloys, including mild steel, galvanized steel, and stainless steel, each suited to different purposes depending on factors like strength, finish, and resistance.
At Graepels, we manufacture perforated steel cladding and steel wall panels in a range of materials, tailored to suit each project’s specific requirements. With decades of experience in precision sheet metal fabrication, our team works closely with architects, engineers, and contractors to deliver bespoke cladding solutions that combine strength, performance, and visual appeal.
The Benefits of Our Steel Cladding
- Tough and impact-resistant: The various materials ‘mild steel ‘stainless steel, etc, offers excellent strength for use in high-traffic or exposed locations. The thickness of the material and the ‘hole’ size will also determine the strength to weight ratio.
- Clean, sharp appearance: Generally Aluminium and stainless are most suitable for modern facades and industrial settings alike.
- Weather-resistant options: Available in galvanised, stainless, and coated finishes to suit outdoor use.
Versatile design potential: Can be perforated, folded, and fabricated for functional or decorative purposes. - Low maintenance: Designed to stand up to wear with minimal upkeep.
- Ideal for acoustic, shading, or ventilation roles: When perforated, steel cladding can provide performance as well as visual appeal.
- Made to order: Customised sizing, patterns, and sheet specifications available for all steel cladding panels.
Why Choose Aluminium Cladding Panels?
Aluminium is one of the most adaptable sheet metal cladding materials, offering strength without unnecessary weight. Ideal for outdoor use, and it performs well in both commercial and architectural applications. Whether you’re designing for form or function, aluminium cladding is a reliable and flexible option.
Why Choose Aluminium Cladding Over Other Materials?
Aluminium is lightweight, durable and easy to fabricate, making it ideal for both architectural and functional cladding. Unlike heavier metals, it’s lighter and easier to install, easier to handle and transport. Aluminium cladding offers excellent design flexibility and is fully recyclable, making it a smart choice for sustainable and modern construction.
A Guide to Choosing the Right Steel Cladding
There are several factors to consider when specifying steel cladding, from material grade to finish and panel format.
1. Choose Between Perforated or Solid Panels
Perforated steel cladding is popular in architectural projects where visual impact meets ventilation, shading or acoustic performance.
Solid steel wall panels are often used in industrial settings or as part of robust facade systems, offering a clean and functional exterior.
2. Select the Right Steel Sheet Cladding Format
Sheet size: Standard formats include 2mx1m, 2.5mx1.25m and 3mx1.5m, with larger sizes up to 4mx2m and 6m available on request.
Sheet thickness: Our standard range is 0.75mm to 4mm, it is important to consider the weight of the panels as additional weight becomes difficult for installation, handling and transport..
How many sheets will you need? Our team can support you in calculating the correct quantities based on area, layout and fixing method.
3. Tailor Your Steel Cladding Design
Steel cladding can be highly customised depending on project needs.
Aperture: Choose from a wide range of perforation sizes (1.5mm to 20mm) with other larger apertures available on request for bespoke pattern.
Percentage open area: Standard tooling allows for 0% to 60% open area (perforation) or 80% if using woven wire mesh . Customisation is possible depending on design and airflow can be increased by forming the panels into 3D shapes.
Picture perf: We can convert imagery or branding into functional steel panels using our picture perforation service.
4. Consider Finishes and Fabrication Options
Finishes: Choose from galvanised, powder-coated, stainless, or painted options depending on the application environment.
Fabrication: Our in-house services include folding, bolt holing, roll bending, flattening and more, giving you full control over final panel form.
Industries That Use Our Steel Cladding Panels
Graepels steel cladding is trusted by clients across sectors such as:
- Industrial facilities, including factories, plants and logistics centres
- Commercial buildings, such as warehouses, retail units and offices
- Transport hubs, including train stations and airports
- Educational and healthcare buildings, where strength and cleanliness matter
- Cultural and public venues, using perforated steel for decorative and acoustic roles
- Infrastructure and utilities, requiring long-lasting, durable panel systems
- Renovation and retrofit projects, upgrading exterior performance and visual appeal
Partner with Graepels for Bespoke Steel Cladding Panels
With over 65 years of experience in precision metal fabrication, Graepels is a trusted name for tailored steel cladding solutions. We don't just manufacture sheet metal, we collaborate with specifiers and fabricators to help bring complex ideas to life, supporting your project from early-stage design to final delivery.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your next project, request samples, or talk through specification options for your perforated steel cladding or steel wall panels.