Perforated Metal Panel Details: Everything Architects Need to Know

Perforated metal panels can act as railings, wall panels, rain screens, and privacy partitions. Including them in your project provides flexibility in not only their application but also in the range of customization options that allow you to tailor the perforation pattern, handrails, top rails, and finish to the desired aesthetic. Their strength and stability make them an ideal choice for code compliance and safety in commercial spaces. 

Material Options

Perforated metal panels can use stainless steel, steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, and copper. At VIVA Railings, we focus on 304 or 316 stainless steel in our 1” wide perforated metal panels. This material has superior durability and corrosion resistance, allowing it to stand up to daily use with minimal maintenance. 316 stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance because it contains molybdenum. This makes it a good choice for exterior applications, especially in coastal areas. 304 stainless steel is the more affordable option and is also suitable for exterior applications. It is also a good choice for interior applications where it will be protected from the elements. 

Perforation Patterns

Perforated panels can feature round perforations in various sizes, elongated slotted perforations both vertical and horizontal, and square perforations. This variety means the perforation will fit the design specifications to create a panel that filters light and helps to control sound while offering just the right level of privacy. 

The size of the openings dictates the “open area” of the panel expressed as a percentage. Our PMSL-0325 slotted pattern, for instance, has an open area of 43% while the square pattern on PMSQ-1013 has an open area of 56%. The amount of open area will affect the light control and privacy it offers. 

Finishes

Metal offers a stunning look on its own, but to further enhance the customization and elevate your project’s design, you can choose from our range of finishing options. Two stainless steel choices, #6 Satin and #8 Mirror, along with powder-coated finishes, PVDF finishes, and CeraShield finishes let you choose the right one for your architectural application. We offer a wide range of colors to capture the project’s aesthetics including furthering brand aesthetics. 

Post and Handrail Style

Another way to customize the perforated metal panels is through post style choice. Our metal systems include post options that include round and square posts, but we also offer our BLADE and FIN styles. Some designs forego posts altogether in favor of a FRAME panel style where the panels are installed close together and remove the need for posts.

Handrails are available in code-compliant profiles and a range of materials including stainless steel, maple, red oak, and cherry. 

Fabrication Considerations

Perforations are punched into the sheet metal in a repeated pattern to create a consistent look. The panels are smooth on both sides reducing any discomfort or chance of snags. Depending on the system, panels can be attached to the posts via spider or clamp methods. All systems can include a top rail as well as a handrail to meet building code and safety requirements. Our on-site fabrication team and fabrication facility brings your designs to life with advanced technology and in-house control.  

How Perforated Metal Panel Design Impacts Performance

Perforated metal panel design affects the following aspects of panel performance:

• Airflow: Larger perforations will allow for more airflow through the panels.
• Light and UV control: The perforated panels can block light and control UV exposure in spaces with natural light, reducing glare and discomfort.
• Privacy: Areas that would benefit from more privacy should lean towards smaller perforations and a lower open area percentage. Where privacy isn’t a concern, larger perforated metal panel detail may be preferred.
• Structural integrity: Our fabrication process ensures structural integrity regardless of panel perforation design. 

Common Applications

Railings

Perforated metal railings create superior safety while supporting overall design goals. Features like metal or wood handrails, a range of finish options, and a selection of perforation designs allows you to customize our prefabricated systems to your exact design specifications. 

Facades

Our MetalSpaces systems offer metal facades. Choosing a perforated facade detail helps control the amount of light that enters the space as well as increases privacy and architectural interest. For additional design interest, a backlit perforated metal panel detail gives you the opportunity to create something truly unique. 

Interior features

MetalSpaces systems can also be used to create interior features from partitions to wall installations that enhance the overall design. 

Screens

Choosing perforated metal panels as screens allows you to shield areas from the elements or from view. This is a popular strategy for concealing utilities, like HVAC units, or waste management areas. Screens can also be used on exterior staircases and walkways to manage wind, rain, snow, and sun exposure.

Work with VIVA Railings to Choose the Ideal Perforated Metal Panel System

Our team of designers, fabricators, and installation professionals will be your partner in architectural excellence. When you connect with our team, we’ll walk through your design goals and project specifications to help you choose the ideal perforated metal panel system. Our prefabricated systems are customizable and designed in partnership with you and your team, so the finished project is a source of pride for everyone involved.

Contact the experts at VIVA Railings today to discuss your project and learn more about how perforated metal panels can help it come to life.