If you’re looking for a sandwich panel, you have two options: buy it at a big-box store like Leroy Merlin or Obramat (formerly Bricomart), or order it custom-made from a specialized distributor. For a small shed or porch, the big-box store option is usually quick and convenient. For a roof slope longer than 6 meters, a specific color or thickness, or a project requiring matching flashing, ordering custom-made pays off.
Comparison: Big-Box Store or Custom Panel
Data from product sheets consulted on October 17, 2026. Store prices may change.
When the big-box store option pays off
- Small projects with short roof slopes (up to 6–7 m): sheds, outbuildings, porches, or woodsheds.
- Urgency: you need the material today or tomorrow and the available color and thickness work for you.
- Few pieces: if you only need 4 or 5 panels, paying for shipping on a custom order may not be worth it.
When ordering custom-made pays off
- Long roof slopes: with custom panels up to about 16 m, you avoid overlaps, which are the weakest point of a roof against water infiltration.
- Thickness and insulation: if you need 50, 80, or 100 mm, or rock wool for fire resistance.
- Homes or exposed facades: specific RAL colors, wood-look, or a tile color that matches the surroundings.
- Complete system: ridge, side, and corner flashing folded in matching color, plus the right fasteners.
- Large warehouses and big projects: above a certain quantity, the price per m² drops and shipping costs are shared.
What to check before buying, no matter where
- Usable width, not total width: a panel with a total width of 1.15 m may only cover 1 m of usable width. Calculate using the usable width.
- Core: PUR or PIR. PIR offers better fire resistance.
- Core and sheet thickness: more thickness means better insulation and allows wider spacing between purlins.
- Length of each piece: measure the roof slope including the overhang. If the store doesn’t have that length, you’ll need to overlap panels.
- Matching-color flashing: without it, the roof won’t be watertight.
To calculate how many panels you need, use the sandwich panel calculator. And to compare prices at your own pace, check the sandwich panel price per m² and our cheap sandwich panel section, with stock, clearance, and discounted items.
Frequently asked questions
Are Bricomart and Obramat the same thing?
Yes. Bricomart changed its name to Obramat in 2022. It’s the same building materials warehouse.
Does Leroy Merlin sell custom-made sandwich panels?
In the product sheets reviewed, panels are sold in fixed lengths (for example, from 2.5 to 6 m for the 3-rib panel). If you need a different length, a specific color, or more thickness, the usual approach is to order it from a distributor who will manufacture it to your specifications.
Where is the sandwich panel cheaper?
For a small number of standard-size pieces, the big-box store may be cheaper since you avoid paying for shipping. For large roofs, with custom lengths and flashing included, ordering from a distributor usually pays off, because it helps you avoid overlaps and cutoffs.
What sandwich panels do big-box stores sell?
Mainly 3-rib roof panels from 30 to 40 mm and tile-look panels, with a polyurethane core and few color options. For facades, rock wool, or greater thicknesses, the selection is more limited.
We’ll prepare a quote with the exact lengths, thickness, and flashing. Request a quote or call us at 683 442 608.
Sources consulted on 10/17/2026: Leroy Merlin product sheet, Leroy Merlin catalog, Obramat product sheet, and Obramat history.