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5 Most Popular Options for Shed Siding (Pros & Cons)

A weekend of hard work has paid off. You have built your shed- the perfect place to store garden or recreational equipment, or even work on crafts and projects.

Just a minute- your shed does not have any siding. Since keeping it bare is not a suitable option, I am here to share 5 Most Popular Options for Shed Siding available for your consideration.

What is the Purpose of Siding?

Shed Siding

Shed siding is as much functional as it is aesthetic. Siding aims to protect your shed structure from the elements. But, at the same time, you should aim to complement your home’s exterior charm.

Today’s market is full of siding options; however, each material has a distinct set of benefits and drawbacks. This article will provide you with a list of the 5 Most Popular Options for Shed Siding.

If you are ready, then let’s explore each material and its most common features. Finally, we will conclude with the most recommended siding option for your shed.

What Features are Worth Considering?

If you are ready to decide on shed siding, please understand that you have various features to consider before purchasing. After all, this is an investment into your home and landscape, and I am sure you are looking for something that will last.

Here is a quick reference list of features you can look back on as you explore various siding products:

  • Cost: Is the projected budget for your shed flexible to accommodate a significant increase or decrease in price depending on the material and design choice for siding.
  • Durability: Will the siding material you choose hold up to the climate and environment you live in?
  • Lifespan: What is the duration of the warranty provided by the siding manufacturer?
  • Weather-resistant: Does the siding have recommended sealing methods to allow your structure to breathe and resist water intrusion simultaneously?
  • Aesthetics: Does the siding of your shed complement your home’s exterior and neighborhood?
  • DIY friendly: How much experience do you need to install the siding material? Will you have to acquire specialty tools for its installation?
  • Maintenance: How often should you clean your siding? How costly is it to repair, and should a repair be left for the professionals?

Most Popular Shed Siding

Most Popular Shed Siding

Often, homeowners will use plywood or OSB for shed siding. Therefore, I must briefly mention them before jumping into the 5 Most Popular Options for Shed Siding.

Plywood and OSB are primarily used for sheathing purposes and intended to be covered. Therefore, both manufacturers produce them in 4′ by 8′ panels.

Depending on its application, plywood is made by gluing together three or more layers of softwood or hardwood. OSB, on the other hand, is engineered wood made by gluing together wood chips and strands.

If you choose them as siding, you should paint or stain each of these materials almost immediately after installation for the best weather resistance.

Of the two, I would personally recommend plywood over OSB as siding partly because of its durability, and you can work it with relative ease. In addition, you may choose T1-11 plywood to garner the same aesthetic appeal as a batten-and-board finish.

In any case, plywood and OSB are readily available on the market, and you can trust them as a tried and tested siding material used by homeowners everywhere.

But, what are the 5 Most Popular Options for Shed Siding?

  1. Vinyl Siding is a plastic exterior siding engineered with polyvinyl chloride. Vinyl is a popular siding option given its price point, versatility, durability, and weather-resistant properties.
  2. Engineered Wood is a composite wood manufactured by chemically binding strands and fibers of various softwoods or hardwoods.
  3. Metal siding typically refers to aluminum or steel sheets produced in various designs that require very little maintenance. Additionally, it offers excellent resistance against rot, insects, and mold.
  4. Natural Wood can be adapted to fit any structure. Its aesthetical appeal is highly sought after and is a naturally sustainable option.
  5. Hardiplank is a type of fiber-cement siding composed of “wood pulp, silica sand or ash, Portland cement, and water.”

Now the time has come to analyze each of these beautiful siding options more closely. We will specifically look at features, cost, benefits, and drawbacks to help you make a better-informed decision for your shed.

 

Siding Material Options Explained

I want to re-emphasize that the siding you choose for your shed will affect its durability and aesthetic function. I hope that you will find a material that you like and can trust to protect your shed by the time you finish reading my 5 Most Popular Options for Shed Siding list.

1. Vinyl Siding

Vinyl Shed Siding

Features

Manufacturers offer vinyl siding in hundreds of colors, thicknesses, and designs. You can have it installed horizontally or vertically with board-and-batten, shake shingle, dutch lap, scalloped or scale profiles.

Cost

Vinyl siding can cost anywhere between $3.00 and $15.00 per square foot, depending on thickness, quality, and design profile.

Pros

  • versatility
  • durability
  • lifespan between 15 and 60 years depending on its quality
  • offers excellent weather resistance if installed correctly
  • low maintenance
  • moderate cost profile
  • insulated versions available
  • DIY friendly

Cons

  • trim pieces and extra materials can significantly increase project cost
  • not biodegradable
  • can be susceptible to unsightly fading, warping, and cracking
  • can lower your home’s resale value in some preserved neighborhoods

 

2. Engineered Wood

Wood Shed siding

Features

The engineered wood design offers a technological advantage over natural wood siding. In addition, some options provide treatments that protect against rot and wood parasites.

Manufacturers produce engineered wood to eliminate flaws, become better resistant against deterioration, and become more maintenance-friendly.

Cost

Expect to pay between $5.00 and $7.50 per square foot for engineered wood siding. If you have never worked with engineered wood before, consider hiring a professional contractor to install your shed siding.

On average, engineered wood’s material and installation cost should run between $7.95 and $12.95 per square foot. Engineered wood is typically manufactured in 4′ by 8′ panels.

Pros

  • low maintenance other than re-painting every 5-7 years
  • durable
  • doesn’t chip, dent, rot easily
  • manufacturing treatments prevent rot, mold, mildew, fungus, and pests
  • material and installation is not very expensive
  • also available in a variety of colors, finishes, and textures

Cons

  • lifespan is estimated between 20 and 30 years but has not been around long enough for certainty
  • unnatural look
  • chemically enhanced binding agents are not eco-friendly
  • small cracks or hard-to-see damage will let moisture in

 

3. Metal

Metal shed siding

Features

Metal siding is a perfect choice if you enjoy that industrialized look. You can install metal siding horizontally or vertically, and it is available in tin, aluminum, steel, corrugated steel, zinc, and copper options.

Homeowners generally decide between an aluminum or steel panel, typically manufactured with 36 inches of coverage. In addition, metal siding manufacturers offer various thicknesses for your project needs, also known as its gauge.

Cost

Although you can pay much less (tin) or much more (zinc, copper), you should budget between $3.00 and $8.00 per square foot of aluminum or steel siding.

Pros

  • superior durability
  • reasonably priced
  • can last for 50-60 years with ease
  • 100% recyclable
  • tax credits are available
  • fire-resistant
  • easy to clean and maintain
  • can be painted
  • resists mold, rot, and insects

Cons

  • metal siding can be punctured, bent, and dented (use a higher gauge to help prevent this)
  • could rust if scratched
  • heavier material
  • generally recommended having installed professionally

 

4. Natural Wood

Natural Wood shed siding

Features

Natural wood is an all-time favorite and has proven to be environmentally and practically advantageous. Manufacturers offer various styles, including clapboard, board-and-batten, drop-channel, tongue-and-groove, split logs, and shake or shingle siding.

You can choose between softwood or hardwood options, but before you make your purchase, be sure to understand the upkeep and maintenance necessary to extend the life of your wood siding.

Natural wood is eco-friendly if farmed by a company that adheres to stringent forest protection initiatives. However, natural wood can attract birds and insects and be vulnerable to water damage if not sealed correctly.

Cost

Natural wood siding prices range between $1.00 and $15.00 per square foot. In addition, you will incur maintenance costs for the life of your natural wood siding to ensure it maintains its functionality and stays looking like new.

Besides regular cleaning, you should have your siding professionally inspected for deficiencies every two years. In addition to this, you will need to clean your siding and reapply a finishing coating (paint, stain, or oil) every three to five years, depending on weathering and personal situation.

Pros

  • aesthetically pleasing
  • moderately priced depending on wood type and profile
  • natural wood can be smooth or rough finished
  • if you so choose, it can be left to age gracefully
  • can be painted, stained, or varnished
  • DIY friendly installation for some profiles; others (i.e., shake or shingle or scalloped) may benefit from a professional contractor
  • eco-friendly

Cons

  • regular inspections are necessary
  • long term maintenance and upkeep is critical
  • cleaning and reapplication of finished coating is vital
  • can crack, split, warp, and rot
  • attracts insects and birds

 

5. Hardiplank

Hardiplank shed siding
Image

Features

These boards, originally designed to withstand harsher elements, are an extremely reliable siding option. In addition, these fiber-cement boards nowadays mimic cedar plank, shingles, and shakes.

Manufacturers warranty Hardiplank for up to 30 years, but professional installation is a must; improper installation can lead to mold and rot.

Cost

Hardiplank siding prices teeter between $4.00 and $8.10 per square foot of material. Then, on top of that, add an extra $2.10 to $5.40 per square foot of installation.

Pros

  • comes in various styles, colors, and profiles
  • usually, come primed or pre-painted (may include 15-year finishing warranty)
  • does not swell, buckle, or crack
  • highly durable
  • resists moisture, mold, and pests
  • fire resistant and non-combustible (“it will not burn and endorsed by fire departments.”)
  • relatively easy to clean
  • provides insulation
  • eco-friendly materials

Cons

  • heavy to work with
  • requires special tools for cutting
  • requires professional installation
  • regular maintenance includes caulking and re-painting
  • extended time for installation (10-12 days)

 

A Quick Review

I began this article with a brief overview of plywood and OSB as shed siding possibilities. My aim throughout has been to introduce you to many other options on the market, thus creating this 5 Most Popular Options for Shed Siding list.

I have informed you of some distinctive features, prices, pros, and cons of 5 lovely and functional siding materials, including vinyl siding, engineered wood, metal, natural wood, and Hardiplank.

Drumroll ple-aa-ss-ee! It’s time to discover the Most Recommended shed siding option.

Most Recommended

Although it is considered a special item product, thus requiring additional time for order fulfillment, you can achieve that industrial, classic, or rustic look you want.

Hence, metal siding is this article’s Most Recommended shed siding option. Metal siding is practically maintenance-free and is highly resistant to weather, rot, mold, and pests.

More specifically, aluminum is corrosion-resistant, thus making it a great option if you live in coastal areas. However, steel is a heavier alternative if you desire superior strength (although prone to rust and oxidization).

I love that this siding choice is 100% recyclable and can even earn me a tax credit.

But my favorite characteristic of metal siding (and roofs, for that matter)is that they both offer a meditative symphony during a good rainfall.

Its Time For You to Decide

I have provided you with some beautiful shed siding options, including my all-time favorite. I hope that you feel better informed about what is available in today’s market. The possibilities are limitless.

Would you please use the quick reference list of features when you explore various siding products?

I am excited that your shed project is near completion. Take your time to consider your options, and I am confident the result will be magnificent.

Please comment below with your shed siding journey or any questions or concerns you have along the way.

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