6 Best Shed Siding Options For Better Protection

The shed siding you use can make or mar your shed, which is why it is important to use quality siding. The siding is the exterior part of your shed that comes in contact with the harsh environment and is usually the first to deteriorate. Siding options let you choose the type of exterior you put on your shed, no matter the style and size.

While saving costs is in the minds of many when building sheds, building a durable shed is even more important, and you can miss out on the latter by using poor siding options. It is important to find out the type of siding used even when buying premade sheds from shed companies, as some use low-quality materials to save costs. Some companies hide their materials, making it harder to identify the siding used for the shed.

Choosing the right shed siding will save you a lot in future maintenance and ensure the durability of your shed and its appeal. As much as quality shed siding options are functional, they are also aesthetically pleasing, which makes choosing the best siding all the more important. Here we’ll see some of the top shed siding options you can use, whether as a DIY shed builder, buying premade sheds, or employing the services of professional builders. However, before we jump into these options, let’s see why it is important to have quality shed sidings.

Qualities of a Good Siding Option

Before a shed siding option is classified as quality, it should satisfy some general conditions. These conditions separate average and poor sidings from the best. A good shed siding should possess some of these qualities:

1. Durability

Since sidings face harsh weather conditions outside, from extreme heat to cold and all the external stress, using sidings that can withstand these pressures is essential. Also, consider the shed sidings’ water resistance levels, as moisture can quickly become a huge problem, especially in wet seasons.

2. Less Maintenance

Maintenance is a huge factor when choosing shed siding since this can significantly affect the cost. Selecting the sidings that require little to no maintenance is always the best option to save you the stress and money it takes for frequent maintenance.

3. Cost-effectiveness

While quality shed sidings are typically more expensive than average, their cost effectiveness is far superior. You want to choose a siding with impressive cost-effectiveness that’ll make whatever price you pay seem like a bargain.

4. Aesthetics

Choose a shed siding that is aesthetically pleasing and would generally match the style of your other buildings. You also want to consider the type of finish it can take, as some do not need any coating, while others require painting or staining. Finally, the level of appeal will make the shed appealing and improve the value of the entire structure.

5. Installation

Some sidings are difficult to install, requiring special equipment and the help of professionals. In contrast, others can easily be fixed with simple tools and by DIY enthusiasts. Choosing the siding with the easiest installation process will be beneficial, especially for a DIY enthusiast.

Also Read:- 9 Attractive Lean-to-Shed Plans to Build in Your Garden

Best Shed Siding Options

What are your options when selecting siding for your shed? This section answers the question by providing the top shed sidings with reviews discussing their entry.

1. Basic Vinyl Shed Siding

Cost	$4 to $5 per square foot

Vinyl is an affordable material with impressive water resistance qualities made from synthetic or plastic material, making it suitable for areas with a lot of moisture. However, its durability is low, so it is not great for places with extreme cold, heat, or quick temperature changes. Vinyl materials can be molded in different shapes and be in vertical or horizontal alignment with each other.

Vinyl shed siding is resistant to insect attack. It does not rot and is easy to maintain by cleaning and patching with caulk. The cost of the vinyl siding depends on the type you choose, with brick, stone, and insulated vinyl being the most expensive.

Pros Cons

2. T1-11 Shed Siding

Cost	$3.56 to $6.48 per square foot

This material is made from the arrangement of thin layers of wood sheets or veneers, which are then glued, and heat pressed to form a stack. The material can be painted or stained; however, the finish will have to be reapplied every 5 to 10 years as the environment fades the paint and weakens the stain. There are two types of the T1-11 sidings: plywood and OSB, with plywood being the more durable and expensive type.

Moisture and rot are major issues for T1-11 sidings. However, you can reduce their effect by sealing, flashing, and trimming holes. Ensuring the board ends lap is also a good way to prevent moisture from entering inside the sheets and making them swell.

Pros & Cons

3. LP Smartside Shed Siding

Cost	$2 to $4 per square foot

LP Smartside is similar to T1-11 in appearance but sports different characteristics. The siding is manufactured through an environmentally friendly SFI-certified process, with the engineering wood association certifying it is structurally sound. The wood strands of this panel are immersed in zinc borate solution, heated, and pressed with marine wax before finally being mixed with resin glue. The resin-saturated smart guard finish comes into play to boost its durability and produce the tanned look widely common before painting.

The engineered wood is made especially for outdoor use, so it comes naturally with extra durability as it doesn’t crack, split, dent, or swell on exposure to water. There’s also a 50-year warranty on the product.

Pros & Cons

4. Bevel Shed Siding

Cost	$25 to $68 per square foot

Milling softwood planks to look like a wedge is the bevel shed siding, sometimes called clapboard or weatherboard. The layers of the bevel siding overlap in such a way it prevents moisture, insects, and the effect of the elements from affecting the bevel siding. This siding is nailed onto the studs with long galvanized ring nails.

Bevel shed siding is suitable for any climate. Bevel sidings are pieces of lumber resawn at angles where the butt on one end is thicker than the butt on another to ensure it is watertight. The panels can only be arranged horizontally due to the nature of the design.

Pros & Cons

5. Fiber-Cement Shed Siding

Cost	$5 to $25 per square foot

Rolling sand, cement, and cellulose into sheets and pressing them will form a Fiber-Cement material you can use as shed siding. It is best for areas with high UV rays and areas prone to wildfires since it is difficult to set ablaze. It can also withstand the damage caused by salt air, high humidity, or strong winds in the coastal areas and termites of fungus attack in warm areas.

This fiber-cement combination can also be painted for warm and cold climatic conditions, especially when you want a new one long later. In addition, its durability is high, with the siding able to last more than 30 years. However, the siding may be difficult to handle and install, so many require the help of professionals.

Pros & cons

6. Board and Batten Shed Siding

Cost

$1 to $10

If you’re looking for a traditional shed exterior material, board and batten is your go-to option with its series of wide boards and narrow strips known as batten combinations. The board and batten combination can be arranged horizontally, but it’s more common to find vertical arrangements. Vertically attached board and batten prevent moisture from entering through the seams.

Horizontal nailing strips work best here since the boards are attached parallel to the stud framework. Applying paint, stain, or vanishing improves its durability and lifespan. Weatherproof boards will ensure a long-standing shed even after strong winds and heavy rainfall.

Pros & Cons

Summary

Get the best exterior material for your shed to improve its look and enjoy the functionality of a durable material. The best shed sidings are naturally durable, easy to install, low maintenance, and more.