Shed Sheathing/Siding Options

[davidshackelford]

I am building a tool shed (8' x 14'). I am trying to find the cheapest way to both sheathe and side the shed. At this point, I only have the 2 x 4 framing up.

I have narrowed my siding/sheathing options to these three options:

a.) Hardi-plank siding
8” x 8’ @ $5.50
$1.03 per sq. ft.

b.) “Smart Siding”
8” x 16’ @ $6.50
$0.60 per sq. ft.

c.) T1-11 Plywood Siding.
4’ x 8’ @ $20.00
$0.63 per sq. ft.

I am leaning towards the “Smart Siding” because it is the cheapest, and I have heard good reviews. I would like to use the hardi-plank, yet I am reluctant on how to cut it, and also it is a bit pricy.

What are your recommendations?

Thanks!

[Rich]

It really comes down to what and how much you want to maintain on it. The Hardi-plank will probably last the longest with the least amount of maintenance. Where the T1-11 will probably be the hardest to maintain with painting every 5 years or less.
I think the Smart Siding is a "smart" choice.. :) and I'm not a rep either...hah.
As far as cutting hardi-plank - it can be done with shears very easily - and it is pricey.. but you do get something like a 50 years warranty if that matters.

[doyle]

SmartSide also comes in 4x8 sheets and costs about $18 a sheet at Home Depot. It's what I use on all my storage buildings and have had no problems. It's basically a gussied-up OSB sheet, already primed. Just be sure and use galvanized ring-shank nails and paint your shed promptly.

[davidshackelford]

Wow! Thanks for the quick replies. I will look into the 4 x 8 smart side panels. Thanks!

[mjpliv]

There was a product available a few years ago that we had some success with up north and if I am not mistaken it was put out by Louisiana_Pacific and was called Southern Yellow Pine sheathing with decorative vertical milling in the surface. It was a ship lapped joint and available in 3/8" and 5/8" both in 4x8 sheets. The stuff stained beautifully and I did not see any indication of delamination over time.