Exterior sheathing for Cabin

[hard8]

Planning to build a cabin and wanted feedback regarding the exterior sheathing. For cost purposes, I have narrowed my choices to (2) types: Masonite and Rough sawn plywood. With these types of sheathing, will I need to do anything special between the studs and the sheathing, other than housewrap, and is masonite rigid enough for the corners? Thanks!

[Rich]

From your description it sounds like you will not be putting sheathing against the studs and will use the exterior finish material for shear strength. In that case I would go against using masonite as it has very little shear value. The plywood would be my choice.
Best case scenario would be to put up 1/2" OSB then housewrap and then the exterior finish material. If no OSB - I would definately put housewrap and backing at the seams of the exterior sheathing material to try and stop the sheathing from buckling and letting water in.
Take care of the actual finish (paint / stain) for the plywood or whatever material you choose. If not properly sealed from the elements it won't be long (2 years max) before it begins to de-laminate.

[hard8]

My original post was inaccurate as I meant to get feedback on using Rough sawn plywood siding or Cement Fiber Board (masonite) as both the sheathing and the exterior siding, nailing it directly to the studs. Sheathing under this material seems redundant esp. for the plywood. Sorry for the confusion.

[Rich]

With plywood you will get very good shear strength with nailing it directly to the studs... but not much weather protection (that's where the layer of under-sheathing helps). For better protection you can use z-metal flashing at all the horizontal seams. As for the cement board I wouldn't do it without OSB sheathing behind it. The board itself gives zero shear strength to a wall.

[cheese]

I would stay away from masonite, there is currently a class action lawsuit against the company dealing with siding products. Check out www.masonitclaims.com

[Rich]

I believe hard8 mispoke when calling it masonite. I believe he was speaking of cement board siding.
Also the website is www.masoniteclaims.com