When designing a shed, you need to have an effective plan for dealing with extreme temperatures, pests, and moisture. This is where the type of shed siding you choose becomes important.
Such a seemingly small factor can have a huge impact on how comfortable your shed is and how long it will last. If you get this part wrong, you may end up throwing a lot of money down the drain.
That is why, for most homeowners, simply buying a prefabricated ADU that is already designed to meet all their needs is the better option. With a prebuilt ADU from Autonomous, for example, you will no longer have to worry about what type of siding to choose.
However, if you want to know more about this topic, this article is packed with information about shed siding, including the cheapest and most durable options to consider for your ADU.
Siding your shed can protect it from the elements and give it an attractive, finished look. However, shed siding can get expensive, especially if you hire a professional. If you’re looking to side your shed on a budget, there are several cheap options you can consider.
Assess Your Shed
Before choosing siding, inspect your shed to determine what you need. Measure the walls and note any problem areas. Check for rotted or damaged boards that may need replacing before installing new siding. Also, determine whether your shed requires a weather barrier underneath the siding for extra moisture protection.
Choose an Inexpensive Siding Material
There are several budget-friendly siding materials to consider
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Plywood panel siding: Plywood like T1-11 is an affordable wood siding option. A 4×8 sheet costs $15-30. It provides a natural, rustic look when stained or painted. The downside is it requires painting every few years.
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Oriented strand board (OSB): OSB siding made of compressed wood chips costs $10-20 per sheet. It’s rougher looking than plywood but cheaper. Protect edges from moisture.
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Vinyl siding At $2-5 per square foot including installation vinyl is likely the cheapest siding overall. It’s low maintenance durable, and available in many colors and styles.
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Aluminum siding: Aluminum costs $4-8 per square foot installed. It’s lightweight, dent-resistant, and needs little upkeep. Look for affordable corrugated panels.
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Fiber cement: Fiber cement siding costs $5-15 per square foot but lasts many years. It provides wood-like looks with more durability.
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Salvaged lumber: Check construction sites and salvage yards for usable wood planks at a discount. Cedar and redwood work well. Prepare for some cutting and drilling.
Opt for an Economical Siding Style
Certain siding styles use less material and simplify installation:
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Board and batten: Wide boards with vertical battens create a charming cottage look. Use cheaper siding for the wider boards behind battens.
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Vertical siding: Running planks vertically uses fewer pieces than horizontal lap siding. Good for narrow shed walls.
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Corrugated metal: Corrugated roofing panels can also side walls. One standard 8′ sheet can cover up to 3′ high.
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Shiplap: These interlocking boards don’t need much cutting. Pine or cedar shiplap looks attractive when stained.
Prepare Walls for Installation
Proper prep ensures siding lasts. Make any necessary wall repairs first. Then install house wrap and flashing to direct moisture away from vulnerable areas. Caulk around doors, windows, and corners too.
Opt for DIY Installation
Installing siding yourself saves on labor costs. Most materials like T1-11 and vinyl lap siding use basic tools – saw, hammer, level – and straightforward techniques. Watch online tutorials to learn proper methods. Take your time and do it safely.
Use Cost-Cutting Installation Tips
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Buy sheets close to the needed length to avoid cuts. Plan the layout wisely.
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Use thinner siding when allowed. Some materials come in different thickness.
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Paint or stain siding before installing for an easier process.
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Consider used siding in good shape from salvage companies and online ads.
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Install drip edge and trim boards yourself later for one-step siding process.
Choose Low-Cost Paint and Stain
For wood siding, higher quality paints and stains last longer but increase costs. On a budget, opt for:
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Exterior acrylic latex paint – lasts 5-7 years for $20-30 per gallon
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Oil-based opaque stain – lasts 3-4 years for $25-40 per gallon
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Clear water-repellent sealant – lasts 1-3 years for $15-25 per gallon
Buy quality brushes, but use inexpensive plastic drop cloths instead of canvas.
Prioritize Essential Areas
If your budget only allows partially siding the shed, focus on key areas:
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The front and any visible sides
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Lower walls most prone to splashback
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Areas above windows and doors; prime for leaks
Leave less noticeable sections like gables or high on side walls for later.
Consider Long-Term Costs
Cheap siding may need frequent replacement, costing more in the long run. Prioritize durability, even if it costs more upfront. And properly clean and maintain your siding regularly to maximize longevity.
Siding your shed affordably takes planning and effort. But with smart material choices, economical installation, and regular upkeep, you can protect your shed on a budget. Keep moisture, pests, and weather extremes outside where they belong.
What Should You Know About Shed Siding in 2024?
The first thing you need to keep in mind about your choice of siding is how much it can affect the market value of your property. Ultimately, the right shed siding ideas will enhance the overall aesthetics of your prefab backyard guest house which will help you get a better price whenever you decide to sell.
Beyond boosting the market value of your property, a good choice in shed siding has a wide range of impacts, such as:
Your color choice when it comes to siding for shed construction is important because you have to ensure that it is resistant to warping, discoloration, and fading. If you are unsure about painting your siding, you can still install it without any paint or touch-ups.
When it comes to the architecture of the shed siding panels, you are spoiled for choice. There are plenty of different styles and looks that you can go for to create the perfect look for your ADU.
Different types of shed siding have different installation requirements. While some can be handled by a simple DIY installation, some types of sidings are very complex and may require the services of a contractor. You can go for sidings that feature an interlocking mechanism to make installation much easier.
In most cases, home office pods are designed to last many years before you consider any replacement or upgrade. As such, the shed siding has to be made of durable materials and high-quality workmanship. The exterior of your ADU is often exposed to extreme temperatures and weather conditions, which is why the durability of your siding is very important.
The overall cost of your prefab studio will depend on a variety of factors, one of which is the type of shed siding you go for. You can cut back on maintenance costs by investing in high-quality siding from the beginning. With the right manufacturer, you can even buy siding that comes with a good warranty.
How do you intend to handle the upkeep and maintenance of your shed siding? If you go for paint, you will likely need to repaint the ADU every few years. More weather-resistant options will need a lot less upkeep as the years go by.
Cheapest Shed Siding Options by Style
Another way to categorize siding for shed construction is based on the style as follows:
Shingles and Shakes
If you want to buy cheap shed siding styles, look no further than that which is made of shakes or shingles. Shakes are usually a lot thicker than shingles, but the two do a similar job. While you can use a circular saw to cut and shape your shakes and shingles, it is far easier to simply buy pre-cut, ready-to-nail pieces. In most cases, cedar shingles are used to construct ADU siding.
Shiplap Siding
Shiplap boards are wide and have a simple design, which is why this is the cheapest siding for shed construction. It is made out of horizontal boards that are joined together by opposing joints.
Boards and Batten Siding
Another awesome, affordable option for ADU cladding is to use boards and batten. This style used strips/battens mixed in with larger boards until an aesthetically pleasing look was created. In cases where the curb appeal of the ADU is very important, this style can be used on the side visible from the street.
Bevel Siding
Bevel shed siding is usually found on older houses. Here, horizontal and overlapping boards are placed next to each other to form a bevel. The overlap is usually around two inches.
Cheapest way to side a shed or cabin – Beat the high lumber prices
FAQ
What can I put on the side of my shed?
Use your shed to grow plants
If you’ve run out of growing space on the ground, look to the sides of your shed as the next place to grow more plants. Your shed is the perfect place to create a green wall. You can hang up pots or growing bags, or attach guttering and shelves that can be filled with pots.
What is the cheapest siding option?
Vinyl Siding – Vinyl is one of the most popular cheap siding options for a reason: it’s affordable, low maintenance, and widely available.Jan 13, 2025
What can you use for siding on a shed?
- Vinyl Shed Siding.
- Engineered Wood Siding.
- T1-11 siding.
- Fiber-cement siding.
- Metal Siding.
What is the cheapest material for shed exterior walls?
Construction Quality Shed Siding Plywood
Plywood is one of the cheapest options you will ever come across. You will likely buy this type of material for around $1 to $4 per square foot (including installation), depending on quality and location.