Cheapest Siding for Shed (Ultimate Guide)

So you want to build your very own shed. Congrats!

One of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the best shed siding for your project.

In this post, I’ll discuss some of the cheapest sidings for sheds that you can choose from for your DIY shed. I’ll explore the pros and cons of each siding option and how to make your decision on which is right for your project. Let’s dig in!

10 Cheap Shed Siding Options to Consider

All of these shed siding options are excellent choices for those who want to stick to a budget when building a shed. You can review the pros and cons of each shed siding and figure out which one will fit your budget and unique needs.

1. Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is a popular choice for home DIYers for several reasons. Not only is it affordable, but it also looks great and lasts a long time. It comes in all kinds of colors, textures, and sizes.

Since vinyl siding is made from a plastic or synthetic material, it is naturally insect resistant and creates an excellent weatherproof shield over your shed frame.

Another reason why vinyl siding is such a popular choice is it is low maintenance. You won’t have to reapply any sealant or stain, and it really only needs to be wiped down if it gets dirty.

It is important to note that vinyl siding isn’t the best choice for areas that are exposed to severe weather. The plastic can crack and be damaged by extreme wind or hail.

Pros

• Affordable: Average cost will be between $4-$5 per square foot
• Lots of color, shape, and texture options
• Low maintenance
• Easy to install for DIYers

Cons

• Not ideal for extremely hot or cold areas or places that experience extreme weather.
• Vinyl siding is not a natural material. This can be a downside for some homeowners.
• It is not biodegradable.

2. Engineered Wood Siding

Engineered wood siding is an excellent choice for those who want to save money but still want a beautiful wood shed. The engineered siding is made by putting together wood chips and resin and putting it under extreme pressure to create a solid piece.

Engineered wood siding can withstand all kinds of weather and won’t warp over time like some solid wood siding do.

You can also use LP Smartside siding, which is a type of engineered wood shed siding that has been treated with zinc borate for added strength and protection from bugs and mold.

Pros

• Affordable: The cost per square foot will vary depending on what style of engineered wood siding you choose, but you can expect to pay between $5-$10 per square foot.
• Low maintenance compared to solid wood siding
• Easy to install
• Weather resistant
• Many colors, textures, and styles are available

Cons

• The resin used to create engineered wood siding is not environmentally friendly.
• Paint needs to be reapplied every 8-10 years.
• The wood can crack, and moisture can seep in.

3. Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding is comprised of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers that have been rolled and pressed into sheets. These sheets are then used as siding panels for all kinds of buildings.

If you live in a high-humidity area, fiber cement siding is a great option for you because the cement is not affected by moisture, wind, or UV rays.

Fiber cement siding is also insect and fungus resistant, making it an excellent choice for outbuildings and sheds. It is also fire-resistant, which is a huge bonus.

Pros

• Low maintenance
• Fire, insect, and fungus resistant
• Easy to paint
• Can withstand all kinds of weather and elements.

Cons

• You will probably need to hire a professional to install it.
• The materials and installation costs will vary between $5-$25 per square foot. Though the initial cost can be quite high, after it is installed, it is very low maintenance.

4. Plywood

Plywood siding is a great choice for anyone on a budget because the cost of plywood is so low. If you do choose to use plywood, you should be aware of a few plywood shed siding disadvantages.

For example, plywood isn’t very pretty. That’s just the truth of it. However, there is grooved plywood available (we will discuss this type shortly), and it will look great after you paint it. Plywood also doesn’t come finished. When you purchase it, it will be rough and unfinished, so you will need to sand and paint or stain it.

Plywood backyard shed siding is an excellent choice for a shed or playhouse and is one of the cheapest siding material options.

Pros

• Affordable: Plywood siding will cost between $3.50-$7.50 per square foot.
• Easy to find
• Easy to install
• Last 20+ years
• Plywood is sturdy and won’t warp as long as it doesn’t get water damage.
• Available in many sizes and styles

Cons

• Not waterproof
• You need to repaint every 3-5 years
• Comes unfinished and needs to be sanded.

5. Composite Siding

Composite siding is a popular choice for home siding, but it also works great as shed siding also. Composite siding is made the same way engineered wood siding, but instead of just wood and resin, composite siding might also include cement, fiberglass, plastic, and other synthetic materials.

Composite siding should not be used in areas that have extreme weather, like heavy rainfall or high winds. However, if you use this on a shed that has a canopy of trees over it, the siding will be well protected from the elements.

Pros

• Affordable: You can expect to spend between $3.75-$7 for composite wood siding panels
• Easy to install
• Comes in a wide variety of colors and styles
• Resistant to rot, moisture, and insects

Cons

• Composite siding isn’t a good choice for extreme weather areas.
• Some types may be susceptible to termite damage, so it’s best to check your shed siding frequently for signs of damage.

6. Metal Siding

Metal siding is another excellent choice for a shed for many reasons. It is affordable, comes in different colors and styles, and is low maintenance. Metal siding also gives your shed a clean, industrial look.

Metal siding is made from steel and will last a long time. It is resistant to all kinds of issues like fire, bugs, and mold.

Pros

• Affordable: The cost will be $4-$8 per square foot depending on size and style
• Fire resistant, insect and mold resistant, and it won’t warp
• Comes in several varieties
• Easy installation
• Lasts up to 40 years if properly maintained

Cons

• Steel siding is hard to paint if you want to change the color of it.
• Some folks might not like the industrial look.

7. T1-11 (Grooved Plywood)

T1-11 grooved plywood is a plywood siding that is meant to be used outdoors as siding panels. This plywood has been specifically treated to protect against mold, insects, and the elements.

The exterior side of the plywood has grooves either 4″ or 8″ apart that give the building a nice plank look.

Pros

• Plywood siding is sturdy
• Resistant to the elements
• When installed properly, it protects the building from water and the elements.

Cons

• Price: A 4′ x 8′ sheet can cost between $25-$40 depending on if the plywood has been prestained or painted.
• Installation cost

8. Board and Batten Siding

Board and batten siding for a shed is a commonly used material because it looks great, it’s affordable, and has low maintenance requirements.

The layout of this type of siding is wide boards with a thinner strip of wood (batten) between the boards. You can install the siding horizontally or vertically.

Pros

• Affordable: the cost will vary depending on what type of wood you choose to use, so you can spend between $0.70-$10 per square foot.
• If cared for, the siding will last 30+ years.
• Cozy look and feel with the natural wood siding.

Cons

• You have to refinish the siding regularly to protect it.
• Prone to warping and damage from water and bugs, unless you choose a wood that has been treated.

9. Shiplap Siding

Shiplap has gained popularity in all kinds of home renovations and for good reason. This versatile siding can be used in the interior and exterior of your home, and yes, even as shed siding.

Instead of tongue and groove connections, shiplap has what is called “rabbet fitting,” which is a more secure connection that creates a tight seal between the boards. This makes shiplap siding an excellent choice for an outdoor shed.

Shiplap can withstand all kinds of weather and will flex with the changing weather, so you don’t have to worry about warping and weather damage.

Pros

• Affordable: You can expect to spend anywhere between $2.50-$7 per square foot.
• Sturdy through all kinds of weather
• If installed correctly, it will last 30+ years.
• Stylish and classic

Cons

• If it is not installed correctly, it can warp, rot, and need to be replaced.

10. Bevel Siding

Bevel siding is another popular choice, especially for those who like the natural wood look. Bevel siding is a special siding where the boards are milled so one edge of the siding is thinner than the other.

The installation is done by nailing the boards starting at the bottom and layering them up until you reach the top. The boards will have a natural overhang affect which helps keep water and rain away from the frame of the building.

Pros

• The wood is durable
• Since they usually use cedar and redwood for bevel siding, it will be naturally resistant to rot and bugs.
• Available in different wood types
• Gives a cozy, outdoorsy look.
• Requires paint or stain regularly

Cons

• Expensive
• Installation can be tricky for DIYers

What to Consider When Selecting Shed Siding Materials

Budget

It’s always good to figure out a budget before you start a project. This will help you narrow down your options and make sure you don’t overspend on a certain material.

Durability

It’s really important to know what kind weather durability a shed siding has before you purchase. If you live in a humid area, you probably don’t want to use a material that doesn’t work well with a lot of moisture.

Also, if you plan on using your shed to store heavy machinery, make sure you use a material that won’t dent easily just in case your bump it with your tools.

Maintenance

The amount of maintenance can be a real deal breaker for some people, because, let’s face it, not everyone wants to have to reapply paint or sealant to their shed siding every five years. This is another point that you definitely need to consider when researching the best siding option for your shed.

Appearance

Appearance and style can play a big role in what siding you choose, and it’s an important area to think about when designing your shed.

For example, if you REALLY want that gorgeous Cedar bevel siding, but it’s out of your budget right now, you could consider holding off on purchasing the siding until you can afford the siding you really want.

The siding you choose is going to be something you will look at everyday for years, it’s important that you like the look of the shed’s siding.

Here’s a great video explaining the differences of most common siding types!

Installation Costs

If you plan on having a professional install the siding for you, you definitely need to factor in the installation cost into your overall budget. The cost factors for installation will vary greatly depending on the type of siding you choose, the area you live in, and the size of your building.

FAQs

What is the Cheapest Siding for a Shed?

Vinyl siding is the cheapest shed siding. You just need to weigh the pros and cons and figure out if it is the best choice for your specific project.

What is the Easiest DIY Siding?

Vinyl siding is going to be the easiest siding to install yourself. Also, siding panels are an excellent choice for beginner DIY projects. Instead of installing the siding plank by plank, you install panels that are usually 4′ x 8′.

Is It Cheaper to Do Siding Yourself?

This question has a two-sided answer. On one hand, yes, it is definitely cheaper to do the siding yourself IF you know what you are doing or have some experience in doing DIY projects like this.

On the other hand, if you do not have experience, and the project gets ruined, it could cost much more to have a professional come in and redo the entire project.

If you are confident in your DIY skills, then I say, go for it and have fun!

Can I Make My Own Siding?

I would not recommend making your own siding unless you know how to mill lumber and have experience making siding already. Premade siding, no matter what material you choose, will be your best bet for DIY siding for a shed.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of cheap shed siding options to consider when constructing your shed, but some are better than others.

The cheapest shed siding is going to be vinyl siding but there are also some metal shed siding and traditional wood siding options worth considering depending on your budget.

If you want something more durable, I’d recommend going with a metal siding although it’s not the cheapest siding you’ll find.