How to Choose Cheap Shed Siding? Try These Ideas If You Are on a Tight Budget

Once you’ve built your shed, the work’s almost done – all you have left to do is choose how to finish it. Siding is one of the most popular choices, and it can be as affordable or as expensive as you make it. Siding looks great, providing protection from the elements to extend the life of your shed, and here’s all you need to know about choosing shed siding on a budget to make the most of your investment.

Cheap Shed – Important Tips

Consider these tips before you get yourself a cheap shed.

1. 1. Material: Consider using affordable materials such as metal or PVC instead of wood.
   2. Size: Smaller sheds are generally less expensive than larger ones.
   3. DIY vs pre-made: Building a shed yourself can save money compared to buying a pre-made one.
   4. Location: Building a shed on level ground can save on foundation costs.
   5. Secondhand options: Check classified ads or online marketplaces for used sheds that are in good condition.

How to build a cheap shed ?

1. Plan your shed: Determine the size, design and materials you want to use.
2. Gather materials: Look for affordable options such as reclaimed wood or recycled building materials or vinyl.
3. Prepare the site: Level the ground and lay a concrete slab or pressure-treated wood foundation.
4. Assemble the walls: Use simple construction techniques like a platform frame to keep costs down.
5. Install the roof: Use a simple gable roof or a corrugated metal roof to reduce costs.
6. Install doors and windows: Use secondhand or salvaged doors and windows to save money.
7. Finish the interior: Insulate and finish the walls and ceiling with affordable materials like OSB or plywood. Check the cheap shed siding ideas below.
8. Paint or stain: Protect the exterior of your shed with a coat of paint or stain.

Remember to follow local building codes and obtain necessary permits. Consider asking for help from friends or family to reduce labor costs.

How to Choose Cheap Shed Siding ?

Choosing the right siding for your shed or playhouse can be challenging. There are a lot of factors to consider that it can be overwhelming, and here’s a breakdown of what can impact your decision.

1. 1. • Cost: First and foremost, it’s important to understand your budget. Some types of shed siding may be too expensive for your budget, so set that before you move forward. We will introduce some of the cheapest shed siding options in this article.
      • Water resistance: Siding protects your shed, so consider the weather conditions and what will be most effective to keep your shed safe.
      • Durability: Like your home’s shedding, your side shedding should be durable, standing up to the elements without sustaining damage. You don’t want to have to provide regular maintenance like painting, patching, or other routine services.
      • Installation: If you’re installing your shed siding yourself, you want to make sure it’s commensurate with your skillset to install. If you’re hiring professionals to install it, you’ll pay more in the cost of labor.

 

Check local regulations to ensure your shed is up to code. Failure to do so may lead to fines or, in some cases, having to tear the shed down. This includes exterior finishing, not just the structure itself.

The Cheapest Siding Options For Your Shed

The most common types of shed siding are vinyl, engineered wood, plywood, fiber cement, and metal. Each material has its pros and cons of using, so let’s explore more about each, so you make the most informed decision for you.

Vinyl Shed Siding

Vinyl siding is easy to install and typically the most affordable. It comes in many. Different colors and finishes, lasting up to 30 years without needing to be replaced. Unless panels crack or need to be re-glued, vinyl siding is relatively maintenance-free. You can install your vinyl siding vertically or horizontally.

Pros

1. 1. • Easy to install for the average DIYer
      • Affordable and cheap shed siding, widely available in various colors, finishes, and styles
      • Long-lasting for up to 30 years

Cons

1. 1. • Not biodegradable, increasing your carbon footprint
      • Panels can be damaged by weather conditions, including wind, hail, and harsh temperatures
      • Some finishes aren’t waterproof, which can deteriorate over time

 

Engineered Wood Shed Siding

 

Engineered wood siding may look like real wood, but it’s more durable, making it an excellent choice for your shed siding. It’s a composite of fibers and wood and often comes with an extended warranty, sometimes up to 50 years. It’s a low-maintenance siding that’s easy to install, either vertically or horizontally.

Pros

1. 1. • Environmentally friendly, made of renewable resources, and SFI certified
      • Resistance to mold, moisture, and insect and animal damage thanks to treatment
      • Cheap after years – some models come with a 50-year warranty, so it’s low cost to install and maintain.

Cons

1. 1. • Needs regular maintenance, including re-painting every 5 to 7 years
      • Improper installation can lead to mold and other structural damage over time

Read also: What are some of the modern clapboard siding ideas?

Plywood Shed Siding

Plywood is very easy to install, and you can get notched panels to look like planks of wood. Unlike the other types of sidings, plywood is not inherently waterproof, meaning it needs to be treated to help protect it from moisture. Common ways to do this are to paint or stain it, making your plywood siding appear more finished.

 

Pros

1. 1. • Cheap shed siding and easy to install, even for the novice DIY
      • Can choose various thicknesses based on your needs
      • Environmentally friendly as its made of wood

Cons

1. 1. • Not waterproof without treatment
      • Needs regular maintenance every 5 to 15 years to prevent rotting
      • Easier to damage, though the thickness of the sheet impacts its durability.

Fiber Cement Siding

 

Fiber cement siding isn’t as scary as it sounds. It’s a mixture of cement, sand, and other fibers rolled into sheets. They’re treated with various patterns to make them look like wood. However, this type of siding can be more challenging to work with, and it’s recommended that you work with a professional if you choose to finish your shed with fiber cement siding.

Pros

1. 1. • Long-lasting, some come with a manufactures warranty of up to 30 years
      • Durable, this siding is resistant to water, fire, heat, and insect damage

Cons

1. 1. • For best results, hire a professional
      • Not the cheapest – Can be expensive

 

Metal Shed Siding

Metal siding is one of the most environmentally friendly sidings today, as most are more than 65 percent recyclable. Metal siding doesn’t mean that you have to choose silver. Instead, there are many colors and patterns to choose from. The panels are long-lasting and easy to install, making them great for the DIYer if you’re on a budget.

Pros

1. 1. • Durable, many come with a 20-to-50-year guarantee
      • Resistant to weather damage, including fire, water, and heat. It’s also pest-resistant
      • Easy to clean and requires little maintenance

Cons

1. 1. • No finishing is needed to keep it looking top-notch
      • Can dent over time, and scratches can lead to rusting

Where to Buy Cheap Shed Siding ?

You can buy shed siding at any hardware or big-box home improvement store. The inventory may vary from store to store, so you should check before visiting to ensure it’s available. If it’s not and you have your heart set on a particular style, they should be able to order it.

You can also purchase siding online or work with a contractor on your project. You have many options on how you can get your shed siding, so shop around to get the best price.

How to Take Care of Shed Siding and Save Money

If you take care about things they will last longer and cost much less after years. Fortunately, most shed sidings requires little maintenance, but you’ll want to clean it regularly to keep it looking fresh. Rinse it down with a garden hose. If you use a pressure washer, use a low setting to prevent damage. If your dirt is caked on, you may need to scrub it with a brush and rinse again.

If you notice any cracks, replace the panel to prevent damage to the shed’s structure. Following these tips will help your shed siding to look good and last long, making the most of your investment.

 

Sources:

thespurce.com

Forbes.com

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