What Is the Cheapest Siding Option for Sheds? Find Out Here

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.

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:

Siding Color

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.

Architectural Choice

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.

Installation

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.

Durability

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.

Cost

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.

Upkeep

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.

What to Keep in Mind When Selecting the Right Shed Siding?

Choosing the right siding for your ADU is not a spur-of-the-moment decision that you should make without giving enough thought. There are many important things that you need to keep in mind considering how long you intend to use your shed.

As such, always keep the following key factors in mind as you begin your shopping:

1. Aesthetics

No one wants an ugly ADU sitting in the middle of their pristine garden. Therefore, you need to carefully consider every factor that may affect the overall aesthetics of your shed and the rest of the property. Your choice of shed siding panels will have a huge impact on the curb appeal of your home, especially if your ADU happens to be located at a visible location.

2. Maintenance

Some types of shed siding materials require a lot more maintenance than others. Paint, for example, will require touch-ups every one or two years depending on the climatic conditions in your area.

If you would rather have materials that require little to no maintenance over the years, you can go for high-quality steel. Also, you will find that some types of materials are a lot more susceptible to damage than others, which is something you should also factor into your considerations.

3. Climate

Does it rain a lot in your area? Are the summers made up of brutally hot days while the winters are bitterly cold? Such considerations weigh heavily on your choice of shed siding.

Some materials, such as wood, are just not a good choice in areas with a lot of moisture. Wood tends to swell easily and possibly warp when exposed to intense humidity. Here, substituting wood for vinyl, for example, may be the better option.

4. Level of Insulation

One thing any modern ADU should feature is adequate insulation against extreme weather conditions. Achieving this starts with your choice of shed siding material. The right type of insulation material will keep your ADU warm in winter and cool in summer.

Furthermore, the level of insulation that you require depends on what you want to use your shed for. In most cases, materials such as metal are well-known for their good insulation capabilities.

5. Installation Process

Are you going to hire a professional to install the siding for a shed structure or are you planning on handling everything on your own? The complexity of the installation process depends on the type of siding you go for.

You will find that, in most cases, metal siding tends to be a lot more complicated than wood. The need to cut and shape the metal accurately makes the job beyond the capabilities of most homeowners. In this case, hiring a professional is the only solution.

6. Cost of the Material

Finding the cheapest siding for shed construction plays a major role in the overall cost of your ADU. If you are on a tight budget, you will find plenty of highly affordable options.

However, no matter how low the prices are, you should always try to get the best quality possible. Some materials may be cheap but of such poor quality that you will soon regret buying them.

7. Water Resistance

One of the most important jobs of your shed siding is to protect whatever is stored in your shed from the elements. This is why a high level of water resistance is important. Some materials are more resistant than others, which is soothing you must consider if you live in places where it rains or snows a lot.

8. Durability

Finally, one of the most important considerations when trying out different shed siding ideas is durability. Once your shed has been installed, ideally, you will want it to remain standing and in good condition for many years.

Some materials, such as steel, have demonstrated high levels of durability that may make them the preferred option. Regardless of the type of material you choose, if it happens to have a very good warranty, it shows that the manufacturer is confident in its durability.

What Is the Cheapest Siding Option for Modern ADUs/Sheds?

The total cost of different types of shed siding depends on a variety of factors such as labor, material, and style. If you want to construct affordable prefab homes on your property, these are some of the things you will have to carefully consider.

To help you make your decision, this article has separated different types of affordable siding based on labor and materials or on the style that is used.

Cheapest Siding Options by Labor and Material Costs

The following are some of the shed siding panels that are cheap because of the materials used and the minimum labor required for installation:

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement is a specialized composite material made from a combination of cellulose and cement. You can find fiber cement in almost any hardware in America. Most fiber cement siding boards are pre-stained and pre-cut to sizes that make construction easier. All this contributes to making this material a cheap shed siding option.

Engineered Wood Shed Siding

One of the best shed siding ideas for 2024 includes the use of engineered wood. The construction of this type of material from reclaimed wood is an easy and eco-friendly method that contributes to its low cost and popularity among homeowners who care about the environment.

Metal (Aluminum) Shed Siding

If you want a durable yet affordable type of shed siding, aluminum is your best option. The right type of metal siding will last you a lifetime with very little maintenance required. It is also widely available throughout the nation, making it a good choice no matter where you are.

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. This type of shed siding material comes in many different grades, but the best option for ADU construction is usually T-11.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding may not be the cheapest option on this list, but it still offers great value for money thanks to its good quality. It is suitable for use in any type of climate, while the boards come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. There are even some premium options for those looking for the highest-quality vinyl on the market.

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.

What Is the Most Durable Siding Option for Sheds?

When constructing a tiny house in backyard spaces, durability should be a key factor in your choice of materials. While many types of materials can be used for your shed siding, not all of them will last many years without getting damaged by the elements. However, with any of the following, you can rest assured that you are using highly durable materials:

• Pre-finished engineered wood
• Steel (aluminum)
• Vinyl
• Pre-finished cement fiber

Need a High-quality Shed? Try Autonomous

If you would rather not spend a long time worrying about the type of shed siding to buy for your ADU, you can simply go online and order a prefab backyard studio from Autonomous.

With just a few simple clicks, your ADU will be delivered to your home ready for installation and use. You can rest assured that with a top-rated supplier such as Autonomous, your shed will come with the best type of siding on the market.

Unlike other brands, the Autonomous WorkPod is designed for optimal convenience, featuring a foundation and easy assembly that can be completed in just 2-3 days. The cost includes all essential components like windows, a door, and interior features for a complete lifestyle setup. The table below highlights a detailed cost comparison, emphasizing the WorkPod's unmatched value and ease.

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