DIY Builds
Photo by cottonbro studio Pexels Logo Photo: cottonbro studio

How much does it cost to reside a shed?

Vinyl siding costs anywhere from $3.50-$8 per square foot. Metal siding runs about $4-$8 per square foot. Engineered wood siding can cost between $5-$10 per square foot. Natural wood siding ranges from $7-$12 per square foot.

Can 2 cars fit in a 16 foot garage?
Can 2 cars fit in a 16 foot garage?

In short, yes, two cars can fit in a 16-foot garage. It is better if each car has more than 8 feet of space for a comfortable fit width-wise. But...

Read More »
Why should you sleep with your feet uncovered?
Why should you sleep with your feet uncovered?

According to a spokesperson for the National Sleep Foundation, when you stick your foot out, the arteriovenous anastomoses allows more heat to...

Read More »

The shed siding you choose will impact the budget, maintenance, and appearance.

You've decided that you need a backyard storage shed. Whether it's to use as storage for your lawn mower, rakes, mulch, pavers, snow blower, shovels, etc., or you plan to use it as a she shed or man cave, you'll need to decide on what type of shed you want. You also have to ask another fundamental question: do you want a metal shed, wood shed, or vinyl shed? Which siding is best for a shed?

Why is the answer to this question important? Because your siding is not only the "face" of your shed, it's also the material that protects the structure from the elements. Whether the shed will need to withstand 100-plus degrees in summer, the frigid temperatures in the winter, or the considerable humidity, your backyard shed needs to hold up for years no matter what the weather throws at it. In addition, your shed's siding also has an important aesthetic purpose. It provides a finished look to the shed and helps it blend in with your home's styling (if that's what you prefer) and provides an overall "look" to your landscaping. The bottom line is this: an ideal shed looks fantastic, functions in the way you need it to, and withstands weather's fury.

Consider these things when choosing the best shed siding options.

How water-resistant does it need to be?

Water damage can harm the things you store in the shed. It can also diminish the integrity of your shed's overall ability to withstand the weather over its lifetime. If you live in an unusually wet or storm-prone area, make sure the siding you choose overlaps so that seams and joints are protected from wind-driven rain. Also, since siding can expand and contract, compensating for this movement with siding that's created to overlays keeps buckles or gaps from forming.

What is your budget?

Siding costs vary based on the type of material. For instance:

Vinyl siding costs anywhere from $3.50-$8 per square foot

Metal siding runs about $4-$8 per square foot

Engineered wood siding can cost between $5-$10 per square foot

Natural wood siding ranges from $7-$12 per square foot

How do I become a successful artisan?
How do I become a successful artisan?

Artisans have achieved high technical mastery or possess specific practical skills. They are specialists in their field; they are industrious and...

Read More »
Should a wood shed be open or closed?
Should a wood shed be open or closed?

Most firewood sheds have three sides and leave the front open for easy access and proper airflow. It's important not to seal off the firewood on...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Generally speaking, how long does siding last, and how much maintenance is required?

Traditional wood siding requires regular painting (every 5-10 years) and repairs (as-needed). While it may be less expensive upfront, it will require some more elbow grease on your end. How are your DIY repair and maintenance? Are you willing to take on maintenance and repair chores?

On the other hand, most engineered wood sheds, vinyl sheds, and metal sheds require little maintenance, only occasional cleaning and simple repairs like re-caulking windows.

How do you want the shed to look?

In other words, do you want it to make a statement, or do you want it to blend in with your yard? A shed's style, siding type, and color all factor into this decision.

Explore the pros and cons of the most popular shed siding options.

Engineered wood sheds. Engineered wood siding is treated, so it’s more durable than traditional wood and requires far less maintenance. You may not have to repair or repaint engineered wood siding as often, but you do need to inspect it for cracks, leaks, and other wear at least once a year. It's also a good idea to clean this siding yearly. To do so, take a damp sponge, clean cloth, or soft brush and wipe the surface using a mix of mild detergent and water. Never use harsh solvents or abrasives on treated wood as it can damage its surface or paint. To clean light mold and mildew, use a solution of three parts water and one part white vinegar. At Dakota Storage Buildings, we offer two engineered wood siding choices: LP Wood Panel Siding and LP Wood Lap Siding. Our LP® SmartSide® Wood Panel Siding is an engineered wood siding that offers the beauty of traditional wood with the advantages of treated wood technology. The other wood shed siding is LP SmartSide Wood Lap Siding has flat panels that overlap each other with a shiplap joint and decorative groove between the laps. We use Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint® Exterior Acrylic Latex Paint for our wood sheds. Vinyl sheds. A vinyl shed has the advantage of being quite low maintenance. It's also weather-resistant and doesn't need painting. It also won't present you with problems such as rotting, cracking, flaking, blistering, or even insect damage. Cleaning it is similar to that of engineered wood: soft brush or cloth and gentle detergent. A caveat, however: if vinyl siding does become damaged or need replacing, it can be costly.

Can you make furniture out of 2x4?
Can you make furniture out of 2x4?

2x4s are perfect to use for building outdoor furniture and you can customize this outdoor sofa and loveseat to fit your space. Feb 16, 2018

Read More »
How many square feet is a 20x40 pool?
How many square feet is a 20x40 pool?

800 square feet A 20x40 rectangle is going to be 800 square feet while the same 20x40 freeform may be only 650-750 square feet, depending upon...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

We offer our customers Certainteed Mainstreet™ Vinyl Dutch Lap Siding, which is comprised of flat panels that overlap each other horizontally with a shiplap joint and a decorative groove between the laps, which improves strength and adds visual interest. Metal sheds. If you're interested in a metal shed, you're not alone. Many people choose a metal shed for its cost, quality, and low maintenance. You often see metal sheds used for agricultural and warehousing purposes because it's relatively easy to build a much larger shed with metal. Metal sheds also are quite long-lasting and come in a variety of colors. They can, however, rust and corrode, and don't have the same aesthetic "look" as sheds made with wood or vinyl siding. At Dakota Storage Buildings, our metal sheds come with Long Creek's Tuff-Rib Steel Siding. This paneling is installed horizontally as a wainscot. It creates a modern industrial building perfect for a home garage, ranch, farm, or commercial garage or shed. This paneling is economical, strong, and durable — it has you covered, guaranteed.

Choose the shed siding that's right for you.

What type of shed siding is right for you: wood, vinyl, or metal? Still not sure? Use our 3D shed configuration tool to design a shed based on your needs, budget, wants, and constraints. Change siding material, layout, size, and add-ons until you have virtually built the shed best for you. Customize as many storage buildings as you'd like, then save them. When you're ready, you can purchase the shed you like the most online through the configuration tool when you're ready.

Why woodworking is a great hobby?
Why woodworking is a great hobby?

As a hobby, woodworking is satisfying since you are creating something useful that will last a long time. You can also make high-quality items you...

Read More »
How do you keep tools from rusting in outdoor shed?
How do you keep tools from rusting in outdoor shed?

The 5 best ways to keep tools from rusting include the following: Keep Tools Clean. Keeping tools clean and using them frequently is the key to...

Read More »
Does a Tuff shed add value to your home?
Does a Tuff shed add value to your home?

Does a shed add value to the house? Once you figure out what kind of shed you want, you'll likely wonder if it actually will increase the value of...

Read More »
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »
What signs do burglars leave?
What signs do burglars leave?

As well as burglar chalk signs, burglars mark houses with almost anything they can; it may be a small blob of paint or a piece of string tied...

Read More »