Most homeowners are after cost-effective siding options when building or renovating their shed.

Unless you plan on using the facility all day long, you want avoid spending a fortune on expensive shed siding when you can get the same quality and functionality with cheap siding for shed.

To get started on your siding replacement project, contact your local siding pros for FREE ESTIMATES!

How Much Does Shed Siding Cost?

Vinyl siding for your shed costs from $1.40 to $2.90 per square foot including the installation and material costs.

For engineered wood shed siding, you can expect to spend from $3.80 to $9.50, depending on the quality, supplier, and design.

Plywood shed siding ranges from $0.80 to $3.90 per square foot, making it some of the least expensive siding materials out there.

As for fiber cement shed siding, it costs anywhere from $4.50 up to $13 per square foot.

Finally, metal siding for your shed runs about $3.70 up to $7.50 per square foot.

Most Popular Cheap Shed Siding Options

Let’s look at the most popular yet cheap shed siding options.

Material	Cost per Square Foot
Vinyl	$1.40-$2.90
Engineered Wood	$3.80-$9.50
Plywood	$0.80-$3.90
Fiber Cement	$4.50-$13.00
Metal	$3.70-$7.50

Vinyl Shed Siding

Vinyl siding is a popular option for DIYers in terms of installation. Vinyl siding is super versatile, durable, and affordable.

Unless you have access to free materials, you’re unlikely to find a cheaper shed siding option than vinyl.

Vinyl shed siding is available in multiple colors, so it doesn’t have to be painted after the installation, saving the DIYer both time and money.

Vinyl is a robust shed siding material that can handle all climates and weather conditions. The market also hosts some premium vinyl siding versions that have an even higher quality but cost more.

There are quality vinyl siding options that can last on your shed for over 30 years and are not prone to fading or dents.

Most vinyl siding panels are pre-cut from the store and can be installed on your shed right away. For this reason, they can be installed independently with ease, either horizontally or vertically.

As far as maintenance is concerned, vinyl is almost maintenance-free.

Engineered Wood Shed Siding

Fiber and wood composite is a popular shed siding material for property owners who are after natural looks without the cost of actual wood.

The great thing about composite sheds is that they are super durable, so occasional bumps and blows are unlikely to cause any damage.

Engineered wood siding can last up to 50 years on your shed and usually comes primed for painting.

Much like vinyl, engineered wood requires little maintenance and is easy to install.

However, proper installation is essential to eliminate moisture issues for engineered wood siding.

You can easily find this engineered wood siding for your shed in most hardware stores, as they’re readily available.

Another benefit of engineered wood sidings is that they are recyclable, making them eco-friendly.

Plywood Siding

Plywood is yet another easy-to-install, affordable siding material for sheds.

Plywood comes in sheets featuring one-sided grooves, so it looks like planks.

You can choose plywood from different thicknesses, where more thickness means more durability.

Plywood is most often the cheapest shed siding material on the market when you consider the installation costs as well.

The plywood siding installation is very simple and DIY-friendly, as common hand tools are all you’ll need to install this cheap shed siding material.

There are plenty of customization options with plywood. Users can choose from a range designs to meet their preferences and needs.

The plywood can also be cut to just about any shape.

Plywood needs to be stained or painted to keep it free from moisture.

Fiber Cement Shed Siding

Fiber cement is a mixture of cement, cellulose fiber, and sand. These elements are mixed and rolled into heavy-duty sheets run through a press. The press provides them with patterns that are similar to different wood types.

Fiber cement siding is one of the most heat-resistant, durable, and waterproof siding options for sheds.

Fiber cement often comes with a 30-year manufacturer warranty.

Installation-wise, fiber cement siding is more difficult to install than most cheap other shed siding solutions, which is why people often hire professional installers for the job.

The fiber cement cladding boards are pre-stained and come in various sizes (from 5 inches and up).

Thickness-wise, fiber cement siding is usually at least 4 mm thick. The price goes up drastically with more thickness.

Did you know? Fiber cement siding is among the most flood damage-resistant shed siding solutions.

Metal Shed Siding

Metal comes in various colors and is one of the most long-lasting shed siding materials. Its lifespan can even top one century!

Metal siding’s finish lasts up to 50 years with proper care.

Metal shed siding solutions are resistant to fire, weather, and pest damage and are also relatively simple to install for DIYers.

Most shoppers on a budget go for aluminum shed siding solutions because they often have the best deals.

You can buy metal shed siding as pre-cut panels you can attach to your shed’s front and back walls, depending on the shed’s design.

People love metal sheds because they’re strong and have a long lifespan.

Vinyl Shed Siding Pros And Cons

Here are the top advantages of installing vinyl siding on your shed:

Pros:

• Great value for the money 
• Durable material 
• Easy installation for DIYers
• Long-lasting life
• Widely available 

Cons:

• Not environmentally friendly 
• May not withstand harsh weather conditions 
• Isn’t always waterproof 

Engineered Wood Pros And Cons

Here is what homeowners love most about their engineered wood siding for a shed:

Pros:

• Widely available 
• Environmentally friendly 
• Versatile 
• More durable than pure wood siding
• Requires very little maintenance 
• Easy installation 

Cons:

• Not waterproof
• Needs scratch-proofing 
• Plenty of low-quality options 
• Not fireproof

Plywood Pros And Cons

Here are the biggest benefits of plywood siding for a shed:

Pros:

• Easy to install
• Low maintenance 
• Affordable
• Versatile
• Plenty of design options 
• DIY-friendly 

Cons:

• Not as durable as other options 
• Flammable 
• Less secure 

Fiber Cement Siding Pros And Cons

Here are the biggest advantages and drawbacks to consider for fiber cement shed siding:

Pros:

• Low maintenance 
• Widely available 
• Great security 
• Weather resistant 

Cons:

• Not DIY-friendly 
• Can be expensive 

Metal Siding Pros And Cons

Pros:

• Super durable 
• Weather and fire-resistant 
• Most secure
• Easy to install 

Cons:

• Scratches can cause rusting 
• Dents appear over time 

What Is The Cheapest Siding Material For A Shed?

Out of all materials listed above, vinyl is often considered the most economical and cheapest siding for a shed.

Vinyl is easy to work with, and the material a good price.

Plus, vinyl requires very little maintenance as it’s resistant to insects and rot.

Of course, getting access to salvaged wood siding would guarantee an even cheaper shed siding price.

Cheapest Shed Siding By Style

Siding style also plays an important role in the amount of money one can spend on the investment. Here’s an overview of the most affordable ones.

Shiplap

Shiplap siding is the most popular style due to its beautiful design and compact size. In this style, you install horizontal boards that have opposing joints next to each other.

Shiplap has low maintenance and can last for ages.

Shingles

Shingles are a cheap shed siding option made of small siding pieces.

Shingles are thinner than shakes and are more attractive.

Many installations combine shingles and shakes for a rustic look.

Pro Tip: Use a circular saw to prepare shingle siding and trim the pieces into suitable sizes before nailing them to the wall.

Bevel Siding

Bevel is an affordable styling option that is often used in old sheds and houses. The boards overlap as they get placed next to each other horizontally.

Cost Factors For Shed Siding You Need To Know

The price of shed siding depends on a number of factors including type of siding, size, installation cost, and maintenance.

Type of Siding

Cheap shed siding options mentioned in this article can help you to not spend a fortune on the project.

There’s no need for expensive cladding solutions when you can use vinyl or plywood that work just fine.

Shed Size

The shed size affects how much material you’ll need for the project. The larger the shed, the more siding you’ll need.

Also, if the surface is bigger, it requires more paint, nails, and other equipment to install the siding.

Cost of Installation

Some siding types are more difficult to install than vinyl. Also, they may require expensive equipment.

Research the siding for your shed carefully because the installation cost can vary drastically.

Maintenance

Shed siding options that require more maintenance will also cost more in the long term. So don’t forget to factor in these costs when looking for shed siding.

Did you know?Vinyl siding is among the best materials in terms of maintenance. Plus, it generates very little scrap after installation.

Can I DIY-Install Shed Siding?

Yes, absolutely.

Most shed siding materials are suitable for DIYers. However, you will need to have the right tools and skills for the job.

On the other hand, it’s best to hire a handyperson to help you out with framing, trimming, and stud installation. These technical tasks can be quite demanding for a novice DIYer.

Can I Install Siding On Shed Without Sheathing?

Yes, you can install siding on the shed without previous sheathing.

Still, it’s worth remembering the benefits of the process, like extra shed support and insulation. If these two features aren’t important to you, you don’t have to worry about sheathing.

How Do You Attach Siding To A Shed?

The attachment method mostly depends on the material. The process also requires using various tools.

All installation types share some similar procedures we’ll explain below.

First, door and window frames are installed before the siding. For some siding applications, you should install special strips around these components for attachment.

You want to get installation instructions from the manufacturer for each element of the shed to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Then, you should determine the panel height. Usually, the top starts half and inch below the wall top. The panel’s bottom edges extend up to two inches below the wall framing’s bottom plate.

Also, it’s possible to insert temporary nails that will hold the place until the fastening part is done. It’s best to use a level for this.

The first sheet should be set on the side and flush with the shed’s corner.

Afterward, you want to mark the frame boards behind the sheet. This is done to find the placement of the nails. There’s no need to nail the other side in case the panels overlap. The next part is to cut the panels so they can fit the door.

You can also install flashing if needed on the roof gables. You can measure and cut the gable panels on the ground or install them and cut them around the gables afterward.

Pro Tip: Always nail the panels starting from the middle, and leave a 1/32-inch gap between the nail head and the shed siding.

How Do You Cut Siding For A Shed?

Engineered wood and plywood shed siding can be cut with standard tools. For other material types, you should use specialized blades.

For vinyl shed siding, the utility knife will do the job. If you’re doing a vertical cut, you can use a hand saw or tin snips.

As far as composite shed panels are concerned, you need to use carbide-tipped blades.

For cement shed siding, you should go with diamond blades.

Use a metal saw or steel cutting blade on a circular saw for cutting metal shed siding.

Can You Put Siding Over Existing Finish On Shed?

Yes, it’s technically possible to do this, especially where vinyl siding is concerned.

However, this isn’t the best idea.

It’s impossible for the property owner to see whether there’s damage under the original siding. The rot and moisture can build up without you having any idea about it.

Also, when the time comes to replace the outer construction, you can only imagine the condition the older one is in.

How To Take Care Of Shed Siding And Save Money

Taking care of your shed siding will prolong your construction’s lifespan and save you money in the long run.

Thankfully, most shed siding materials need very little maintenance.

Still, you want to clean the area regularly to keep it looking fresh.

Rinsing

Ideally, you can rinse the siding down using a garden hose.

Don’t use high-power pressure washers to avoid damaging the surface.

Dirt

You can remove dirt pieces by scrubbing them with a brush and rinsing the surface again.

Cracks

For cracks, it’s best to replace the affected panel to avoid damage to the structural part of the shed.

Investing In The Perfect Siding For Shed

Shed siding installations are generally affordable and easy to set up.

Whether you go for professional services or do the job on your own, selecting the best material to cater to your needs is crucial.

Follow the simple advice from this article, and you’ll be on your way to making a valuable shed siding investment that can last a lifetime.