Wood vs. Vinyl vs. Metal: Choosing a Shed Siding
By SchwebAdmin
After choosing a shed style, you’ll need to decide on what siding you want for your structure. At Raber Storage Barns, we offer three different types of shed siding: wood, vinyl, and metal. Each siding type has its own benefits and drawbacks regarding durability, maintenance, and budget. The shed siding you choose will be the one that meets all your requirements, whether that’s Midwest weather protection, style, or low maintenance. Below, we’ll explain each siding style to help you choose the best one for your storage solution.
Wood Siding (LP SmartSide)
Our wood siding is made from LP SmartSide engineered wood. It is made by binding wood fibers, strands, or veneers with adhesives to give better durability and impact resistance than traditional wood. LP SmartSide offers a natural wood-grain texture, so it still gives that classic wood appearance. At Raber, we have painted wood and urethane stain colors available for LP SmartSiding.
Wood Advantages
Wood siding offers advanced structural durability and will withstand impact and harsh weather for a long lifespan. With its customizable color options, you can give that classic look while matching it to your home’s existing style and landscaping. You can even easily repaint the shed to a different color down the line if you’d like. Since our wood is made from renewable sources, our wood sheds are sustainable. Wood has strong weight-bearing properties for shelving or other interior features you’d like to add.
Wood Drawbacks
Wood siding will require more maintenance than our vinyl or metal siding, which can be costly in the long run. It’s susceptible to wood rot, warping, and insect damage (specifically termites) if not sealed or maintained properly. LP SmartSide is more resistant to these than traditional wood, as they are treated with zinc borate to resist rot and termite damage. Wood siding will also require repainting every few years.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is usually made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that mimics the look of traditional wood. It uses horizontal panels to match most homes’ exteriors. This plastic siding will protect the shed from moisture damage, making it great for humid climates and providing a long-term investment in quality storage.
Vinyl Advantages
Vinyl siding requires little to no maintenance, as it usually just needs to be cleaned regularly. It never needs to be repainted and won’t rust, peel, or rot, which would need to be fixed. Vinyl is resistant to moisture and weather, especially harsh wind and rain, and pests won’t get inside as easily. To clean a vinyl shed, it can easily be powerwashed on a low setting.
Vinyl Drawbacks
Sheds with vinyl siding have the highest initial cost, but it’s worth it in the long run, as it won’t need as much costly maintenance. Vinyl siding is less sturdy against impacts than wood siding, can fade from heavy UV exposure, and can crack in extreme cold. If this happens, replace the damaged siding boards with new ones.
Metal Siding
Metal siding is typically made from steel or aluminum. It can last up to 50 years with consistent cleaning and maintenance. Metal sheds are a great option for simple, effective storage.
Metal Advantages
Our metal siding is known for its toughness, offering a highly durable siding that is fire- and pest-resistant and won’t rot. It’s an affordable shed siding option with cost-effective longevity. Metal is also relatively low-maintenance; it usually just needs to be cleaned with soap and water every so often.
Metal Drawbacks
Although metal siding does perform well in cold and hot temperatures, they are prone to getting condensation, especially when Midwest temperatures fluctuate. When they get condensation, the metal can rust. To protect the shed, add a corrosion inhibitor spray to stop it from rusting. Metal siding can also be noisy during rain unless you add insulation, which will absorb sound waves.
Build a Custom Shed with Raber
At Raber Storage Barns, our sheds are built with high-quality materials and craftsmanship to ensure your outdoor belongings are safe inside. Whether you choose metal, vinyl, or wood siding, your shed is built to last and look great on your property. Check out our in-stock inventory to find pre-built sheds ready to be delivered, or design a custom shed with our 3D Builder. If you have any questions, contact us today.
