Wood, Vinyl, or Metal Shed Siding: Which Option Is Best for You?

Selecting the best siding material for your shed can be a surprisingly tricky task. Some homeowners focus too much on the aesthetic appearance of siding, neglecting the performance — and vice versa. The truth is that siding panels should be both durable and stylish. Shed siding materials should be able to protect whatever is kept inside. Likewise, aesthetics are also important, and no one wants the storage shed to stick out like an eyesore.

Metal, vinyl, and wood are all common siding materials used for residential, rural, and commercial properties because they tend to be some of the most attractive storage siding options. When making a selection, however, homeowners should compare shed siding ideas for cost, durability, and installation, too. So, what siding material is best for a shed? Take a look as we compare these three popular siding options. Spoiler alert — one comes out on top as a clear winner!

Metal Shed Siding

Durability

Many people use metal shed siding because of its natural strength and resistance to the elements. It’s a particularly heavy-duty siding option, which is why rain, wind, and sun exposure don’t affect metal siding the way they do with thinner, less durable materials. It’s not uncommon to find metal siding products with a 30-year warranty. It also has a Class A Fire Rating, so steel siding is a great option for homeowners who value preventative fire safety measures.

Cost

Re-siding a storage shed with aluminum siding or steel siding is quite affordable when you factor in the longevity of the materials and the lack of upkeep involved. Homeowners can expect to pay about $3 to $5 per square foot, depending on the color and finish selected.

Installation

A huge advantage of metal shed siding is that modern siding panels are easy to install, which is great news for handy homeowners and DIY enthusiasts looking to whip out shed projects without paying contractors for labor.

metal shed

Vinyl Shed Siding

Durability

Of the three storage shed siding options, vinyl is typically the least durable, though variations in quality are possible depending on the product. One of the main issues with plastic siding is that it tends to bend, sag, and become noticeably weathered over time. Mildew shows up easily on vinyl siding as green or grey splotching, and panels are easily punctured or torn from fallen branches, hail, and wind gusts. In addition, the plastic component of vinyl siding renders it particularly flammable.

Cost

Homeowners can expect to pay around $3.50 per square foot for vinyl. Though the cost of plastic siding is relatively affordable upfront, homeowners should consider the frequency with which it will need to be replaced due to damage.

Installation

Like metal siding, installation is pretty straightforward for vinyl siding. Some homeowners prefer to have it professionally installed, as errors made during installation can compromise the overall performance of vinyl siding.

Wood Shed Siding

Durability

Wood siding is quite durable when it comes to impact and structural integrity, but water damage, mildew, and sun exposure can threaten its ability to perform as a reliable exterior for sheds as well as cause the aesthetic appearance to suffer. This means that regular painting and staining is absolutely necessary for natural wood to maintain its original beauty. In addition, flammability is a major concern with natural wood siding.

Cost

Wood siding tends to cost in the range of $5 to $7 per square foot, plus the cost of labor, paint, stain, caulk, and other protective finishes applied. Remember that wood siding panels require regular maintenance and typically call for caulking and restaining every 2 to 3 years, which can impact the overall cost of wood siding.

Installation

Many people are familiar with wood as a building material, so installation tends to be straightforward. However, different wood siding styles may complicate the process, depending on whether the homeowner is going with horizontal siding or a vertical board and batten application. Though builders may be comfortable working with wood, the installation process is considered much more labor-intensive overall, because of the caulking, staining, and addition of other finishes. Furthermore, wood siding panels tend to be significantly heavier than vinyl and metal, which may pose an additional challenge during installation.

Winner: Metal Shed Siding

It provides enhanced durability, easy installation, and a desirable cost to value ratio over its lifetime, so metal siding is the clear frontrunner when it comes to determining the best siding for sheds and storage units. All in all, metal siding offers great value, reliable performance, and attractive styles, making it a must for anyone looking for an excellent exterior solution for their storage shed.

Contact the steel siding experts at Trulog today for a custom quote for your shed.

Newsletter Signup

TruLog Product Catalog

TruLog Product Catalog

In our free catalog, you will learn about the benefits of TruLog’s™ Steel Siding