Any cheaper alternative for siding a shed?

[soob]

I like this look since its supposed to be a "tree house". The rustic look is cool. Now just wondering if I can buy regular pickets and use them or if I have to bevel them first?

If you're talking about clapboard (the second picture), no you don't have to cut them to a triangle shape. They'll work just fine. Might consider using 2x for trim (maybe plane down) so the clapboard doesn't stick out but it'll work just fine.

If you're going to stack them one on the other as in the first picture (to extend sidewall height) you should bevel the cut/end/ grain ends so water will run off better.

 

[soob]

The thing I would emphasize is that the wood siding isn't the water barrier here. That has to be the building wrap/tar paper/flashing/etc. The building should be waterproof before you attach the siding. This isn't hard but it's a little more involved that just using smartside.

 

[Skooterj]

Is anything cheaper than vinyl siding over OSB and tar paper? I guess vinyl directly to the studs without sheathing. Vinyl at least saves on paint cost, which isn't cheap.