LP smartside interior

[PoorOwner]

I have a question using smartside as interior walls. In my region they only sell the 3/8", it says it's 0.315" so not even 3/8".. How is it holding up for you guys.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/LP-SmartSide-SmartSide-48-in-x-96-in-Strand-Panel-Siding-27874/100055901

They use this to side sheds and seems "hard" enough. It's does not feel like 3/8" of any other wood products. I was fixated on 1/2 ply for a while but this has the T&G so I think it would look more finished.

As far as baseboards and outlets go. Do you think I just need to caulk the cover plates around the grooves it is different thickness. I don't think I can plan carefully enough to have every outlet in the middle of the "plank". Baseboards, I don't know, they install side trims across it so it must look ok with plenty of caulking. I am going to have a floor installed so I plan on having baseboards.

So this is the kind of thing that needs to be decided since I either install the electrical box at 0.315" or 0.5" depending on the material used.

 

[engineer2]

Should work OK. Yes, you would have to caulk around the grooves if it's behind an outlet or baseboard.
It has to be painted to protect it from water, but that's not an issue indoors. If water gets to the bottom edge and sits there, it will wick up and ruin it.
Con: scratches or damage would be very difficult to fix and hide.

 

[KenC]

I would use old work boxes. Just stub wire out in the approximate location, drill a hole in the smartside when hanging and install the boxes when all 'siding' is in place. That way you can get the boxes where they look and work best every time.

But, check with your inspector first to be sure an electrical rough-in like this is OK with him/her.

 

[BillK]

Poor,
Not sure why you would want to use that for interior walls ?? I finished my attached 2 car garage with inexpensive prefinished wood paneling almost 30 years ago and it still looks like the day I did it. No painting etc. I did one small section with pegboard too.

 

[Heap64]

I know this is an old thread, I'm strongly considering using smart board on my garage interior. Wouldn't 8" OC groves mean outlets should always be just off a groove a bit? I know I'm over thinking it.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[383]

The groove should be on a stud, and another groove centered between the studs (studs 16"oc) since the edges of the panel need to land on a stud.

 

[mullivan]

Did you end up using the Smartside as interior panels? I'm considering the same so would love to know/see how it turned out!