Skinning (sheathing) a shed

[sammm]

Hey all...started framing up my 10x12 storage shed, with a lean-to roof (10' front, 8' rear). Starting to think about covering the exterior. It won't be insulated, cooled, heated, etc.

1 door and 1 window on the front wall.

Can I nail LP-SmartSide siding (vertical, 4x8 sheets) straight to the studs (16" OC), or do I need to add a layer of OSB first?

 

[Trapps]

Short answer is yes:

"Siding may be applied over sheathed walls or, where building
codes permit, directly to studs spaced no greater than 16 in. O.C.
that have adequate corner bracing."


https://lpcorp.com/resources/product-literature/installation-instructions/lp-smartside-fiber-substrate-panel-siding-application-instructions-english

It appears you're not done framing yet, but you might consider sheathing the front and back walls to help structural integrity. Not sure of your location within NC, but consider snow load if appropriate with your 2.4/12 low angle roof.

Good luck with the build; I am about 70% done with a similar shed project and also considering LP Vertical Board & Batten.

 

[sammm]

^Thanks for that. Snow load not a concern in central NC.

Good luck with your build as well!

 

[engineer2]

I used smartside for my shed. Make sure you get some good quality exterior paint and paint all the edges before you install it. If it wicks water, it will swell and decompose.

 

[sammm]

^Got it, thank you.

 

[captain14]

Glad to see someone else use the pier blocks to elevate the shed. Your siding will last a lot longer. Just keep everything away from the siding so it can dry out after it rains.

How much is the roof going to overhang the siding? This helps keep the siding dry too.

Prime everything you can before it gets covered.

I’ve seen too many shed slowly rot away due to improper wood protection

 

[sammm]

^Thanks. Minimum 1' overhang all around, probably ~2' on the front.

 

[Bretny]

I saw a piece of smart siding a few months ago for the first time. I thought what a pos. Then saw the high price tag also. It's OSB with a coating. I'm never use that on my buildings.

You should at least price out all the options. Vinyl siding and metal just to name a few.

 

[nadogail]

I am a fan of pre-finished Hardi Plank siding.
I have several lengths that you can have for the hauling away.

Better pack a lunch if you are coming to pick it up.

 

[sammm]

^I thought about horizontal siding, that's what's on the house (fiber cement siding). More $$$ and work, and I'd have to sheath in OSB first. I'll have to price it out and see exactly how much more it would cost.

If you were closer I'd take you up on that offer!

 

[QwikKotaTx]

I did 4x8 Hardie sheets directly on my studs then painted them. It helped firm up the structure as well. I did the score and snap cutting method but recently cut some with a carbide blade and dust mask, much faster. I like to pre-drill a small hole for the nail to avoid damaging the panels but it's necessary.

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

 

[sammm]

^Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

 

[bas157]

I used Hardie 4x8 sheets as well. First ones I put on I didn't pre-drill holes near corners, after some broken off corners, I did predrill any holes near edges. Just attached them directly to the studs.

 

[engineer2]

Here's my LP-SmartSide siding shed

 

[sammm]

Thanks to you both. Engineer2, did you attach straight to the studs too?

 

[engineer2]

Yes, nailed to 16" on center studs using galvanized nails. A little dab of OSI polyurethane caulk on top of the nails heads to hide them before painting. 3 years later it still looks good.

 

[sammm]

^Thanks again!

 

[sammm]

Quick update. Ended up finding a deal on some Hardie horizontal siding and picked it up. Still have to trim out where the walls meet the soffitt. All the trim is PVC, and the building is Hardie. Should out live me! Getting ready to run electric out to it.

 

[kaehlin]

That looks very nice - simple, functional, durable.

 

[captain14]

Nice shed. Are you building steps or a ramp to the door?

 

[sammm]

Nice shed. Are you building steps or a ramp to the door?

Thanks.

After I get the electric dug out and run under the building, I'm going to add a wooden platform/deck off of the concrete piers. Probably use 2x4's, and that way it will be a gradual 2-step up to the door. If I still need a ramp, I'll add a small one on the end where the door is.

 

[brent5631]

How did you finish the roof shingles at the top side?

 

[engineer2]

Looks nice! You have critter problems in you area? We have to seal off open areas under sheds to prevent skunks, racoons, possums, chipmunks, or whatever might take up residence.

 

[sammm]

How did you finish the roof shingles at the top side?

Oversized drip edge, face nailed. Roofing mastic under it and on the exposed nail heads.

Looks nice! You have critter problems in you area? We have to seal off open areas under sheds to prevent skunks, racoons, possums, chipmunks, or whatever might take up residence.

Thanks! Already have a roll of galvanized wire mesh that I'll attach to the rim joist after I get my electric run under and up into the building. I'll cover the mesh with the large stones you see scattered around.

 

[stokefire7]

Nice shed. My plan is similar , lean to style . Got electric done last year. Footings this year.

 

[Jayman17]

Hi nice job on the shed. I read both of your build threads and I really like your brick shop as well. Are you still at that place or did you move to North Carolina?
Kind of confused where you are located.
Anyway enjoy your space!

Jay

 

[sammm]

Nice shed. My plan is similar , lean to style . Got electric done last year. Footings this year.

Thanks...good luck with yours!

Hi nice job on the shed. I read both of your build threads and I really like your brick shop as well. Are you still at that place or did you move to North Carolina?
Kind of confused where you are located.
Anyway enjoy your space!

Jay

Brick shop is in Texas, where we used to live. (Hated to leave it, but cost of living was getting terrible there) We moved to NC last spring and downsized/simplified.

 

[Jayman17]

Simple is good, that's what How I try to keep things.

That was a sweet shop though...

How do you like North Carolina?
Jay

 

[sammm]

How do you like North Carolina?
Jay

We are really enjoying it here. Have family close by too, which we didn't have in Texas.

 

[CraigStu]

What will you coat/cover the bottom wood with?

 

[sammm]

What will you coat/cover the bottom wood with?

I think I'm going to leave it as is. It's all pressure treated. When I nail on the galvanized mesh there won't be much of it exposed.

 

[nadogail]

Looks Good.

 

[sammm]

^Thank you.

 

[sammm]

Been awhile since I posted an update. The shed is done (I think). I added a 'front porch' and floating step to make it easier to get inside. The wife painted it last week! Still need to stain the porch wood.

A solar motion light over the door and bug-zapper under the front eave.

 

[Skiff Builder]

Nice Work!

 

[sammm]

^Thank you!

 

[CraigStu]

Your shed turned out really, really nice.
Kind of a side question to all on this thread; I am disappointed to see all the comments about the Smart Siding needing careful coating. 28 yrs ago I built a playhouse for the kids. it was up off the ground 3 ft and I sheathed it w/ T1-11. Painted it w/ solid color stain. It is still near perfect today. Seeing Smart Siding at HD etc I had assumed it was some kind of a modern composite that won't rot. Apparently not. I will be building a shed this summer so I want to ask the advantage of Smart Siding is??

 

[engineer2]

Smart Siding advantages:
The outer surface is fairly hard.
Comes pre-primed
Has a nice decorative pattern
Reasonably priced
Comes in 4x8 sheets
Easy installation; can be nailed directly to studs.

Precautions:
It's fiberboard, so raw edges will wick water. Over time it will swell and after a year it will start to crumble. Depends on where you live and how often it gets wet. Prevent problems by painting any raw edges before you nail it up. Caulk seams and nail heads.
A neighbor forgot to paint the edges on his shed and now has issues.

 

[Trapps]

Looks great, Sammm! Do you have plans to trim the bottom?

 

[Jayman17]

That turned out really nice.

Jay