Plywood siding sounds cheap. It kind of is. But I’ve recommended it to clients for 10+ years because sometimes cheap and effective is exactly what the situation needs.
Where It Makes Sense
Rental properties. Vacation cabins. Outbuildings. Budget-conscious new construction. Anywhere durability matters more than luxury appearance.
Not for: showcase homes, historic districts, or anywhere you need curb appeal to impress neighbors.
The Reality
T1-11 plywood siding – that’s the grooved stuff you see on barns and cabins – holds up remarkably well when maintained. The key phrase being “when maintained.”
Seal the edges during installation. Prime and paint within 30 days. Repaint every 5-7 years. Do those things and it lasts 20+ years.
Common Failures
Water gets into unsealed edges. The layers delaminate. Looks terrible. This is 100% preventable with proper installation.
Also: bottom edges too close to ground splash, around window flashing that wasn’t done right. Moisture is the enemy.
Cost Comparison
About half the cost of fiber cement. Quarter the cost of natural wood siding. Labor is cheaper too because it goes up fast.
Factor in repainting costs over time. Still usually cheaper than alternatives over a 20-year period.
Installation Tips
Galvanized or stainless nails only. Space them 6″ apart on edges. Seal every cut edge immediately – I mean immediately, not after lunch.
Leave 1/8″ gaps between panels for expansion. Caulk those gaps after priming.
