Vinyl Siding vs. T1-11 Wood Siding

Wood vs. Vinyl Siding: Which Choice is Best?

Each month, Everett, Sr., responds to readers’ questions about outbuildings, from design to construction.

Susan from Bridgewater asks:
I can’t decide between wood and vinyl siding for my storage building.  Is one better than the other?

Everett answers: Many clients ask this question, and truthfully, wood siding and vinyl siding are both great options for a storage building.  They are attractive and durable and, with proper care, will last long into the future.  While I don’t consider either one better than the other, I can tell you a little bit about the advantages and disadvantages of each.  In the end, you’ll need to choose the best fit for your property and lifestyle…

Wood and vinyl siding are the most common siding options for storage buildings.  Both are aesthetically pleasing, long-lasting and economical.  Before you decide which one is right for you, consider your expectations for the future, how much time you are willing to commit to maintenance, and which option would be most complementary to your home and property.

Vinyl siding, which is manufactured from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), has continually grown in popularity since its introduction in the 1960s.  Today, it is the most popular siding option in the United States, primarily due to its strength, durability and cost-effectiveness.  Busy homeowners appreciate that it is virtually maintenance free, with no costly, time-consuming sealing, staining or painting ever needed.  Simple yearly cleanings with either a garden hose or power washer will keep vinyl looking like new.  Other benefits include the fact that it is designed to allow for proper ventilation, never rots, does not attract insects, and comes in a variety of colors. 

While vinyl is very easy to care for, it is not completely indestructible.  This siding can on rare occasion be loosened or punctured by severe weather and is sensitive to high heat (from grills, fire, etc.).  Damaged panels may need to be replaced, but the vast majority of homeowners never have a problem.

 Customize Your Own

Despite vinyl’s popularity, many people still prefer the more natural beauty of wood.  At The Barn Yard, we use T1-11 Dura-Temp™, a quality grooved plywood sheet siding that tolerates New England’s harsh weather conditions without cracking or splitting.  This type of siding is applauded for being more environmentally friendly, can be easily installed and repaired, has more insulation value than vinyl and offers greater color flexibility.  The disadvantage to T1-11 is that it must be either painted or stained every five to ten years in order to protect against rot and/or mildew growth.  As with any other wood, it susceptible to termite damage if allowed to deteriorate.

Before you make your final decision with regard to vinyl or wood siding, check out the Customize Your Own page on The Barn Yard’s website to view color options and see for yourself what the final product will look like.