Substitute for T1-11 siding?

[kiwiegg]

I'm debating between the "Garden-Coop" plan and building a playhoouse style walk-in coop. I have some used windows already but I built a nice playhouse a couple of years back for my boys and remember the T1-11 siding (looks nice, has grooves in it) being really expensive @ $40 or so a 4'x8' sheet. The walk-in coop for dummies calls for 11 sheets! To me that is going to be the biggest expense.

Does anyone have any suggestions for cheaper siding alternatives (that isn't painted plywood)?

Cheers.

 

[Markallen]

Sheet goods have gone up recently, they fluctuate quite a bit, but 5/8's 8'' o.c. is around 32 a sheet at H.D. You could use 3/8's and save about $8 per sheet. As long as it is sealed well from the weather it holds up pretty good, I always use an exterior semi-gloss, it seals it better than flat and is a lot easier to clean.

 

[JackE]

I used a product called "Smartside" got it from Lowes. It's a man made product that was about half the cost of T-111. It has an old barn wood look to it. It has survived 2 yrs in all kinds of weather, and it looks as good as the day I installed it.
Jack

 

[Chris09]

For 4 x 8 Plywood I'm paying,

19/32" (5/8") DD grade for $19.97
3/8" DD grade for $12.97

When you go to paint the coop just use a good Exterior Oil Base Primer first then use a Exterior Latex Paint as your final coat.
The Primer will help seal and protect the wood a lot better than just paint also it will take less coats to cover the wood.

D Grade or Veneer quality D

Veneer quality "D" is a non-appearance grade face where limited knots are defects are permitted. D grade veneer faces are suitable for applications where appearance is not important such as structural purposes. A DD plywood sheet has a face and back veneer quality of D grade. ​

Chris

 

[jerryb]

if you use a lower cost plywood like Chris mentioned but still want the "T1-11" look then you simply make some strips out of 2 x ? that you have laying around and tack that onto the plywood before you paint. strips of 2 x ? ripped 5/16 thick should give a nice appearance space them around 10" apart.

another option is to ask around to see if there is a sawmill, or a portable sawyer in your area. then go get some slabwood or offcuts to make your siding. I built a B*itchin' 3-bay rabbit barn for my daughter's rabbits using all offcuts from a local sawmill. cost me about $100 for a 9 x 10 barn, plus the roof metal which was another $200

I can usually get a pretty big stack of wood for $100 at my local mill.

cheers
jerry

 

[DanEP]

I used a product called "Smartside" got it from Lowes. It's a man made product that was about half the cost of T-111. It has an old barn wood look to it. It has survived 2 yrs in all kinds of weather, and it looks as good as the day I installed it.
Jack

x 2

I used it too and is holding up well.