Choosing the Best Shed Material: A Practical Comparison

Ready to build a shed this spring? If so, the material you choose could make or break your budget—and even impact your backyard! With so many options available, choosing the best shed material is crucial for durability, maintenance, and cost.

For this reason we have a guide that breaks down four common materials—LP (engineered wood), pressure-treated wood, vinyl, and metal— to help you make an informed decision based on price, practicality, and personal preference.

LP (Engineered Wood)

Overview

LP (engineered wood) is in fact a composite material made by binding wood fibers, strands, or veneers with adhesives. It is designed to be stronger and more durable than traditional wood while minimizing natural imperfections like knots and irregular grain. LP SmartSide siding is a popular choice for shed construction due to its durability and natural wood appearance. Gigglin’ Pig portable sheds with LP SmartSide features vertical siding and also comes in a variety of paint colors and urethane stain finishes. 

Also, for environmentally conscious homeowners, LP SmartSide siding is an excellent sustainable choice. That’s because it’s manufactured using renewable wood resources sourced from responsibly managed forests. As a result, choosing LP SmartSide helps you support sustainability while enjoying a beautiful, durable shed.

Because of its longer lifespan , it reduces the need for frequent replacements, further reducing environmental impact.

Price

• LP SmartSide is, in fact, a budget-friendly product. Prices, however, will differ based on choice of finish. With urethane stains being slightly more than the painted option but not enough to deter homeowners from choosing one over the other.

Practicality

• Highly resistant to impact, wind, rain, snow, sleet, and also extreme temperatures.
• More resistant to rot, warping, and insect damage than traditional wood.
• Requires minimal maintenance compared to untreated wood.
• LP SmartSide also has a 5-year workmanship warranty, and 50-year product warranty.
• Sherwin Williams A100 paint (15-year warranty), and also Urethane stain (10-year warranty).
• 95% of LP Smart Finish also features a wood grain texture.

Pros & Cons

✓ Eco-Friendly
✔ Low maintenance, and also durable
✔ Natural wood appearance with various color options also available.
✘ Can be susceptible to moisture and termites if not properly sealed

Pressure-Treated Wood

Overview

Pressure-treated wood, also referred to as T111, is chemically treated to resist rot, insects, and moisture. This makes it more durable than untreated wood, but it does require regular upkeep to maintain its longevity. It is however, a great option for those who prefer a more textured, stained, or rustic look.

There is however, some debate amongst those who are concerned about the impact on the environment from the chemicals used to treat lumber. But most of these concerns are put to rest due to the high level of construction practices from the manufacturers and the fact that these are portable buildings.

Price

• Typically, higher than untreated wood, but in the same range as LP SmartSide.

Practicality

• Long lifespan when properly maintained.
• Requires sealing or staining additionally to prevent deterioration.

Pros & Cons

✔ Strong and long-lasting when properly maintained.
✔ Highly resistant to pests and decay rather than untreated wood.
✔ Can also achieve a rustic or stained appearance.
✘ Regular Maintenance is also needed
✘ Eco concerns due to chemical treatments.

Vinyl

Overview

Vinyl sheds are plastic-based and also known for being minimal maintenance. They do not require painting and are resistant to rot, but they may not be as sturdy as alternative materials in extreme weather conditions. Vinyl siding is only available in horizontal panels, which also helps it match many homes’ exteriors.

Price

• Vinyl is, in fact, a more premium product. Its price is generally a little more upfront than other materials, but all this is taken into consideration with its low maintenance and lifetime warranty benefits.

Practicality

• Weatherproof and also resistant to rot and pests.
• No need for painting but it can fade over time.
• Less sturdy however, in extreme conditions or major impacts.
• Lifetime warranty is also available on many vinyl shed options.

Pros & Cons

✔ Easy to maintain while being resistant to moisture and insects.
✓ Life time warranty.
✔ Does not specifically require painting or sealing.
✔ Also matches typical home siding.
✘ Can fade eventually, or crack over time.
✘ Less structural strength compared to wood or metal.
✘ Only available however, in horizontal panels.

Metal

Overview

Metal sheds, typically made of steel or aluminum, are particularly known for their toughness and affordability. This siding also provides excellent durability, their aesthetic style can be matched to either existing barns or more modern houses. Metal siding can be noisier during rainstorms but that is also dependent on what kind of insulation is used, if any. However, most homeowners do not seem to mind that factor for outdoor structures.

Gigglin’ Pig also gives you the option to have your portable metal shed lined with OSB or just perlins. Metal material is additionally available in vertical siding.

Price

• Just as T111 and LP SmartSide are at an even price point, metal siding is also in the same price range of those two as well.

Practicality

• Highly durable while also being resistant to pests.
• Can rust over time if not properly maintained.
• Noisy during rainstorms, depending on insulation.

Pros & Cons

✔ Low cost while also high strength.
✔ Resistant to rot, pests, and also fire.
✘ Can rust and be noisy during rain.

Comparison Table

What to Consider When Choosing Sheds

A few more benefits for you to consider additionally that may help you in your decision about your outdoor structure:

One of the best things about ordering a portable shed however, is that you do not have to pay real estate taxes on it. Since these sheds are considered temporary structures, they do not increase your property taxes like permanent buildings do. As a result, they’re a budget-friendly solution for adding extra storage or workspace without incurring additional costs. Plus, because they are portable, you can move them around your property if needed, giving you even more flexibility.

Does your HOA, for instance, have strict guidelines for outdoor structures matching your house?

Gigglin’ Pig offers a wide variety of portable sheds that you can order to match your home, meet your needs and additionally be delivered straight to your property. Additionally, Gigglin’ Pig also has the option to build right on site.

What is the Best Shed Material?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to shed materials. For example the above-mentioned materials are all within price range of each other. So, the decision boils down to the needs of your property and personal preference. In fact, here at Gigglin’ Pig, we are confident that our team can assist you with making your goals for your shed a reality.

Finally ready to build your shed? Explore your options then choose the material that best fits your needs!