In addition to different sizes, panel siding also comes in different formats. There’s rough-sawn, smooth-sided, fiber-cement, and pressed hardboard. We’ll introduce you to each type and its key uses.
Rough-Sawn Plywood
Rough-sawn plywood, called Texture 1-11 (or T1-11), has been a popular siding option for many years. However, this product can buckle, warp, or even come apart if it’s not installed correctly and kept well sealed. The cheapest types must be sealed with primer and two or more coats of exterior paint and attached with nails every 16 inches. Higher-end products are thicker, use better wood and glue, and come with the first coat of sealer. Stain-grade panels have no football-shaped patches. Typically these panels have vertical grooves (the panels should be installed upright, so water won’t sit in the grooves). The grooves may be evenly or variably spaced.
Smooth-Sided Panels
Smooth-sided panels are often used to create a faux board-and-batten look. Alternatively, the joint between panels can be covered by a single batten.
Fiber-Cement Panels
You can also buy fiber-cement exterior siding panels made of the same material as fiber-cement lap siding. A pre-primed panel will save you time because the backs of these panels should be painted before installation.
Pressed Hardboard Panels
At the lowest end, pressed hardboard and OSB exterior siding panels come with embossed surfaces that are covered with a thin coating that is somewhat hard. These materials must be completely sealed with several coats of paint at all points, or they’ll soak up water like a sponge.
