How to Install Vinyl Siding on a Shed

Vinyl siding can make an old shed look new again.

If you’re handy with basic carpenter tools, you don’t need a contractor to install the siding on your shed. The process, called “hanging,” requires the ability to measure and cut the siding and use a hammer and nails.

Corners and Starter Strip

1. Cut four vinyl corners by measuring from the bottom of the soffit to 1/4-inch below the shed’s boxing. Boxing is the flat wood that covers the side of the shed.

2. Use a chop saw to cut the corners, or use tin snips and cut them by hand.

3. Nail the vinyl corners onto the corners of the shed, using a carpenter’s level to make sure each corner is vertical. Do not drive the nails all the way to the vinyl nailing strip. The head should extend about 1/32-inch above the strip, allowing the vinyl to expand and contract with temperature changes.

4. Install J-channel around the shed door and around any windows, with the cupped side facing outward.

5. Attach the starter strip to the bottom edges of the shed with siding nails. The bottom of the strip should be level with the bottom of the installed corners.

Install the Siding Strips

1. Measure the distance of the shed wall between corners and cut a strip of vinyl siding ½-inch shorter. Fit the siding strip over the starter strip, centering it between the corners. There should be an approximately ¼-inch gap between the corner and the siding strip on each side to allow for expansion.

2. Snap the first strip up and over the starter strip. When it’s correctly in place, it will not fall off.

3. Drive siding nails through the nailing strip into the studs beneath the shed wall. Note that the holes are labeled with numbers. If a stud lies beneath the number “7” hole, insert a nail there, then look for the next number “7” and drive in another nail. The two holes will be 16 inches apart.

4. Insert siding nails with the heads extended, as you did before. The siding literally “hangs” on the nails. Repeat with a second piece of siding, snapping it in place over the top lip of the first piece and nailing it with siding nails in the same manner.

5. Continue until you’ve reached the top of the wall. You may have to cut a piece of siding horizontally to fit here. If so, use a vinyl siding hole punch to make new nailing holes on the top of the cut edge.

Tip

If you drive the siding nails all the way in, the siding may take on a wavy look because it can't move when it expands.

Warning

Wear protective eyewear when cutting vinyl siding with a chop saw.

Wear leather work gloves. The cut edges of vinyl siding are sharp.