Quick review … building a 3500 sq ft workshop  …. 16 ft walls  … 2 x 6 stick construction ….

Trying to save money …. no sheathing … any siding I put on will go directly onto the 2 x 6 stud wall (separated by house wrap).

So, after all my questions about T1-11, I’ve decided not to go with it.

The biggest reason is that the “affordable” one I picked has been discontinued.

The replacement one is the same price as Hardie lap siding or the LP vertical siding.

So which is better ???

Both say they can go onto the studs directly (even called both companies to confirm this).

He Hardie seems to be a “cement board” … but still must have some kind of finish as they make a big deal of treating the cut ends and not letting nails go deep.

The LP SmartSide seems to be some kind of OSB (the back looks like osb .. they have discontinued the one that is brown hard board).

Hardie come is 12 ft long horizontal strips.

LP comes in 16″ wide by 16 ft long strips … which will actually work out much better than the T1-11 as I will have no z trim or blocking in the middle.  They make a 2 1/2″ wide x 16 ft trim piece to go between each batten.

I know they are completely different looks (lap siding vs board and batten).

So, which is “better”?

Is there a good reason to go with one over the other?

I am starting the siding about 6″ off the ground (one row of blocks on my pad).

Thanks again …. Mike