Trying something new, for me at least this weekend. Shed I built last fall needs the siding put on. I’ve got the Red cedar siding sitting out in the shed, been there two weeks, plan to put it on this weekend. Doesn’t seem too complicated, shed is only 8×12 few windows and doors. Question is, it says there should be a starter strip at the base of the 1st layer, how thick should this be? Should it be a piece of pressure treated or will simple strapping do?
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Are you using clapboards?
If so, just rip an 1-1/2" piece off the top of a board, and use that for a starting strip. You'll most likely be able to use the ripped piece at the top of your run.
I've also used mason lath, about 3/8" thinck for a starter. Or strips of 1/4" or 3/8" ply.
I usually use pressure treated lathe. Comes in 4' lengths, or, you can just rip some out of some 2 X material, but I'd use PT in any case.
but I'd use PT in any case.
Why? The guy's siding is red cedar. Better rot resistance than any chemical-soup pt cräp ever brewed up.
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....
Most of the Red Cedar I'm seeing in the yards out here is 2nd growth and doesn't really have the rot resistance of old growth tight grain heartwood (not even close). There's a lot of it growing here, but not much OG left...most of that comes from BC.So I'm just in the habit of using treated lathe for the kickouts....the treated stuff is pretty good here, for some reason, and in my damp winter climate, the bottom of the siding is pretty vulnerable.
We get garbage cedar here in BC. too. It doesn't last.
Guys, AFAIK it's not the tightness of the grain but the aromatic oils cedar contains that kills the wood-munchers.
You want to find out just how potent those aromatic oils are, go inside a cedar closet, close the door, and spray the walls with hot water. Just make sure you've got someone waiting outside to yank you outta there when they hear you hit the floor....
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....
Generally made by ripping a piece of the siding into strips about 1.5" wide. Coat it with a good primer before installing.
Generally it's the top edge of a clap ripped to the width of your overlap, generally about 1.5". If you don't use it, the first course will be flat against the sheathing, and all the rest will be slightly angled.
"If you don't use it, the first course will be flat against the sheathing, and all the rest will be slightly angled."
Like 90% of the Hardiplank installs in the new subdivisions around here!
Just a piece of lathe is fine. As long as there is air flow, don't have to worry about rot>