That is a great product for a shed. Be certain to place the sheets vertical and place a barrier underneath the board to alleviate water penetration. That can be tar paper or regular housewrap. Then you will need to caulk between the sheets.

Here is a link that describes the process precisely.

http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=251077

Goood luck. I am going to build my shed with plank siding.

Brad

I think that fiber-cement used to be made with asbestos for the fibers. Hopefully they have changed to something safer. I would find out what it is made from before I used it.

MM

Please do not be afraid of the composition of the hardi-plank. It is not hazardous to your health, but DO wear a mask when you cut it.

If paints up nicely and will last as long as you will.

Brad

Thanks Brad. Yeah, its definitely not made with asbestos these days. I checked the website. It is made with silica I guess which is why they say to wear a mask when cutting as the dust is very hazardous.

it's tough on saw blades

I have always heard good things about the hardi products (plank and panel). Installation was a little more involved due to weight and cutting as mentioned above, but nothing serious. I have seen mentioned that priming before installing works well.

I've installed Hardiplank® a pretty good bit. Used the 12" wide horizontal lap siding. It IS hard on saw blades, and DO use either a mask while cutting or set up a good sized fan to blow dust away from you as you cut. It is a great long-lasting product and if I'm not mistaken, is typically warranted for 50 years. Take a look at this link for specific instructions: http://www.jameshardie.com/homeowner/installation/hardiplank_installation.php

hey to dave over there in west ga !!! What he said is true, but in the back of my mind I'm wondering what time will tell us about this stuff, say 20 - 25 years from now.

How long have the hardi products been on the market?

If you don't want as much dust from a FC saw blade (the one with 3-4 teeth), get an electric shear. It cuts a wide kerf with almost no dust generation.

Hardie products have been out for about 20 years.

A pneumatic siding nailer is just the thing for putting up the siding. These cement board products are a bit brittle and should not have things like lawn equipment, baseballs or basketballs in contact with it. The stuff tends to crack. Like cement, it IS porous and will absorb moisture if not properly caulked and painted.

I built a house in 1998. I don't like vinyl siding, had a bad experience with hail damage to metal siding, couldn't afford cedar, and T-111 didn't work with the style of house, so chose fiber-cement lap siding. Like John C says, in another 20-30 years we'll know if it was a good decision.

My builder used the electric shears, which are quick, quiet, and produced zero dust. You end up with a bunch of fiber-cement confetti to pick up.

My siding came primed from the factory. We had two coats of latex paint put over it. We've had to touch up the cedar trim once already but the paint on the fiber-cement looks absolutely new.

I would do it again.

Truth is you need cedar siding. Forget everything else. That is what is going to last.

Here is a link that might be useful: Rustic lumber

Based on current installs the Cement sidings will last at least 20 years with no problems. Are you going to be living where you are in 20 years? (Hardie products have been out for about 20 years. )

As for cedar it has to be treated every five to six year, and in the proper condition will rot.