When planning a new pole barn or garage, siding has a bigger impact than most people expect. It affects durability, maintenance, and how the building looks on your property.
One of the most popular upgrades we offer at Apex Structures is LP® SmartSide® engineered wood siding. It gives you the look of traditional wood with added durability designed for real-world conditions.
Here’s what it is — and when it makes sense.
What Is LP SmartSide?
LP SmartSide is an engineered wood siding product made by Louisiana-Pacific. It’s designed to replicate the appearance of real wood while improving resistance to moisture, impact, and decay.
The material is manufactured by compressing wood strands with resins and waxes, then treating it with LP’s SmartGuard® process. This helps protect against:
- Termites
- Fungal decay
- Moisture intrusion
- Everyday impact damage
The result is a siding product that looks like wood but is built for longer-term performance.
Key Benefits of LP SmartSide
1. Performs Well in Harsh Climates
In areas like Utah, buildings deal with freeze-thaw cycles, heat, wind, and seasonal moisture.
LP SmartSide is designed to handle those conditions with less risk of:
- Warping
- Cracking
- Excess moisture absorption
2. More Custom, Residential Appearance
This is one of the main reasons people choose it.
LP SmartSide is available in:
- Lap siding
- Board-and-batten
- Panel styles
It’s often used when:
- Matching an existing home
- Meeting HOA or neighborhood requirements
- Creating a more finished, residential look
It comes pre-primed, so you can paint it to match your property.
3. Easier to Work With During Construction
Compared to steel or fiber cement, LP SmartSide is easier to cut and modify on-site.
That makes it useful for:
- Custom door and window openings
- Trim details and upgrades
- Adjustments during the build
4. Good Impact Resistance
For shops, garages, and active properties, siding takes more abuse than people expect.
LP SmartSide generally holds up well against:
- Hail
- Tools and equipment
- Sports use and everyday impacts
5. Warranty Coverage
LP offers:
- 50-year limited warranty on the substrate
- 5-year warranty on factory finishes
As with any product, long-term performance still depends on proper installation and maintenance.
LP SmartSide vs. Steel Siding
Here’s a general comparison to help you decide which direction fits your project:
| Feature | LP SmartSide | Steel Panels |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Wood-like, residential look | Clean, more industrial |
| Paintability | Yes (field paintable) | No (factory finish only) |
| Impact Resistance | High | Moderate (can dent) |
| Moisture Resistance | High (when installed correctly) | Very high |
| Cost | Typically higher | More budget-friendly |
| HOA Acceptance | Often preferred or required | Sometimes restricted |
When LP SmartSide Makes the Most Sense
We often recommend it when:
- The building is near your home or highly visible
- You want a more finished, residential look
- HOA or neighborhood guidelines apply
- The structure will be used as more than basic storage
For simple storage buildings or more budget-focused projects, steel siding can still be a great option.
A Siding Choice That Impacts the Whole Build
At Apex Structures, we help you weigh the pros and cons based on your budget, location, and goals so you end up with a building that fits long-term.
If you’re planning a pole barn that will serve as a garage, office, guesthouse, or visible structure near your home, LP SmartSide is a smart upgrade that adds serious value, durability, and style.
Contact Apex Structures today to see siding samples, compare pricing, and get expert advice on designing a building that fits your vision — inside and out.