How to Install Vinyl Siding on a Baby Barn

Vinyl siding is made from PVC and polyvinyl chloride, and is pre-colored while it is made. The siding does not need painting and the color goes all through the product, so scratches do not show. This type of siding needs little maintenance and is available in horizontal panels that are embossed to resemble wood grain. A baby barn is a smaller project than a house and gives the builder an opportunity to practice installing the vinyl siding.

Twine
Nails
Hammer
Starter strip
J-channels
Knife
Vinyl siding panels
Carpenter’s level
Circular saw

Instructions

- 1
  Tie back any tree and shrub branches away from the baby barn with twine so they do not hinder the installation process. Remove any debris from around the structure. Inspect and remove any dirt from the outside of the barn.
- 2
  Nail the starter strip all around the bottom of the baby barn. This strip is designed so the vinyl panels lock into the strip. Nail J-channels along the sides and top of all doors and windows. Cut a notch in the J-channels with a sharp knife to create a drip channel for rain.
- 3
  Install the vinyl siding, beginning at the starter strip. Pull the siding panel up to lock the bottom into the starter strip and place the nail in the center slot. Drive the nail in straight and leave 1/16 of an inch between the head of the nail and the panel.
- 4
  Stagger the ends of the paneling 4 feet apart and overlap the ends by 1 inch. Check the paneling every couple of rows with a carpenter’s level to make sure the panels are straight.
- 5
  Cut the vinyl panels with a circular saw so they fit at the corners, doors and windows. Lock each piece into the panel below it. Add outside corner posts to the corners of the baby barn.

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