MDO As Both Siding & Sheathing

karma_carpentry

I haven't used it like this yet, but I've seen it around on some new construction in Boston - the use of MDO as the field in framed panels. I've seen it in the newer 'high-end' new construction where generally porches are all finished in mahogany.

In this application, it's used as both sheathing & siding simultaneously, isn't it? I mean, there's nothing under it but the studs, and then it's painted and exposed.

The faux stile/rail boards are nailed right into the MDO - so there it acts as the sheathing. Then the frame band is laid inside the rectangles and caulk seals it watertight.

I like how it looks when the proportions of the panels are healthy, and it seems like a really efficient way of building.

It also seems like a pretty easy technique to get good help to do well.

Any drawback I should know about using MDO as both sheathing and siding like this?

Tom R

Hmm, - - we just discussed this a couple of weeks ago, - - let me see if I can find it.

Tom R

Alright, - - try here . . .


www.contractortalk.com/showthread.php?t=10746

Tom R

Didn't mean to shut down the thread.

I think it's a good product for the job, - - I just suggest to make sure it is 'gapped' to keep some air along the edges, - - and make sure the bottom edges 'float' at the very least 1/4" (I'd go 1/2") so water can't wick up at the bottom edges.

Personally, - - I still like the idea of Azek a lot better, - - although granted it's much more expensive.

With Azek you can actually make real 'raised' panels, - - and if you choose to paint the Azek (recommended), - - the paint job will supposedly last about 15 years, - - because Azek doesn't 'breathe' like real wood.

Any other input from anyone, - - before I go and turn this into anymore of an Azek thread on him??

karma_carpentry

Tom, Thanks for all the info and for looking up the other thread for me. I learned a lot from it.

I never knew Azek comes in sheet sizes. Just thought of it as a plastic plank.

Look at you, gluing up actual raised panels in Azek for your exterior! That's quite an entry room.

The one time I used a smooth-faced plastic composite, the circular saw just slid around like butter.

I bet the edge of MDO would hold up well if you RedGard it.

Gordo

Just so you know. Azek has recently made available different panel sizes as opposed to just one size.

I just priced a job to replace some wood panels with Azek. My supplier said he knows a guy that can "laser" the raised panels using his computer design software eliminating all that routing and shaping (and possible melting).

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Looks like some pros were here.

Tom R

Are you talking about different 'raised' panel sizes??, - - if so, - - I didn't even know they carried them.

I made mine on the table saw.

Gordo

No. Azek (to the best of my knowledge) only carried one sized panel (I think it was a 3x8?). My supplier at the lumber yard said Azek is now offering different sized panels to eliminate waste/maximize material usage.

I have never used the stuff personally, but have seen it.

My supplier said I could buy the panels from him, sub the "laser" work to this other guy (he would come out and measure the job, and replicate the panels in question, and fabricate). The install is my baby.

This is more cost effective for me because I don't have the " cabinet- maker shop set-up".

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Looks like some pros were here.

Tom R

Oh, - - yeah, we've got only 4 X 8 panels around here, - - choices of smaller sizes would come in handy.

The panels are easy enough to run up-on-edge through a table saw, - - but yeah, - - profiled (shaped) edges would be somewhat trickier to do on Azek.

Like you say, - - melty.