Shipments contain plenty of long lengths to reduce labor and to keep end joints to a minimum.
For sheathing, use plywood, lumber or fiberboard. Nail as shown in photograph with one nail per bearing, about 1 inch above lower edge. The saw-textured surface holds finishes almost twice as long as smooth surfaced wood and resists weathering very well. Any finish should be maintained for optimum performance. Oil-based opaque stains will obscure the grain and knots while highlighting the wood's texture.