Advice from the Pros: Building with LP® SmartSide® Accessories

When it comes to installing lap siding many pros rely on one of the most durable siding solutions on the market, LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding. But not many are familiar with the latest LP SmartSide products: Outside Corners, J-Blocks and Mini-Splits. These engineered wood siding accessories complement durable exterior siding and help make the installation process easier all while creating a streamlined, finished look for each structure.

But don't take our word for it. We connected with a few building pros to get their take on LP SmartSide accessories. Here's what they had to say about working with these products.

Installing Siding Corners with LP SmartSide Outside Corners

Building corners on the job can take a lot of time—and when time is your most valuable business asset, any engineered wood siding accessories that can help you work smarter is a win. That’s why LP SmartSide Outside Corners make a big difference on the jobsite. They’re designed to create a uniform corner look in less time.

Erik Perkins of the Perkins Builder Brothers confirms: “They’ve saved us a lot of time,” he says. “The whole process was so much faster and easier than usual.” When it comes to how to install siding corners, just like LP SmartSide siding, LP SmartSide Outside Corners require only standard woodworking tools. See the Perkins brothers in action on the jobsite here.

LP SmartSide Outside Corners are durable and available in a variety of ExpertFinish® colors to take curb appeal to the next level. This means that, when paired with LP SmartSide ExpertFinish Trim & Siding, you’ll only need to touch-up nail heads and paint butt joints. “I hope to never paint a house on-site again,” Perkins adds. 

Looking for another quick tip on Outside Corners from the pros? Click here.

LP SmartSide J-Blocks & Mini-Splits: Tips for Siding Installation

LP SmartSide J-Blocks are used to easily and attractively mount light fixtures, water faucets and more. Available in ExpertFinish colors and manufactured with durability, these siding accessories make it easy to account for exterior home features that may require extra planning when installing lap siding.

David Parraguirre, known on social media as the Mexican Carpenter, recently used LP SmartSide J-Blocks on a build. “It made my life easier when it comes to installation,” he says, noting that J-Blocks come premade with Z-flashing. Alongside LP SmartSide ExpertFinish products, “(They) blend with the whole system,” he adds. Check out more from the Mexican Carpenter here.

Jaime Perkins of the Perkins Builder Brothers has also worked with J-Blocks and offered some quick siding tips for installing them with your build. “Determine where the mechanical termination needs to be on your wall and place the J-Block centered on that location,” he says. “Make sure it’s level and then nail all four corners, leaving a 3/16-inch gap at the bottom and sides.” 

"Leave a 3/8-inch gap at the top above the Z-flashing and do not caulk this portion," Jaime adds. With LP SmartSide J-Blocks, "you can finish it smart the first time."

Because they install so easily and flow easily into an exterior siding design plan, LP SmartSide J-Blocks are a quick way to cut down on time on the jobsite without sacrificing the look and feel of the home’s exterior.

As an accessory to one of the most durable siding solutions on the market, LP SmartSide Mini-Splits also complement a siding installation. They can be separated for specific mount sizes, serving a similar purpose to J-blocks. They also make installation easier if mechanical terminations are already present. And all LP SmartSide accessories are also backed by a strong 10-year prorated limited accessories and non-standard applications warranty from LP SmartSide Trim & Siding.

Ready to add these engineered wood siding accessories to your build? Find a dealer here.

For more advice from the pros, check us out on Instagram @lp_pros.