Do-It-Yourself Vinyl Siding Supplies

Remove old panels with a zip lock tool, crowbar or hammer. If you are putting siding over a flat surface or if it is new siding, you won't need to remove the old siding first.

Cover the wall with plastic sheathing or foam board to give the siding a smooth, protected surface. The type of insulative material you can use is regulated by municipalities, so check to see what's required in your area. Weather barriers and flashing may also be required. Consult your municipality and the siding manufacturer to see what you need.

Cut vinyl siding to fit with a fine-tooth saw. You can use either a hand saw or a power saw. Install the saw in reverse direction.

Trim or score the vinyl siding with a utility knife.

Shape vinyl siding with tin snips. This works well if you are cutting siding to make room for a vent or other protruding shape.

Punch lugs into siding edges using a snap lock punch. This is a special tool that won't be needed for every project.

Add corner posts to the edges of the siding to finish the look and prevent jagged edges on the corners.

Use trim as necessary depending on the project and type of siding. Trim is molding used to give the siding a finished look.

Install siding using nails and a nail gun. For small projects you can use nails and a hammer if you don't have a nail gun.