Sycamore as barn siding?

[Osric]

Got an email from a potential customer who wants to know how sycamore would do as barn siding.  Since I've never used it in such an application, I thought I'd throw the question open here before I answered him.

[Justin L]

According to the Wood Handbook, Sycamore has little to no decay resistance.

[tyb525]

Although I suppose with a good outdoor finish, it might hold up ok, especially if it's going to be vertical. But Justin is right, it's definently not a rot-resistant species. It also has a tendancy to warp, but when nailed down it would probably be ok. If it is quartersawn it will warp quite a bit less, and it looks beautiful q-sawn.

[woodhick]

I cut some for my uncle "tightwad"  years ago and worried that it would not last.   It has been on his barn/shed for over 15 years and still looks great.   Just don't let it get too close to the ground where it would stay wet.