Types of Exterior Wood Siding: Choose the Right Wood
Wood siding has been a cornerstone of American home construction for centuries, and despite the introduction of synthetic alternatives like vinyl and fiber cement, it remains a popular choice for homeowners who value authenticity and natural materials.
However, not all wood siding is created equal. The type of wood species you choose, the style of installation, and the level of maintenance you’re willing to commit to will all significantly impact your siding’s performance, longevity, and overall satisfaction.
The decision to choose wood siding should not be taken lightly. Although it offers numerous benefits, wood siding also requires a higher level of maintenance compared to synthetic alternatives, and the initial cost can be significantly higher than options like vinyl or aluminum siding. It is important to understand these trade-offs for making an informed decision that aligns with your priorities and lifestyle
Wood Species for Exterior Siding
Different wood species offer varying characteristics in terms of durability, weather resistance, appearance, cost, and maintenance requirements.
1. Cedar: The Premium Choice
PROS:
Cedar stands out as the most popular and widely recommended wood species for exterior siding applications, and for good reason. The natural characteristics of cedar make it uniquely suited for exterior applications. Cedar contains natural oils and extractives that provide inherent resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage, including protection against termites and carpenter ants.
It is aesthetic, it offers unmatched natural beauty with its rich grain patterns,also it has warm color tones, and distinctive aroma. The wood is relatively soft and lightweight, which makes it easy to cut, shape, and install. Cedar’s dimensional stability is superior to many other wood species, meaning it experiences less expansion and contraction with changes in temperature and humidity.
CONS:
Cedar siding does come with some considerations that potential users should understand. But the primary drawback is cost, with cedar typically commanding a premium price compared to other wood species. Quality cedar siding can cost 5to5 to 5 to 11 per square foot installed, it can be significantly more expensive than alternatives like pine or synthetic siding materials
Cedar siding requires regular cleaning and refinishing every 3 to 5 years to maintain its appearance and weather resistance. Without proper maintenance, cedar can develop mildew, discoloration, and eventual deterioration, though it will still outperform most other wood species even when neglected.
Cedar siding also has some sensitivity to iron-based fasteners, which can cause staining and discoloration. Stainless steel or aluminum fasteners are recommended for cedar installations, which can add to the overall project cost.
2. Pine: The Budget-Friendly Option
PROS:
Pine represents the most economical option for wood siding, offering an attractive entry point for homeowners who want the natural beauty of wood without the premium cost associated with cedar or other specialty species.
The advantage of pine siding is its affordability. Pine is widely available throughout most of North America and can cost significantly less than cedar or other premium wood species. The wood is relatively easy to work with, accepting nails and screws readily, and can be cut and shaped with standard woodworking tools. Pine also takes paint and stain well, providing good flexibility in terms of finish options.
CONS:
Pine is a softwood that lacks the natural rot and insect resistance found in cedar and other premium species. This means that pine siding requires more aggressive treatment and maintenance to achieve acceptable longevity and performance.
The maintenance requirements for pine siding are substantial. The wood typically requires annual or bi-annual treatment with sealers, stains, or paints to prevent moisture infiltration and subsequent rot.
Pine is also more susceptible to warping, cupping, and other dimensional changes than more stable wood species. The wood’s tendency to move with changes in moisture content can create gaps in the siding installation and compromise weather resistance over time.
Additionally, pine is more prone to splitting and cracking, particularly around fastener locations.
The natural characteristics of pine also present some challenges for exterior applications. The wood contains resins and pitch that can bleed through paint finishes, creating discoloration and finish failure.
Despite these limitations, pine siding can provide acceptable performance when properly installed and maintained.
3. Redwood: The Luxury Option
PROS:
The natural durability of redwood is perhaps its most significant advantage. The wood contains natural extractives and tannins that provide exceptional resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage. These natural preservatives are so effective that redwood can perform well in challenging exterior environments without any chemical treatment, making it an excellent choice for coastal areas, humid climates, and other demanding conditions.
Redwood’s dimensional stability is superior to most other wood species, experiencing minimal expansion and contraction with changes in temperature and humidity.
The wood has a natural elegance that complements both traditional and contemporary architectural styles, and it ages gracefully when left untreated, developing an attractive silvery-gray patina over time.
The workability of redwood is excellent, with the wood being relatively soft and easy to cut, shape, and install. Redwood accepts fasteners well and is less prone to splitting than many other species. The wood also takes stains and finishes readily, though many homeowners prefer to let redwood weather naturally to showcase its inherent beauty.
CONS:
Redwood siding comes with some significant considerations.
The primary drawback is cost, with quality redwood siding commanding premium prices that can be substantially higher than other wood species. The limited availability of redwood, primarily harvested from the Pacific Coast region, contributes to its higher cost and can make sourcing challenging in some areas.
Environmental considerations are also important when considering redwood siding. While redwood is a renewable resource, the slow growth rate of redwood trees and concerns about old-growth forest preservation have led to increased scrutiny of redwood harvesting practices. Homeowners should seek out redwood that is certified as sustainably harvested to ensure environmental responsibility.
Maintenance requirements for redwood are generally less demanding than other wood species due to its natural durability, but regular care is still necessary to maintain appearance and performance.
4. Cypress: The Southern Specialty
CONS:
The wood contains natural preservative oils in the heartwood that provide excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage. Cypress is also naturally lightweight while maintaining good strength characteristics, making it easier to handle and install than some other durable wood species. The wood works easily with standard tools and accepts fasteners readily without excessive splitting or cracking.
The dimensional stability of cypress is good, though not quite as exceptional as cedar or redwood. The wood experiences moderate expansion and contraction with moisture changes, but generally maintains its shape and position well when properly installed and maintained.
CONS:
Availability can be limited outside of the southeastern United States where the trees naturally grow, and this limited availability can result in higher costs and longer lead times for sourcing materials.
The quality of cypress can vary significantly depending on the source and processing methods. Old-growth cypress, which contains the highest concentration of natural preservatives, is increasingly rare and expensive. Younger, plantation-grown cypress may not have the same level of natural resistance and durability as old-growth material.
Maintenance requirements for cypress are moderate, with the wood typically requiring refinishing every 3 to 5 years to maintain appearance and weather resistance.
5. Spruce: The Practical Alternative
PROS:
The primary advantages of spruce for siding applications include its availability in long lengths with relatively few knots, making it well-suited for applications like clapboard and board siding where long, straight pieces are desired. Spruce is also relatively lightweight and easy to work with, accepting fasteners readily and cutting cleanly with standard tools.
Spruce offers a smooth, even grain pattern that provides a clean appearance when used for siding. The wood takes paint and stain well. The natural color of spruce is light, ranging from nearly white to pale yellow, which provides a neutral base for various finish treatments.
CONS:
The wood lacks the natural rot and insect resistance found in premium species like cedar and redwood, making it more susceptible to decay and pest damage in challenging environments.
Moisture resistance is a particular concern with spruce siding.
The wood does not hold up well against prolonged moisture exposure and requires diligent maintenance to prevent rot and decay. This means that spruce siding typically requires more frequent refinishing and more aggressive moisture protection measures than more naturally durable species.
The dimensional stability of spruce is moderate, with the wood experiencing some expansion and contraction with moisture changes. While not as problematic as some other species, this movement can create maintenance challenges and may require attention to joint details and fastening methods.
Read Also: Vertical Vs Horizontal Siding
Making Your Choice: The Right Exterior Wood Siding for Your Home
As we’ve explored, the world of wood siding offers a rich tapestry of options, each with its unique characteristics, benefits, and considerations. The key to making an informed decision about Exterior Wood Siding lies in carefully weighing your priorities.
Beyond the wood species, the style of siding you choose plays a crucial role in defining your home’s character.
Regardless of the wood type or style you select, proper installation and consistent maintenance are non-negotiable for maximizing the lifespan and beauty of your wood siding. Regular cleaning, timely re-staining or painting, and prompt repairs will protect your investment and ensure your home continues to look its best for decades to come. Consider your local climate, exposure to sunlight and moisture, and the presence of pests when planning your maintenance schedule.