Wood Siding

A fresh exterior for your home can make it seem new again, while offering energy savings and other benefits.  Wood siding can last decades if it is well maintained. There are several categories of wood siding that includes clapboard, plywood and hardwood sheets, and shingles, and shakes. Wood siding is the usual choice for homeowners concerned about restoration of historical homes or maintaining the value of upscale homes. Wood siding is the most costly type of siding (next to masonry), but can pay dividends when your home is on the market in curb appeal. Wood siding comes in clapboard, shakes and shingles in a wide selection of different wood materials. It can last many decades, but requires regular maintenance, sealing, staining, and repainting to prevent water damage and sun damage.

Although wood siding is cut into many different styles and patterns the most common wood siding is in clapboard that is nailed to the exterior sheathing in a horizontal pattern. Each board overlaps the one below by approximately two inches. Although pine is used the most common material is cedar, either white or red. It can be installed with either the smooth side or the rough side out for different appearances. Wood siding can be painted, stained, or left to weather. In seacoast areas unpainted cedar weathers to a rustic gray as a result of the salt air, which is very appealing.

Sheet siding such as plywood and hardwood sidings come in sheets that are 4 feet wide and 8, 9, or 10 feet long, as well as in boards that mimic the look of milled-board siding. It is generally nailed directly to the studs without including a separate layer of sheathing. Sheet siding is less expensive than clapboards, wood shingles or shakes. It is used in new construction because it is less labor intense and is inexpensive.

Except for seacoast areas wood siding should be sealed, stained, or painted for protection from the weather. A transparent or solid paint stain is better than regular paint as stain can breath to prevent peeling. All wood siding is subject to damage from flying objects and requires periodic repairs. Repairs can be easily performed by the home owner using common carpenter tools. Most wood siding will require re-painting every four or five years depending upon the quality of paint. If you are restoring an older home and want to retain the original look, wood siding is an excellent investment. If you are considering siding for a new constructed home I recommend composite siding.

Composite Siding

Vinyl Siding