A classic choice for homeowners looking to add warmth, charm, and character to their house is wood siding. Its naturally lovely appearance is complemented by resilience and insulation. But it can be challenging to choose the best wood siding with so many options available. We’ll discuss common styles, types of wood siding, and considerations for making a final decision for your own home in this blog post.
What Is Wood Siding?
Before delving in, it’s important first to understand what wood siding is. Wood siding gives residential exteriors a classic style by utilizing natural materials like pine or cedar. It is available in a range of finish options, including painting, staining, or protective coatings.
Homeowners can customize their home’s external appearance with various styles to suit a wide range of preferences. Its longevity depends on routine maintenance, which calls for recurring inspections. Overall, wood siding is a popular choice for exterior finishes because of its timeless beauty and sophistication.
What Are The Different Types Of Wood Siding?
1. Redwood Siding
Highly durable and renowned for its deep red hue, redwood siding is a high-quality option. Homeowners can benefit from this low-maintenance and long-lasting wood siding option because it not only has an eye-catching appearance but also naturally resists rot, decay, and pests. When looking to improve the aesthetic appeal and longevity of your home’s exterior, redwood is highly sought after due to its timeless beauty.
Cost:
$4 to $12 per square foot
2. Pine Siding
Pine siding is a practical and affordable choice because of its softer nature. Pine requires regular maintenance, though it gives homeowners the chance to create a traditional look for their homes. Its cozy appearance can give character and warmth to a variety of architectural styles, making it a popular option for people looking for an attractive yet reasonably priced wood siding material.
Cost:
$1 to $5 per square foot
3. Cedar Siding
For homeowners looking for lasting appeal, cedar siding is a popular option because of its natural beauty, toughness, and insect resistance. Any home exterior can be made more elegant by its unique grain patterns and color variations. Cedar siding is lightweight, simple to work with, and comes in a variety of styles for staining or painting. It requires little upkeep, periodic washing and recoating every few years is required. For exterior finishes, cedar is popular because of its superior quality and long lifespan.
Cost:
$2 to $9 per square foot
4. Engineered Wood Siding
By mixing wood fibers with resins to increase strength and durability, engineered wood siding provides resistance to decay and pests and lowers the need for maintenance. It is made to resemble the texture of real wood but is actually a wood composite. It offers an economical and practical solution by balancing performance and cost. It is well-known for its strength, light weight, and longevity, with regular care, it can last for more than 30 years.
Cost:
$3 to $5 per square foot
5. Spruce
Spruce siding is another reasonably priced option for homeowners who want a contemporary look. Its smooth texture and light color allow for design versatility, improving curb appeal without sacrificing quality. Spruce is comparable to pine in durability but needs care to keep from warping or decaying. Typically seen on the East Coast, it can be painted or stained in a variety of ways, which makes it a sensible option for people who value both style and cost.
Cost:
$6 to $12 per square foot
6. Cypress
For high-end external siding, cypress is a great option because of its resistance to decay and durability. This premium wood siding gives a home a more appealing appearance and provides durable protection from the elements. Cypress is a hardwood that lasts for generations and requires very little upkeep. Cypress is a great material for homeowners looking for durability and visual appeal because it resists rot and insect damage and can be stained or painted in a variety of ways.
Cost:
$2 to $6 per square foot
7. Charred Wood
Charred wood siding offers durability and unique aesthetics. The process creates a weather-resistant finish, adding artistic flair and longevity against elements. Highly sought after, this type of wood siding undergoes charring with an open flame, resulting in surface char without weakening the wood, making it weatherproof and insect-resistant. With proper installation and maintenance, this siding can last up to 80 years, allowing homeowners to incorporate individuality into their exteriors with its distinctive appearance.
Cost:
$2 to $25 per square foot
8. Oak
Valued for its strength, resilience, and exquisite grain patterns, oak siding adds classic elegance to any home’s exterior. Its inherent beauty increases curb appeal and strengthens architectural charm while offering resilience against environmental factors. It has unparalleled aesthetic appeal and is available in varieties like red and white oak. However, red oak might not be the best choice for outdoor use because it can be heavy and prone to fading in direct sunlight. Oak is still a well-liked material for exteriors among homeowners who want both beauty and toughness.
Cost:
$8 to $11 per square foot
Also Read: Top 7 House Siding Picked By Contractors For 2024
What Are The Different Wood Siding Styles?
1. Shingle Siding
A consistent and attractive appearance is provided by the overlapping pieces of shingle siding. Small wood pieces are affixed from the bottom up and are well-liked for their aesthetic appeal and simplicity of installation. They are versatile for a variety of home styles and come in a range of colors and textures.
2. Shake Siding
Shake siding resembles shingle siding but with a rustic and textured appearance, achieved through hand-splitting rather than sawing. It is made from split logs or wood pieces installed in an overlapping pattern from bottom to top. Providing a cozy look, shakes are thicker and more durable than shingles, often varying in thickness for a rougher aesthetic. Primarily available in cedar and redwood, they are popular amongst homeowners seeking a natural look.
3. Lap Siding
Lap siding features long horizontal boards overlapping for a classic look that has been popular for centuries. It’s easy to install and highly water-resistant, shedding rain effectively, making it practical for many homes. Contractors begin by installing the bottom board, creating a water-resistant barrier, then overlapping additional boards going up. However, wood lap siding needs regular maintenance, like painting or staining, to protect against moisture and insects, and often requires caulking to reduce the risk of weather damage.
4. Board and Batten
Board and batten siding features wide vertical boards with narrower strips, known as battens, creating a distinctive and visually appealing look. This versatile style suits various architectural designs, and is popular among homeowners. Originating from historic architecture, it’s commonly used on barns and farm buildings, and is installed vertically with battens nailed over the gaps. Allowing for wood expansion without damage, it adds rustic charm to houses and other structures.
5. Split Logs
Split log siding provides a rustic, natural appearance by using planks to resemble full logs. Made from hardwoods like cedar, oak, or cypress, it’s an appealing option for those looking for a mountain or cabin-style aesthetic. Its appearance and durability are enhanced with regular maintenance, such as filling in gaps and occasionally sealing.
6. Drop Channel Siding
For cabin exteriors, drop channel siding is a practical choice because it accommodates dimensional movement and has overlapping boards for weather protection. It is adaptable in installation because of its lack of water bead ledges, is efficient at shedding water, and offers impressive insulation. Each board’s bottom edge has grooves that create a tight, waterproof seal.
7. Tongue and Groove Siding
Tongue and groove siding comprises boards with a projecting rib (tongue) on one edge that fits into a groove on the other, creating a strong joint for a smooth appearance. This versatile siding can be installed horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, offering design flexibility. Known for its sturdy construction, it’s available in smooth or rough cut. The interlocking boards provide durability regardless of installation direction.
8. Shiplap Wood Siding
Shiplap wood siding, characterized by overlapping planks, offers a timeless aesthetic with versatile design applications. Adding texture and visual interest to home exteriors, it maintains a cohesive appearance while accommodating both traditional and modern styles. Shiplap creates a waterproof seal by overlapping top boards over lower ones, allowing for flexibility to expand and contract while remaining tight against wind, rain, and snow. This classic siding option provides homes with a charming and enduring facade.
How To Install Wood Siding
1. Surface Preparation
Before you start putting up wood siding, make sure the surface is ready. Cover the exterior wall frame with plywood sheathing. This gives a strong base for the siding and makes the surface even. Use felt building paper, too, to keep out water and air, protecting the walls from damage. Good prep means your siding will last longer and stay strong.
2. Cut the Wood Siding
When you cut wood siding, accuracy is key. Use a circular saw for neat, straight cuts. Measure carefully and cut the boards to the right length. Make sure each joint lines up with a stud for strength and a neat finish. Cutting carefully makes your siding look great and work as intended.
3. Installation
Start installing the wood siding from the bottom and work up. This stops water from getting behind the siding and causing damage. Make sure each piece sticks out at least an inch below the top of the foundation wall to keep water out. Nail the siding into every wood stud from below to keep it secure.
4. Borders and Edges
To make your wood siding look sharp, think about the borders and edges. Cut the top siding board to fit against the soffit and cover the cut edge with a frieze board for a clean finish. Install vertical corner boards before adding siding around doors and windows for a professional look. Paying attention to these details makes your siding look polished.
5. Safety
Stay safe while putting up wood siding. Wear safety gear like goggles, boots, a helmet, and gloves to protect yourself. Working at heights or with sharp tools can be dangerous, so be careful. Taking safety seriously ensures your siding project goes smoothly without any accidents.
Conclusion
When it comes to enhancing your home’s exterior, choosing the right wood siding is crucial. With various styles and materials available, it’s essential to make an informed decision that complements your preferences and architectural design. Wood siding offers versatility and durability, whether you prefer a classic, modern, or rustic look. For expert guidance and a wide range of options for the best siding services, turn to All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters. Our professionals will ensure your home’s exterior reflects your unique style and vision. Contact us today at (937) 902-2839 for personalized advice and to explore your wood siding options.
