Cedar Siding Selections

Choosing the right siding for your home is a significant decision. It’s an investment that impacts not only the aesthetic appeal but also the long-term value, protection, and maintenance of your property. Among the various siding options available, cedar siding stands out as a premium choice, known for its natural beauty, durability, and inherent resistance to the elements. This comprehensive guide delves into the world of cedar siding, exploring the different types, grades, installation techniques, maintenance requirements, costs, and benefits, empowering you to make an informed decision for your home.

Why Choose Cedar Siding?

Cedar siding has been a favored building material for centuries, and for good reason. Its unique properties make it a compelling choice for homeowners seeking a blend of beauty and functionality. Here are some key advantages of choosing cedar siding:

Natural Beauty and Warmth

Cedar siding exudes a natural beauty and warmth that is unmatched by synthetic materials. The rich, reddish-brown hues and distinctive grain patterns of cedar create a visually appealing exterior that enhances the curb appeal of any home. Its natural variations in color and texture add character and depth, creating a timeless and sophisticated look. Unlike some siding options, cedar ages gracefully, developing a beautiful silver-gray patina over time, adding to its charm.

Durability and Longevity

Cedar is a naturally durable wood that can withstand the harsh elements. Its resistance to moisture, decay, and insect infestation makes it a long-lasting siding option. When properly installed and maintained, cedar siding can last for decades, providing lasting protection and beauty for your home. This longevity translates to a lower lifetime cost compared to other siding materials that may require more frequent replacements.

Natural Resistance to Decay and Insects

One of the most significant advantages of cedar siding is its natural resistance to decay and insect infestation. Cedarwood contains natural oils and extractives that act as preservatives, protecting the wood from rot, fungi, and wood-boring insects. This natural resistance eliminates the need for harsh chemical treatments, making cedar siding an environmentally friendly choice. While occasional inspection and maintenance are still recommended, the inherent resistance of cedar significantly reduces the risk of damage from decay and pests.

Excellent Insulation Properties

Cedarwood has excellent insulation properties, helping to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Its cellular structure contains air pockets that act as natural insulators, reducing heat transfer and lowering energy consumption. This can lead to significant savings on heating and cooling costs over time. Choosing cedar siding can contribute to a more energy-efficient and comfortable home.

Workability and Ease of Installation

Cedar is a relatively soft and lightweight wood, making it easy to work with and install. It can be cut, drilled, and nailed without splitting or cracking, simplifying the installation process. This ease of workability can save time and labor costs during installation. While professional installation is always recommended to ensure proper installation and long-term performance, cedar siding is generally considered easier to install than some other siding materials.

Environmentally Friendly

Cedar is a sustainable and environmentally friendly building material. It is a renewable resource that is harvested from sustainably managed forests. Cedarwood is also biodegradable, meaning it will decompose naturally at the end of its life cycle. Choosing cedar siding supports sustainable forestry practices and reduces your environmental impact.

Types of Cedar Siding

Cedar siding comes in various types, each with its unique characteristics and aesthetic appeal. Understanding the different types of cedar siding is essential for choosing the right option for your home.

Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar is the most popular and widely available type of cedar siding. It is known for its beautiful reddish-brown color, straight grain, and exceptional durability. Western Red Cedar is highly resistant to decay and insect infestation, making it an excellent choice for exterior applications. It is also relatively lightweight and easy to work with, simplifying the installation process. Western Red Cedar is available in various grades and styles, offering a wide range of design options.

Incense Cedar

Incense Cedar is another popular type of cedar siding, known for its fragrant aroma and fine grain. It has a lighter color than Western Red Cedar, ranging from pale yellow to reddish-brown. Incense Cedar is also durable and resistant to decay and insect infestation, although it is generally considered slightly less durable than Western Red Cedar. It is often used for siding, trim, and interior paneling.

Alaskan Yellow Cedar

Alaskan Yellow Cedar, also known as Yellow Cypress, is a strong and durable type of cedar siding with a distinctive yellow color. It is highly resistant to decay and insect infestation, making it an excellent choice for harsh climates. Alaskan Yellow Cedar is also known for its dimensional stability, meaning it is less likely to warp or shrink than other types of wood. It is often used for siding, decking, and marine applications.

Styles of Cedar Siding

In addition to the different types of cedar, there are also various styles of cedar siding to choose from. The style of siding you choose will significantly impact the appearance of your home.

Bevel Siding

Bevel siding, also known as clapboard siding, is one of the most traditional and widely used styles of cedar siding. It consists of long, narrow boards that are installed horizontally, with each board overlapping the one below it. This creates a classic and timeless look that is suitable for a wide range of architectural styles. Bevel siding is available in various widths and thicknesses, allowing for customization of the appearance.

Shiplap Siding

Shiplap siding is another popular style of cedar siding that is characterized by its interlocking boards. Each board has a rabbeted edge that overlaps the adjacent board, creating a tight and weatherproof seal. Shiplap siding is often used for both exterior and interior applications, adding a rustic and charming touch to any space. It is also relatively easy to install, making it a popular choice for DIY projects.

Tongue and Groove Siding

Tongue and Groove siding is similar to shiplap siding, but instead of rabbeted edges, it features a tongue on one edge and a groove on the other. The tongue of one board fits into the groove of the adjacent board, creating a seamless and visually appealing surface. Tongue and Groove siding is often used for interior paneling, ceilings, and accent walls, but it can also be used for exterior siding in protected areas.

Board and Batten Siding

Board and Batten siding is a traditional style of siding that consists of wide vertical boards with narrow strips of wood, called battens, covering the seams. This creates a distinctive and rustic look that is often used for barns, sheds, and country-style homes. Board and Batten siding can be installed with either cedar boards or other types of wood, and the battens can be painted or stained to create a contrasting effect.

Shingle Siding

Shingle siding, also known as shake siding, consists of small, individual pieces of cedar that are applied in overlapping rows. This creates a textured and visually appealing surface that is often used for coastal homes and cottages. Shingle siding can be sawn or hand-split, with hand-split shingles offering a more rustic and irregular appearance. It is a durable and long-lasting siding option that can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Channel Siding

Channel siding is a type of siding that features a distinctive channel or groove cut into each board. This channel creates a shadow line that adds depth and dimension to the siding. Channel siding is typically installed horizontally, but it can also be installed vertically for a more modern look. It is available in various widths and thicknesses, allowing for customization of the appearance.

Cedar Siding Grades

Cedar siding is graded based on its appearance and quality. Understanding the different grades of cedar siding is crucial for choosing the right option for your budget and aesthetic preferences. The grade of the cedar primarily reflects the number and size of knots and other imperfections in the wood.

Clear Vertical Grain (CVG)

Clear Vertical Grain (CVG) is the highest grade of cedar siding. It is characterized by its clear, knot-free appearance and straight, vertical grain. CVG siding is typically sawn from the heartwood of the tree, which is the most durable and stable part of the wood. This grade is the most expensive due to its superior quality and appearance. It’s often used in high-end residential and commercial projects where aesthetics are paramount.

Clear Heart

Clear Heart is another high-grade of cedar siding, similar to CVG, but it may contain some minor imperfections. It is also sawn from the heartwood of the tree and is known for its durability and stability. Clear Heart siding is a good choice for those who want a high-quality siding with a minimal number of knots and imperfections. It’s slightly more affordable than CVG but still provides excellent performance and aesthetics.

A Grade

A Grade cedar siding allows for a limited number of small, tight knots and other minor imperfections. It is a good balance between quality and affordability, making it a popular choice for many homeowners. A Grade siding still offers excellent durability and appearance, but it is less expensive than Clear Vertical Grain or Clear Heart. It provides a good compromise for those seeking quality without the highest price tag.

B Grade

B Grade cedar siding allows for more knots and imperfections than A Grade. It is a more affordable option, but it may require more patching and touch-up during installation. B Grade siding is suitable for applications where appearance is less critical, such as sheds, garages, or fences. While it’s more budget-friendly, it’s important to be aware that it may require more effort to achieve a satisfactory finish.

C Grade

C Grade cedar siding is the lowest grade of cedar siding. It allows for a significant number of knots, imperfections, and blemishes. This grade is typically used for utility applications where appearance is not a primary concern. C Grade siding is the most affordable option, but it may require extensive patching and repair before installation. It’s generally not recommended for residential siding unless budget constraints are severe and aesthetics are secondary.

Cedar Siding Installation

Proper installation is crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of your cedar siding. While DIY installation is possible, professional installation is always recommended to ensure that the siding is installed correctly and meets building codes.

Preparation

Before installing cedar siding, it is essential to prepare the surface properly. This includes removing any existing siding, repairing any damage to the sheathing, and applying a vapor barrier to protect the wall from moisture. The wall must be clean, dry, and structurally sound before installing the siding.

Acclimation

Cedar siding should be acclimated to the local climate before installation. This involves allowing the siding to sit on the job site for several days, allowing it to adjust to the temperature and humidity. This will help to prevent warping and shrinkage after installation.

Fastening

Cedar siding should be fastened with corrosion-resistant nails or screws. The fasteners should be long enough to penetrate the sheathing and framing members. It is important to use the correct type of fasteners for the specific type of cedar siding being installed.

Spacing

Proper spacing between the siding boards is essential to allow for expansion and contraction. The amount of spacing required will depend on the type of cedar siding, the climate, and the moisture content of the wood. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for spacing.

Sealing

The edges of the siding should be sealed with a high-quality caulk to prevent water from penetrating behind the siding. The caulk should be compatible with cedarwood and should be applied to all joints and seams.

Finishing

Cedar siding can be left unfinished to weather naturally to a silver-gray color, or it can be stained or painted to protect it from the elements and enhance its appearance. If you choose to stain or paint the siding, it is important to use a high-quality product that is specifically designed for cedarwood. The siding should be properly primed before applying the stain or paint.

Cedar Siding Maintenance

While cedar siding is naturally durable and resistant to decay and insects, it still requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best and to prolong its lifespan.

Cleaning

Cedar siding should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt, mildew, and other debris. This can be done with a soft brush and a mild detergent solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or power washing, as these can damage the wood.

Inspection

Cedar siding should be inspected regularly for signs of damage, such as cracks, splits, or decay. Any damage should be repaired promptly to prevent further deterioration.

Sealing and Staining

Cedar siding should be resealed or restained every few years to protect it from the elements and maintain its appearance. The frequency of resealing or restaining will depend on the climate and the type of finish used.

Insect Control

While cedar siding is naturally resistant to insects, it is still important to take precautions to prevent insect infestation. This includes removing any vegetation that is growing close to the siding, treating the surrounding soil with an insecticide, and inspecting the siding regularly for signs of insect activity.

Moisture Control

Controlling moisture is crucial for preventing decay and prolonging the life of your cedar siding. Ensure that gutters and downspouts are functioning properly to direct water away from the siding. Also, trim back any trees or shrubs that are touching the siding to allow for proper air circulation. Proper ventilation behind the siding is also important to prevent moisture buildup.

Cedar Siding Cost

The cost of cedar siding can vary depending on the type of cedar, the grade, the style, and the installation costs. Generally, cedar siding is more expensive than vinyl or aluminum siding, but it is often considered to be a worthwhile investment due to its beauty, durability, and longevity.

Material Costs

The material costs for cedar siding can range from $5 to $15 per square foot, depending on the type of cedar and the grade. Clear Vertical Grain (CVG) cedar is the most expensive, while lower grades like C Grade are more affordable. The style of siding, such as bevel, shiplap, or shingle, can also affect the material costs.

Installation Costs

Installation costs for cedar siding can range from $3 to $8 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the project and the labor rates in your area. Professional installation is highly recommended to ensure proper installation and to avoid costly mistakes.

Overall Cost

The overall cost of cedar siding can range from $8 to $23 per square foot, including materials and installation. This can translate to a significant investment for your home, but it is important to consider the long-term value and benefits of cedar siding.

Factors Affecting Cost

Several factors can affect the cost of cedar siding, including:
* **Type of Cedar:** Western Red Cedar, Incense Cedar, and Alaskan Yellow Cedar have different price points.
* **Grade:** Higher grades like CVG and Clear Heart are more expensive than lower grades.
* **Style:** Intricate styles like shingle siding may require more labor and materials.
* **Size of Project:** Larger projects may benefit from bulk discounts.
* **Location:** Labor and material costs can vary by geographic location.
* **Accessibility:** Difficult-to-access areas may increase labor costs.

Cedar Siding vs. Other Siding Options

While cedar siding offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to compare it with other siding options to determine the best choice for your home.

Cedar vs. Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is a popular and affordable siding option that is known for its low maintenance and durability. However, vinyl siding lacks the natural beauty and warmth of cedar siding. Vinyl siding can also fade and crack over time, and it is not as resistant to impact damage as cedar siding. Cedar siding, while requiring more maintenance, offers a more aesthetically pleasing and durable option.

Cedar vs. Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding is another durable and low-maintenance siding option. It is resistant to fire, insects, and rot. However, aluminum siding can dent easily, and it is not as energy-efficient as cedar siding. Aluminum siding also lacks the natural beauty and warmth of cedar siding. Cedar provides better insulation and a more natural look, but requires more upkeep.

Cedar vs. Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding is a durable and fire-resistant siding option that mimics the look of wood. It is more expensive than vinyl or aluminum siding, but it is less expensive than cedar siding. Fiber cement siding requires painting or staining, and it can be heavy and difficult to install. Cedar siding offers a more natural and authentic look, and it is easier to work with than fiber cement siding. However, fiber cement is often more resistant to fire and may offer a longer lifespan with proper maintenance. Cedar requires more frequent maintenance, particularly in damp climates.

Cedar vs. Wood Siding (Other Types)

While cedar is a type of wood siding, it’s important to compare it to other wood options like pine or fir. Cedar has superior natural resistance to rot, decay, and insects compared to most other woods. This inherent resistance reduces the need for chemical treatments and prolongs the life of the siding. Pine and fir are generally less expensive, but they require more extensive treatment and maintenance to achieve comparable durability. Cedar’s natural oils and extractives contribute to its longevity and make it a preferred choice for many homeowners seeking wood siding.

Benefits of Cedar Siding

Let’s recap the key benefits of choosing cedar siding for your home:

Aesthetic Appeal

Cedar siding offers a natural and warm aesthetic that enhances the curb appeal of any home. Its unique grain patterns and color variations add character and depth, creating a timeless and sophisticated look.

Durability

Cedarwood is naturally durable and resistant to decay, insects, and moisture, making it a long-lasting siding option.

Insulation

Cedar siding provides excellent insulation, helping to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing energy costs.

Sustainability

Cedar is a renewable resource that is harvested from sustainably managed forests, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Increased Home Value

Installing cedar siding can increase the value of your home due to its premium quality and aesthetic appeal. It’s an investment that can pay off when you decide to sell your property.

Potential Drawbacks of Cedar Siding

While cedar siding offers numerous advantages, it’s also important to consider potential drawbacks:

Higher Initial Cost

Cedar siding generally has a higher initial cost compared to options like vinyl or aluminum. This can be a significant factor for homeowners on a tight budget.

Maintenance Requirements

Cedar siding requires regular maintenance, including cleaning, sealing, and staining, to maintain its appearance and protect it from the elements. This can be time-consuming and costly.

Susceptibility to Fire

Cedarwood is combustible, and it is more susceptible to fire damage than some other siding options like fiber cement or metal. However, fire-retardant treatments can be applied to cedar siding to improve its fire resistance.

Vulnerability to Woodpeckers

In some areas, woodpeckers can be a nuisance, pecking holes in cedar siding. This can be addressed by using woodpecker deterrents or repairing the damage promptly.

Finding a Reputable Contractor

Choosing a reputable contractor is crucial for ensuring a successful cedar siding installation. Here are some tips for finding a qualified contractor:

Check for Licensing and Insurance

Verify that the contractor is properly licensed and insured in your state. This protects you from liability in case of accidents or damages during the project.

Read Reviews and Testimonials

Check online reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the contractor’s reputation and quality of work. Look for contractors with consistently positive feedback.

Ask for References

Request references from previous clients and contact them to inquire about their experience with the contractor.

Get Multiple Bids

Obtain bids from several contractors to compare prices and services. Be sure to compare the scope of work and the quality of materials included in each bid.

Review the Contract Carefully

Thoroughly review the contract before signing it. Make sure it includes all the details of the project, including the scope of work, materials, timeline, and payment schedule.

Cedar Siding Styles and Architectural Compatibility

The style of cedar siding you choose should complement the architectural style of your home. Here’s a look at how different cedar siding styles work with various architectural designs:

Bevel Siding: Classic and Versatile

Bevel siding is a versatile choice that works well with a wide range of architectural styles, including:
* **Colonial:** Its clean lines and classic appearance complement the symmetry and formality of Colonial homes.
* **Victorian:** It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to Victorian-era homes.
* **Craftsman:** Its simple and understated design aligns with the principles of the Craftsman style.

Shiplap Siding: Rustic and Modern

Shiplap siding offers a rustic yet modern aesthetic that is suitable for:
* **Farmhouse:** Its traditional charm complements the rustic character of farmhouse-style homes.
* **Modern Farmhouse:** It blends the rustic appeal of farmhouse with clean, modern lines.
* **Coastal:** Its horizontal lines evoke a sense of seaside simplicity.

Board and Batten Siding: Country and Contemporary

Board and Batten siding provides a distinctive vertical pattern that is ideal for:
* **Barn Homes:** Its rustic character is reminiscent of traditional barn structures.
* **Modern Farmhouse:** Its vertical lines can add a contemporary twist to the farmhouse style.
* **Cottage:** It creates a charming and cozy feel for cottage-style homes.

Shingle Siding: Coastal and Cottage

Shingle siding offers a textured and visually appealing surface that is perfect for:
* **Cape Cod:** Its classic New England look complements the simplicity and charm of Cape Cod homes.
* **Coastal:** Its textured surface evokes a sense of seaside character.
* **Cottage:** It adds a cozy and inviting feel to cottage-style homes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cedar Siding

Here are some frequently asked questions about cedar siding:

How long does cedar siding last?

With proper installation and maintenance, cedar siding can last for decades, often 50 years or more.

Does cedar siding need to be sealed?

While not strictly necessary, sealing cedar siding helps protect it from the elements and prolong its lifespan. Sealing is recommended, especially in areas with harsh climates.

Can cedar siding be painted?

Yes, cedar siding can be painted. However, it’s important to use a high-quality primer and paint specifically designed for wood. Stain is generally preferred to showcase the natural wood grain.

Is cedar siding fire-resistant?

Cedarwood is combustible, but fire-retardant treatments can be applied to improve its fire resistance.

How do I prevent woodpeckers from damaging my cedar siding?

Use woodpecker deterrents such as visual repellents, sound devices, or netting. You can also repair any existing damage promptly to discourage further pecking.

Is cedar siding environmentally friendly?

Yes, cedar is a renewable resource that is harvested from sustainably managed forests, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Conclusion

Cedar siding is a premium siding option that offers a unique combination of beauty, durability, and sustainability. While it may require a higher initial investment and regular maintenance, the long-term benefits of cedar siding make it a worthwhile choice for homeowners who value quality and aesthetics. By understanding the different types, grades, styles, installation techniques, and maintenance requirements of cedar siding, you can make an informed decision that will enhance the beauty, value, and protection of your home for years to come.