Wood Siding Types
Wood siding is the most popular siding choice for homes throughout the United States and Canada and is a popular choice for homes in here Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. Wood siding can come in many different shapes, sizes and colors from vertical siding like board and batten, or horizontal siding like clapboards, shakes, and shingles. If you’re a homeowner thinking about purchasing wood siding you need to keep in mind the type of wood available in your area and the type of wood that is suitable for your local climate.
If you think you’ve made up your mind on wood that comes from a distance, is not frequently harvested, or is not suited to your region, it could hold up a project and raise the budget considerably. Unlike other types of siding like vinyl siding, fiber-cement siding and brick, wood siding is susceptible to rotting, splitting, checking, or cupping. A good rule of thumb is to buy the best grade of siding you can afford. Look for clear grains whenever possible, and make sure the wood is properly sealed, and is thoroughly protected upon installation.
Like we stated earlier, there are several options when it comes to wood siding. Here are a few options you have when picking your type of wood.
Pine Siding
The oldest type of the group, pine has long been a standard for exterior siding. Pine and its related softwoods—spruce and fir—can be less expensive than other species. Pine holds a finish well, and is the siding of choice when painting or staining horizontal siding. Pine can be prone to cupping, splitting, and checking and it’s not a rot-resistant wood, so it is important to keep it sealed and well maintained.
Spruce Siding
A member of the pine family it comes in longer lengths than pine, and has many of the same characteristics. And because it’s a member of the pine family it is not a naturally rot-resistant wood, it is important to regularly maintain and seal the wood.
Fir Siding
Like pine and spruce, fir is used as an economical siding option. It comes in long lengths, is easy to cut and install, takes a finish well, and is readily available regionally in the West. Like the other softwoods, fir is easily milled to a pattern, be it shiplap, tongue-and-groove, or board-and-batten.
Cedar Siding
Perhaps the wood siding we hear the most about is Cedar Siding because of its grain and its rot resistance. It is commonly used in shakes and shingles because it is dimensionally stable, resists swelling, and has less cupping and splitting. Cedar is naturally more moisture and insect-resistant than pine, but like all types of wood siding it must be treated and maintained to retain these qualities. One downside, the Grade A cedar siding can be expensive.
Redwood Siding
Perhaps the most prestigious wood in the siding world, redwood is a good choice for siding in all climates. Redwood resists shrinking, warping, cupping and it also absorbs and retains its finish very well. Redwood is also naturally insect resistant, not just on the face but throughout the wood. Because it is very region specific, it can be difficult to come by in all parts of the county.
