Pine Siding Vs Cedar Siding

Red cedar and redwood can be stained and sealed to allow their natural beauty to be visible.

Pine siding vs cedar siding.

Pine has been the traditional siding in the northeastern us for several hundred years along with cedar shingles. Because wood siding is available in many different types and grades of species pricing varies greatly. When in doubt use some sandpaper to rough up the back and then smell the wood. Styles include lap siding of widths from 4 to 16 tongue groove siding and vertical board batten siding.

It is often painted rather than stained. If you want authentic siding and can afford the cost of buying and maintaining it go with cedar. Traditionally oak pine and spruce are the natural wood grains that are used in this style but really any wood grain can be used for lap siding this is the most common style on homes in north america. The difference in grain and color should be fairly obvious to any woodworker familiar with white pine and red cedar.

Painting is the standard protection. The cedar around here is white cedar and i really don t care to use it as it can have a lot of rot in it. Where i live in northern maine white pine is used much and it holds up well. More durable species such as redwood and cedar and more clear grains can cost 2 3 times more than the more economical varieties such as pine.

Just for materials when you consider high grade minimal knots cedar lap siding. Properly maintained pine siding can last just as long as cedar but if the stain maintenance isn t cared for or is overlooked for a few years the cedar log siding will outlast the pine. However if you can remove a piece of siding look at the back. It lures woodpeckers and requires somewhat frequent repair and refinishing.

On the other hand vinyl is intrinsically cheaper. Cedar is naturally attractive but it is high maintenance. Pine is typically made into lap siding of 3 to 6. Pine holds a finish well and is preferable when painting or staining horizontal siding.

With processed cedar log siding it s possible for the siding to effectively last the lifetime of your home. It is typically used for clapboards but some contractors are wary of fast growth pine for siding because. But i would put some sort of finish on it or it can dry out too much. It is usually what other materials such as vinyl and fiber cement mimic so as to blend in with other homes in the neighborhood or region.

If the siding is painted it s hard to tell. While numerous products are lower maintenance if you have the skill not too much required and time to keep it up a good bit required it should be fine.