How to Buy Wood Siding

Wood siding can last decades.

Homeowners rely on siding to protect their home and provide an attractive appearance. Wood siding creates a natural barrier between the frame and the elements, and it lends itself to a variety of designs. People often hear that vinyl siding provides the best protection, but wood siding can last up to 30 years if you take care of it. Knowing which wood siding works best might seem difficult. Fortunately, if you follow a few simple guidelines, you can select wood siding that lasts.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Decide what type of wood you prefer. Three categories exist: pine, cedar and redwood. Pine includes the soft woods: pine, spruce and fir. Woods in the pine family varnish and seal easily. You can find them in short or long lengths, but knots occur frequently in lengths exceeding 10 feet. They don't resist rot very well, so you must keep them sealed. Cedar resists rot exceptionally well, but it still requires sealant. Redwood provides the best quality siding. It resists rot, warping and it accepts finish or paint very well.

2. Decide what style you want. For instance, a variety of common styles exist. Clapboards include horizontal, overlapping planks. Board and batten involves a vertical pattern where the planks butt edge-to-edge against one another with a third plank fixed overtop each seam. Shingles involve smaller 12x12 sections. They run horizontally and overlap. Pine works well with shorter clapboard styles. Cedar works well with shingles. Redwood works well with board and batten and clapboard.

3. Make sure the siding fits your budget. Prices depend on the type of wood and the linear foot. Woods in the pine family cost $3 to $5 per linear foot. Cedar costs $6 to $8 per linear foot. You will find redwood siding readily in western states, but mills measure it according to the square foot rather than the linear foot. For 1-by-8-inch planks, redwood costs $4.10 per square foot. To price your home, simply multiply the height of each wall by the length. If your front and back walls measure 8 feet high and 75 feet long then the calculation would equal (2 x (8 x 75)) = 12,00. If the side walls measure 8 feet by 20, then the formula would equal (2 x (8 x 20)) = 320. Total coverage = 1,520 square feet. If you wanted to purchase redwood for this example home, 1,520 x 4.10 = $6,232.

References

• Bob Vila; Wood Siding Options
• Galt Technology; The Best Siding for Your Home
• Remodel Guide; Buying Wood Siding