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Wood siding offers a unique and classic finish to many homes and is sure to make you stand out in the neighbourhood. Choosing wood siding comes with many benefits and opportunities for customization. However, it is important to note that wood siding also has some drawbacks, like being more difficult and costly to install, requiring regular maintenance and being a more combustible material.
If you want the natural and classic look that wood siding has to offer, then Siding Pros of Coquitlam is happy and ready to install this siding for you. Here we look at the seven common types of wood siding and seven styles of wood siding to get the look that is just right for you.
Cedar is a great choice for wood siding. While it is considered to be a softwood, it is a bit harder than other options. Cedar is known for being straight and resistant to splitting. It is sturdy and easy to work with. Cedar typically comes in red and white woodgrain; the red wood is often referred to as the ‘heartwood’ and comes with a higher price since it makes the wood both stronger and more insect resistant. Cedar’s sturdy nature makes it more resistant to swelling, cupping or splitting. While it must still be treated and maintained regularly, cedar’s natural properties give it better longevity.
Fir siding is an economical siding choice that is readily available on the West coast. With an even, consistent colour, fir siding comes in long sections and is easily milled to make shiplap, tongue-and-groove or board-and-batten siding styles. However, unlike cedar siding, fir is not naturally pest or moisture-resistant. It is more prone to absorbing moisture or hosting destructive insects. To avoid damage, it is essential that it be painted or sealed regularly to maintain its integrity and increase longevity. This wood is also more prone to cupping, warping or shrinkage over time, though this is all largely determined by the quality of the lumber and proper maintenance.
In many ways, spruce is similar to fir siding but is more available on the East coast. It is a soft wood that can easily be milled into different styles and comes in long lengths. Like fir siding, spruce wood does not repel insects and is not resistant to rot. To protect against moisture absorption and subsequent damage in the form of rotting or warping, it is essential to stay on top of the maintenance and sealing of spruce siding.
Cypress is an extremely durable hardwood that is great for siding; it can even be salvaged from old homes for reuse. Similar to cedar, it is naturally insect-repellant and rot-resistant. It is relatively lightweight, but as a hardwood, it is difficult to mill. To maintain the good shape and benefits of cypress siding, it’ll need regular maintenance and sealing to prevent warping or fading. Cypress is also significantly more expensive than other wood siding options due to its sturdy nature and amazing longevity.
Redwood is one of the top choices in wood siding, especially in Western North America, where it grows. Redwood holds its shape nicely and is not susceptible to shrinkage, warping or cupping. Like cedar, it naturally repels insects as well. Maintenance includes simply power washing each year and sealing every three years or as needed.
Pine siding is the most common type of wood siding found in North America. It can be easily painted or stained, with paint being a common choice. Either paint or staining is required as pine is not rot-resistant and does not naturally repel insects.
Composite wood siding is manufactured using sawdust and woodchips combined with bonding agents and pressed at high heat to produce the texture of real wood. This is a less expensive wood alternative, though it must be painted as it does not produce a natural wood look. It is easy to mill and install in a variety of styles. Maintenance is minimal, and proper maintenance of composite wood siding can last upwards of 30 years.
In addition to seven types of wood to choose from, there are also seven different styles of wood siding with unique appearances.
Lap siding uses long horizontal boards where the bottom edge is slightly wider than the top, allowing boards to overlap the one below easily. This siding gives a clean and classic look to your home, while the overlapping design allows water runoff and reduces the risk of water damage.
Drop channel siding is a popular choice for many cabins. Longboards can be installed horizontally, vertically or diagonally. One edge of each plank is milled down to be narrower than the rest of the board, while on the other long edge, a small groove is cut out. This allows the boards to be fitted together with a nice overlap and ledge.
Like drop channel siding, tong-and-groove can be installed in any direction. As the name suggests, each plank is milled with a groove on one long edge and a tongue on the other. Unlike drop channel siding, these boards will fit together in an interlock to form a smooth surface with no overlap. This is the type of joining you often see with hardwood floor installation.
Split log siding gives the perfect cabin-in-the-woods aesthetic. Planks are cut from logs with a rounded exterior surface, giving the illusion of full logs stacked on top of each other. This can create a very classic look for your home.
Board and batten siding is installed vertically and is common in barns or other farm buildings. Wide boards are installed vertically at even spacing, and then a narrow strip of wood, called batten, is nailed over the spaces. If you are looking for a unique look for your home, this will definitely achieve that.
Shake siding gives your home a rough, rustic, and coarse finish. Shakes look similar to shingle siding but are thicker and more durable. Each shake can be purchased in different lengths and is installed, with each layer overlapping the previous one. This style of siding needs maintenance to protect against moisture and insects in the raw wood. Many communities may also ban the use of cedar shake siding as a fire hazard. Work with our contractors to find out what is best for your neighbourhood in British Columbia.
Shingle siding is similar to shake siding but with a more refined and polished finish. It has a smooth texture and clean edges, giving it a nice, uniform look. This smooth texture makes for easier maintenance than with shake siding, though it is still important to protect against moisture and insects. Our installers are well-equipped to ensure a clean finish including painting if required.
Installing new wood siding comes with a multitude of options and choices to make; the team at Siding Pros of Coquitlam is happy to help and guide you through the entire process. Let’s create a beautiful finish that will impress your guests and neighbours in Coquitlam, BC.
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