Your choice of exterior cladding can completely transform the look of your structure; however, when it seems like there are a million options at many different price points, how can you tell which one to choose? Here are 10 tips from our lumber specialists to help you find and select the right siding for your home.
Tip 1: Look around
Check out the other homes in your neighborhood. (If you live in a homeowners association, consult the architectural guidelines in your HOA’s governing documents.) If your neighborhood is filled with houses that are uniform in look, you’ll likely want to choose a siding option that fits in well among your neighbors’ homes. However, if each house on your block has a completely unique character, you’ll have freedom to choose a more unique siding. The main goal is for your home to stand out in a positive way.
Read More: Siding: A Smart Investment for Great Curb Appeal.
Tip 2: Bring in a piece
If you currently have a sample of actual siding you’d like or would like to replace a section of existing siding, bring a piece down to the lumber yard. Unlike most other lumber distributors, many J&W Lumber locations have special machinery that can reproduce the exact cut and shape of existing siding. This level of reproduction accuracy will save you from having to disguise areas of difference.
Tip 3: Ask yourself how much maintenance you’re willing to do
Because the siding on your home is exposed to harsh elements like sunlight, moisture, wind, fire, and possibly salt air or snow, your choice of materials will determine how much maintenance you’ll be on the hook for. Wood generally requires more upkeep than other manufactured, low-maintenance options.
Tip 4: Get clear about your budget
Because exterior cladding must cover such large surface areas, incremental differences in per-foot pricing will add up to major cost differences as you budget your project. Don’t be afraid to ask questions down at the lumber yard. If you’re still in the research phase, bring in the measurements of the surface area you want to cover and the team will help you determine the rough amount of material you’ll need, so you can start to get a sense of which materials you can afford and which are out of reach.
Tip 5: Be open to suggestion
There are lots of options in the siding market today, so it’s wise to not become totally locked into a single idea before you begin your project. Talk with the team at the lumber yard about the look you’re trying to achieve. They may introduce you to more efficient or cost-effective materials that you might not have otherwise known about or considered. You don’t have to stray off course, but it’s smart to familiarize yourself with all your options.
Tip 6: Consult with your family
Because the family home affects every member of the household, this is not a decision that should be made unilaterally. Share your ideas with others living in your home and get their input. This will help ensure that everyone is satisfied with the finished product.
Tip 7: Decide if you’re going to hire a contractor or do it yourself
The decision between hiring a professional and DIYing will make a difference on your final budget, but keep in mind that different materials can be more challenging to install. Basic wood or aluminum siding is generally user-friendly enough to handle on your own, but we would encourage you to hire a contractor for more complicated installs like James Hardie or Rainscreen.
Tip 8: Evaluate the configuration of the area
The size of the area you are trying to re-side may determine your choice of material. For example, James Hardie composite siding comes in sections with 12-foot lengths. Trying to cover a 15-foot wall in this material will result in lots of unavoidable seams. Speak with the team at the lumber yard to determine if there are better materials for your project configuration.
Tip 9: Bring pictures
When it comes to exterior siding, a picture really is worth a thousand words. Scour the internet for examples of siding you love. Sharing these with the team at the lumber yard will show exactly what you’re looking for without tricky verbal description. The lumber specialists can help you find what you’re looking for—or recommend even better options that will suit your purposes.
Tip 10: Don’t forget about the downfall
As with every construction project that uses natural materials such as wood, there are bound to be a few pieces that aren’t usable (metal and wood alternatives are so uniform that this generally isn’t a concern). In the industry, we call this unusable material “downfall”. We recommend purchasing an additional 5% on top the amount of material your project calls for to make sure you’re covered in case you need to swap out any boards. Be sure to keep this in mind as you are budgeting your project.
Picking the right siding can be a big decision, since it has such a major impact on the style of your home. By taking your time, comparing your options and keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to select an attractive, long-lasting material that you love for years to come.