Thinking about updating your home’s curb appeal? New siding can instantly transform the exterior, and with so many options to choose from, it’s easy to customize and make the look truly your own. The question is: which type of siding is best?
Wood siding continues to be a highly sought-after choice for its natural beauty and durability. However, let’s review a few other key features and advantages wood siding provides to help determine if it’s the optimal choice for you.
Choosing Between Hardwood and Softwood
IPE, Borneo Mahogany, and Red Balau are popular hardwood siding choices that provide richness, warmth, and longevity. These wood types are also decay- and mold-resistant, offering durable protection year-round.
Alternatively, softwoods like Cedar, Redwood, and Douglas Fir give a home character and deliver a welcoming aesthetic when used for siding. If durability is your top priority, Cedar is the most long-lasting softwood. However, to preserve board integrity, all wood siding requires staining.
Oil-based stains penetrate the wood from the inside out, preserving its quality and beauty. Penofin and Messmer’s are both highly recommended wood stains due to their resistance to fading and protection against pests and mildew. Plus, each collection is available in multiple colors to match the exact aesthetic you want to achieve for your home.
Varying Styles and Aesthetics of Wood Siding
In addition to the type and color of wood siding you choose, you can also decide how big of a project you want to take on. For homeowners who want to update their exterior without the commitment of entirely new siding, adding an accent wall or siding in the entryway can make a significant difference.
Additionally, some homeowners prefer installing smooth siding, while others appreciate a rustic or rough appeal complete with knots as part of their finished look. Most siding can be installed using a rainscreen application, designed to reduce the moisture between the siding and the house. A few of the many options J&W Lumber has in stock include:
- Finger-Jointed Pre-Primed Siding – This traditional wood siding is pre-primed with interlocked boards, which means there won’t be blemishes from bleeding knots after a top coat of paint is applied.
- Western Red Cedar Shake Bundles – Used for both interior and exterior installation, these shingles are lightweight, making them easy to work with. They are resistant to moisture, decay, and insect damage, and add an appealing outer texture to the home.
- Hemlock Tongue and Groove – For homeowners who want a sleek, modern look, this vertical grain wood siding maintains a natural warmth sans knots and is naturally resistant to warping.
Even those who want to restore a historic home can bring a piece from the original siding into the store and have one of our representative lumber match what you need.
That’s one of the main advantages of wood siding – it’s always in supply. Whereas, installing composite siding comes with the risk of discontinued products and colors if you ever want to replace it.
Select Wood Siding Perfectly Suited for Your Home
Whether you decide on a complete renovation or simply want an accent wall, wood siding adds interesting depth and character that will last for years. It never goes out of style, and there’s no shortage of ways you can use it to update your home.
At J&W Lumber, we have all the materials you’ll need to complete your project. Stop by your local store to check out the wood siding and wood stain colors we have available.