Wood Siding  Types and Styles

Not all wood siding types are created equal. Consider the different types and styles to see which one is a good fit for you.

– Most common type of exterior wood siding – Easy to find – Inexpensive compared to other wood sidings – Is not rot resistant so it must be finished every 4-6 years to avoid rot and insects – Knot-free boards are difficult to find – Comes in short-length boards – $1-$5 per square foot

Pine Siding

– A common type of exterior wood siding – Easy to find – Price of the siding is determined by the amount of heartwood – More moisture and rot-resistant than other softwoods – Sustainable choice if you can find it harvested nearby – Annual power wash and refinish every 5-7 years – $3-$5 per square foot

Cedar Siding

– A common type of exterior wood siding – Easy to cut and available in long sections – Takes paint and stain well – Clean once each year and refinish every 3-5 years – $5-$15 per square foot

Fir Siding

– Indigenous to the northwest, but it is difficult to find in other parts of the country – Resistant to rot, insects, and moisture – Because of the beautiful color, it is more common to stain redwood – Clean once each year and refinish every 3-5 years – $4-$14 per square foot

Redwood Siding

– Lightweight but durable – Easy to cut and install – Less expensive than other wood products with the same longevity – Does not look like natural wood – $3-$7 per square foot

Wood Composite Siding

– Lightweight and easy to install – Susceptible to rot, insects, and moisture – Paint and stain on a regular basis to maintain structural integrity – $1.50-$3.50 per square foot

Plywood Siding

There are also many fabrication styles that people use to clad their homes with wood.

– Most popular style of wooden siding – Customizable amounts of facing board – Easy for DIYers to install – Water-resistant siding style – Use engineered wood, fiber cement, or fir for clapboard siding – Installation cost is $1.50-$3 per square foot

Clapboard Siding

– Popular in the farmhouse and historic home style – Customizable amounts of facing board – Works best on larger walls and structures – Needs to be painted or stained and maintained on a regular basis – Cedar, cypress, and redwood are common for board and batten siding – Installation cost is $1-$2 per square foot

Board and Batten Siding

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