Wood siding homes provide a natural and rustic atmosphere that is growing in popularity. There are many options for wood siding for houses, cabins, and cottages as well as other styles of wood homes. The one you choose needs to meet your personal preferences, budget, and climate.

Some wood siding products currently in use include pine log siding, shiplap wood siding, board and batten, engineered wood, and wood shakes. Let’s explore which of these gets the winning nod for the best wood siding option.

Pine Log Siding

Log siding made from red pine wood is a natural-looking product with strength, longevity, and cost-   effectiveness. It is our first choice for its many advantages for homeowners and contractors, and here are the reasons why:

  • It is a sustainable product because pine trees are replanted for future use.
  • Its tongue and groove/end-matching design creates a virtually “no-waste” product.
  • Boards can be end-butted anywhere between wall framing, not just on studs.
  • It creates more structural strength and integrity than other types of siding.
  • Pine log siding is available year-round and not just on special order.

One of the best things about pine log siding is that it can be installed by homeowners with woodworking skills and knowledge. It can be sealed and stained with a wide selection of colors that are easy to maintain.

Shiplap Wood Siding

Shiplap wood siding is a second option you can explore. It is available in several wood species in different price ranges. It is a good choice but not the best because:

  • Shiplap lacks the tongue and groove/end-matching design.
  • It is not a no-waste product and some of it is thrown away.
  • Shiplap takes longer to measure, saw, and install compared to log siding.
  • It can experience lifting, warping, and rotting if not installed correctly
  • Shiplap is harder to keep clean in the grooves than you might expect.
  • It can make your home look traditional and non-dimensional.

One last issue is that replacing damaged boards is difficult to do because of its construction. It is a good siding product but not as efficient as pine log siding.

“Wood siding homes provide a natural and rustic atmosphere that is growing in popularity.”

Board And Batten Siding

Board and batten siding consists of 6”, 8”, or 10” wide boards mounted vertically on wall framing with narrow boards covering the cracks. The style has been around for many years, looks good, but has some issues you may want to avoid, including:

  • It can take a long time to install because you are applying two layers of boards. Each must checked for correct plumb, and there is a lot of nailing.
  • Depending on how the boards are nailed up, nail heads can show. Will you cover them up which requires more time or leave them uncovered?
  • If you leave nail heads uncovered and paint over them with latex paint, they can rust through the paint and look unsightly.
  • This siding can be expensive when you add the high labor cost.
  • It may look unproportional when installed on a smaller home.

Board and batten siding can warp over time if it is not installed correctly and will be difficult to correct.

Engineered Wood Siding

Engineered wood siding is made with strands or fibers of wood that are bound together with a resin composite material. High heat is used to press the binding agents and wood components together to make a durable product. There are some disadvantages of this product, such as:

  • Since it is relatively new, its longevity is not known.
  • Its color can fade over the years or the resin coat may crack.
  • Cracks and damage can allow moisture in.
  • The overall wood product is not eco-friendly.
  • It lacks the natural look of real wood.
  • Engineered wood siding is not eco-friendly.

Homeowners and amateur carpenters may not be able to install engineered wood siding, so keep this in mind before purchasing it.

Cedar Wood Shake Siding

Cedar wood shake siding is a traditional home and cabin product that produces a rustic and homey appearance. It is made from cedar trees in small sizes that vary in width, height, and thickness. Although it has been around for a long time, it has some issues to consider, including:

  • It is more expensive than some siding products and is not always easy to find.
  • Heavy snows, high humidity, and rainy climates can rot the wood.
  • Water that enters from the sides can warp and damage the wood.
  • Shakes can experience heavy color fading.
  • This material can be highly flammable.
  • There is a limited selection of styles available.

This siding must be stained, sealed, and maintained to keep it looking good.

In Conclusion

Of the siding options we covered, pine log siding provides a real full-log look without the full-log price. Its advantages outweigh the other options. It’s a great time to build or remodel a rustic and natural-looking home.

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