When it comes to boosting your home’s curb appeal, wood siding brings something special to the table. Choosing wood siding can transform your home into a warm, inviting space that stands out on the block, giving it that “come on in” look without saying a word.
Wood acts as a natural insulator, helping to keep your home comfortable throughout the year. It’s also one of the more eco-friendly options out there, as it’s renewable, biodegradable, and often sourced responsibly.
And because each wood species has different traits, you can choose one that thrives in your local climate and stands up to weather challenges.
Wood siding has different styles, each with its own unique vibe. Exploring your options means looking into textures, patterns, and profiles.
Clapboard siding, also known as bevel or lap siding, is what many people picture when they think of traditional American homes. It’s made up of horizontal boards installed with one edge overlapping the next, creating a clean, layered look.
Clapboard is popular for colonial and Cape Cod-style homes, but it can work well with nearly any architectural style. The clean lines of clapboard are ideal if you’re looking for a low-key but polished appearance.
It pairs nicely with nearly any color, making it versatile if you’re the kind of homeowner who likes to switch things up now and then with a fresh coat of paint.
Cedar shake siding is all about texture. Made from split cedar logs, each shake has its own unique grain, giving your home an earthy, handcrafted appearance.
Cedar shake siding is perfect for cottages, beach houses, or any home looking to embrace a bit of nature’s raw beauty. The irregular texture of cedar shakes gives your home a sense of depth and character that’s hard to achieve with other materials.
This type of siding does well in areas with natural scenery, as it blends seamlessly with the landscape. Plus, it provides a bit of extra insulation, which is always a nice bonus if you live in a region with cooler climates.
Traditionally used on barns and farmhouses, this style has found its way into contemporary homes for its clean, streamlined look. Board-and-batten is made up of wide wooden boards with narrow strips, or battens, covering the seams.
This design adds height and creates a visual rhythm that’s eye-catching without being too busy. If your home has a more modern or farmhouse-style architecture, board-and-batten is a fantastic choice.
The vertical lines also make homes appear taller, which can be a great advantage for smaller houses or single-story designs.
Tongue-and-groove siding is the go-to for those who want a seamless look. This style features boards with interlocking edges that fit tightly together, creating a smooth surface that’s perfect for contemporary homes.
Tongue-and-groove can be installed horizontally, vertically, or even diagonally, depending on the look you’re aiming for. It’s a great choice for modern homes where clean lines and a polished appearance are key.
It doesn’t have the texture of shakes or the overlapping layers of clapboard, which gives it a unique, cohesive look.
Shiplap siding has been having a moment, especially in homes looking to add a farmhouse-inspired touch. Known for its overlapping joints that create horizontal lines, shiplap offers an old charm while still feeling modern and approachable.
Each board has a rabbeted edge, so they fit snugly together, creating a pattern that’s subtle yet distinct. Shiplap works beautifully for cabins, cottages, and even contemporary spaces that want a bit of a country vibe.
With its clean and organized lines, shiplap siding can add some visual interest to your home without going too bold. And, unlike some other types of wood siding, shiplap looks just as good indoors, making it a popular choice for accent walls as well.
Choosing the right wood for your siding is important because you pick the wood that will last, match your climate, and reflect the look you want for your home. Your climate and maintenance routine play a role in choosing the type of wood you go for.
If you’re in a rainy region, opting for something moisture-resistant can save you time and hassle down the road.
Cedar is a popular choice for good reason. Cedar’s natural oils help protect it from rot and insect damage, which makes it ideal for humid or coastal areas.
If you’re aiming for a home that blends with natural surroundings, cedar is a fantastic option that can age gracefully, weathering to a soft silvery tone if left untreated. Cedar can be stained to enhance its natural beauty or painted to suit nearly any color scheme.
This flexibility makes it easy to update over time, whether you’re changing your color palette or simply refreshing your siding’s look.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice quality, pine might be the way to go. Pine is a softwood with a straight grain that’s ideal for painting, giving you a clean, consistent finish that can easily be refreshed over the years.
Although pine doesn’t have the same insect resistance as cedar, it’s often treated to improve durability, allowing it to hold up well in various climates. Pine is particularly great if you like the idea of updating your home’s color from time to time.
Its smooth surface makes it easy to apply paint or stain, so you’re free to experiment with different looks as the years go by.
Redwood has a natural resistance to decay and insects making it a durable choice, particularly for homes in coastal or damp regions where other woods might struggle. Redwood’s color and grain pattern make it an eye-catching option, perfect for those who want their home to stand out.
Due to its premium nature, redwood is often used in high-end projects or as an accent siding. It does require some maintenance to keep its color vibrant, but with the right care, redwood siding can maintain its luxurious look for many years.
Engineered wood is an alternative for those who want the look of wood without some of the maintenance concerns. Made from wood fibers and resin, it’s designed to mimic the appearance of natural wood while adding extra durability and resistance to moisture and insects.
Engineered wood siding works well in climates that are hard on natural wood, providing a similar aesthetic without as much upkeep. One of the best things about engineered wood is its ability to replicate various wood grains and textures, allowing you to achieve a cedar or pine look at a more affordable price.
Plus, engineered wood often comes pre-primed or pre-finished, making it quicker and easier to install.
Cypress might not be as common as cedar or pine, but it’s a reliable option with its own unique charm. With a warm, honey-colored appearance and natural resistance to rot and insects, cypress is a solid choice for homes in humid or wet climates.
Like cedar, cypress weathers beautifully over time, shifting to a soft gray if left untreated, giving it a refined look. Cypress isn’t as widely available as some other wood types, but its durability and character make it a great option if you’re looking for something a little different.
Its unique grain and subtle color provide a softer, more muted aesthetic that can make your home look both inviting and timeless.
A good finish doesn’t just enhance your siding’s appearance; it adds a protective layer that keeps your wood looking fresh and strong over time. Each style of wood siding has its own finish options that highlight its unique qualities.
Paint is a great choice that can give any style of wood siding a clean, cohesive look. It covers the wood entirely, so you can choose any color to suit your home’s design.
Clapboard and shiplap siding take especially well to paint, which provides a smooth, even finish that can transform your home into anything from a bright beach house to a classic colonial. Plus, paint provides a strong barrier against moisture and UV damage, which can extend the life of your siding.
However, painted siding does require a bit of upkeep. Over time, it may peel or fade, especially in areas with extreme weather.
Stain is ideal for showcasing the natural beauty of wood, allowing the grain and texture to shine through. If you have cedar shakes, redwood, or board-and-batten siding, stain can enhance their rich color and depth, giving your home an earthy, organic appearance.
Stains come in a variety of shades, from light, clear finishes to darker, richer tones, so you can find one that complements both your wood type and your home’s overall look. Stain is also easier to maintain than paint, as it doesn’t peel or crack.
Instead, it gradually fades over time, giving the wood a naturally weathered look that many homeowners love. Clear or lightly tinted stains work well if you want to let the wood’s character shine through, while darker stains can add warmth and drama to your siding.
Natural oil finishes, such as linseed or tung oil, are a great option if you love a rustic, natural look. Oils penetrate deeply into the wood, nourishing it from within and bringing out the wood’s warmth and richness.
Cedar shakes and tongue-and-groove siding respond especially well to oil finishes, as they absorb the oil readily, creating a subtle, slightly glossy sheen that makes the wood look alive. Oils don’t offer the same level of UV protection as paint or stain, so they may require more frequent reapplication, especially in sunny areas.
However, they provide excellent moisture protection and give the wood a soft, tactile feel that’s hard to replicate with other finishes.
Clear sealants are a good choice if you want the most natural appearance while still protecting your wood from the elements. Sealants form a transparent barrier that shields the wood from moisture and some UV exposure without altering its color or grain.
This finish works especially well on wood siding styles like shiplap, clapboard, or any style where you want to preserve the wood’s raw look without any additional color. While sealants maintain the natural appearance of wood, they usually need reapplication every couple of years to keep the protection intact.
Some homeowners prefer the character that comes with naturally weathered wood, which can add charm and a sense of history to a home. Woods like cedar and cypress develop a silver-gray patina over time if left untreated, giving them a unique, aged appearance.
You can also find finishes that accelerate this weathered look, offering the patina without the wait. Weathered finishes work especially well for rustic or coastal styles, where a more natural, lived-in look adds to the home’s charm.
If you love the idea of letting your wood weather naturally, be prepared for a bit of maintenance to keep the siding structurally sound, as untreated wood may be more susceptible to moisture over time.
Each type of wood siding brings its own personality and strength to your home’s exterior. Just as cedar shakes bring a unique beauty and lasting strength to your home’s roof, they offer similar benefits as a siding choice.
Cedar’s natural resilience to weather and aging pairs well with its textured, earthy appearance. Whether you’re using cedar shakes on the roof or the walls, you’re choosing a material that not only stands up to the elements but also weathers beautifully over time.
If you’re drawn to the natural look of wood and the cozy feeling it brings, cedar shakes are an ideal choice that links the beauty of your roof to your home’s overall design.
