When you see a home with cedar siding, you just simply know that you’re looking at cedar—whether it’s clapboard, lap siding, shiplap, board and batten, shakes, shingles or trim. The shades that range from golden honey or red to soft silvery gray are often the hallmark of historic homes and a selling-point feature on new construction.
Cedar offers not only the beauty of authentic wood but also preservative properties like resistance to pests and decay, the ability to withstand weather—even hail—and the natural insulating qualities of wood. Because of its natural oils, cedar is also highly resistant to cracking, buckling, swelling and bending.
Cedar exterior claddings and trim come in a wide range of natural colors, thicknesses, widths, lengths and shapes but are easy to work with and install. Shaped cedar shingles can even be worked in patterns. To ensure an optimal lifespan, all pieces should be stained, sealed or painted prior to installation.
As time passes, cedar does require some maintenance to ensure its longevity. Along with regular visual inspections, cedar will need regular cleanings and applications of sealants or stains to retain all of the properties that have made it a building favorite for centuries. With proper maintenance, quality natural cedar cladding will last decades—often 60 or 70 years—making it a solid choice for both sustainability and beauty.
