A Wood Siding Buyers Guide: Styles, Types, Costs, and More

With technological strides in the lumber industry, wood siding is more than what you find on an old farmhouse. Of course, it can look just as nostalgic. However, it also comes in other styles and wood species to complement any home in any climate. 

The cost to side the average home with wood is $6,498 to $20,699, not counting the trim, depending on the wood type and finish. This guide shows you all you need to know to choose the right type of wood siding for your home.

Popular types of wood for siding

Though wood is a traditional type of home siding, it is still a viable option for any home. It comes in several natural species and composite products like fiber cement. Here is a brief look at the different wood species used in manufacturing wood siding.

Western red cedar siding

Photo courtesy of Legacy Pre-Finishing, Inc.

The average cost to side the average home with cedar is $11,377 to $20,699, not counting the trim, depending on the type of wood and its finish.

Western red cedar blends naturally with homes in wooded areas and is popular in northeast coastal regions. It has a natural red hue, which few people choose to cover with paint, even though it weathers to a silvery grey. It's durable, insect- and rot-resistant, and available in different styles like shakes or lap. To eliminate the task of finishing, you can purchase pre-finished siding from some manufacturers.

Pine siding

Photo courtesy of Southern Wood Specialities

The average cost to side the average home with pine is $6,498 to $11,823, not counting the trim, depending on the type of wood and its finish.

If you like pine's rustic appearance, it perfectly complements a rural home. Typically, Eastern White Pine is used for siding, although some homeowners prefer the hue of Southern Yellow. White pine can be stained or painted, though the sap and knots will eventually leak through the paint.

Redwood siding

Photo courtesy of Redwood Lumber & Supply

The average cost to side the average home with redwood is $10,146 to $18,459, not counting the trim, depending on the type of wood and its finish.

For Western U.S. homeowners, redwood is a beautiful wood for siding or decking. Its deep red hue requires no stain or paint to stay vibrant. However, without treatment, it will eventually turn a driftwood grey. Redwood is resistant to shrinkage that causes warping and cupping. However, it is a more expensive species than other options.

Douglas fir siding

Photo courtesy of Crossroads Lumber

The average cost to side the average home with fir is $7,855 to $14,292, not counting the trim, and depending on the type of wood and its finish.

Douglas fir offers consistent color, natural beauty, and dimensional stability. Its characteristic dense grain ranges from reddish brown to golden. Fir is comparable in price to pine and is available in various siding styles.

Cypress siding

Photo courtesy of Legacy Pre-finishing, Inc.

The average cost to side the average home with cypress is $7,031 to $12,792, not counting the trim, depending on the type of wood and its finish.

Cypress' honey-like hues bring a natural look to a home that other woods lack. It's a durable, reliable, low-maintenance hardwood that resists decay and insects. Its ability to withstand the elements makes it the siding of choice in areas with high humidity and rainfall. Best of all, cypress can last a lifetime with proper treatment and maintenance. However, it can irritate sensitive individuals.

Engineered wood siding

Photo courtesy of LP Building Solutions

The average cost to side the average home with engineered wood is $7,056 to $12,838, not counting the trim, depending on the type of wood and its finish.

Engineered wood is manufactured using wood fibers and bonding agents. It is then coated with wax or resin and embossed with a natural-looking grain pattern. Engineered wood is durable and lasts a long time when properly maintained. Products like LP® SmartSide® come prefinished with a primer, so you can paint it yourself. You can also choose from their wide range of color options. It's also available in multiple styles, including lap, shakes, and vertical panels.

Fiber cement siding

Photo courtesy of James Hardie

The average cost to side the average home with fiber cement is $9,000 to $16,500, not counting the trim, depending on the type of wood and its finish.

Although fiber cement siding resembles natural wood, it's made of Portland cement, water, sand, and cellulose fibers. Insects and pests will not feast on it, and it's rot and fire-resistant. Though not real wood, it's the most durable wood-like siding option. As for reputable brands, we recommend Hardie® board siding.

A comparison of wood types for siding

Not all wood species perform the same way as house siding. Here is a chart to compare the key features of each one.

Wood siding compared to vinyl siding and other options

If you want an all-natural, biodegradable siding, wood is your choice. But if you want something you never have to paint or refinish, choose vinyl. Here is a comparison of siding options to show how wood stacks up against the rest.

Popular styles of wood siding

Wood siding can complement any home design, from casual country to cabin rustic to contemporary. Here are the most popular wood siding styles with a brief description. 

Lap siding

Photo courtesy of James Hardie

Lap siding consists of horizontal planks that overlap at the edges to prevent water from running between. They could be rough cut or sanded smooth. Lap siding comes in several profiles, like Dutch or beaded.

Clapboard siding

Clapboard siding, also called beveled siding, is made of beveled, horizontal planks that are thin on the top edge and thicker at the bottom edge to form a wedge.

Board and batten siding

Photo courtesy of Legacy Pre-finishing, Inc.

Board and batten siding is created by covering the joints of 12-inch-wide vertical siding panels with thin strips called battens. 

Drop channel siding

Photo courtesy of Fraser Wood Siding

Though it resembles lap siding, drop channel planks have a groove cut along the bottom edge. When a board is "dropped" into place, it fits snugly over the edge of the previous board to create a water-resistant seal. 

Shake/shingle siding

Photo courtesy of James Hardie

Shake or shingle siding consists of rows of hand-split wooden cedar shakes or shingles. The edges of the pieces are cut in various decorative patterns such as a scallop, point, or straight across. The shingles can be applied in a straight line or staggered.

Split log siding

Photo courtesy of Southern Wood Specialties

To give a framed home the authentic log cabin appearance, siding manufacturers create log siding by milling logs into planks that are flat on one side and rounded on the other. 

Tonge-and-groove siding

Photo courtesy of Buffalo Lumber

Rather than overlap, tongue-and-groove siding planks fit together. They're milled with a protrusion along one edge that fits into a groove on the other edge. Once installed, the wall has a smooth surface. You can install them either vertically or horizontally.

DIY vs. professional installation of wood siding

Pros always make their work look easy, encouraging us to give DIYing a whirl. But they have years of experience doing the same thing every day. For the most part, installing wood siding is pretty straightforward. Then, there are the details. Framing the windows and doors, cutting the gable pieces, or adding siding to dormers are areas that prove trickier than the flat side of the house. You may also need specialized tools you don't already own.

If you've never installed siding before, we recommend hiring a professional. They know all the tricks and nuances that come with different wood types and styles, and they can have your home defended against the elements faster than you can watch tutorials on YouTube.

So, to help you save the money of hiring a pro to fix any mistakes, let us connect you with a siding installer in your area now.

How is wood siding treated?

You can purchase wood siding in several finishes: bare wood, primed for painting, primed and painted, or stained. 

Painted wood siding

You can purchase wood siding primed and ready to paint, but you will have to paint it yourself. You can also buy siding that is already primed and painted, but that doesn't mean you won't have to repaint in the future. The coating on professionally painted siding will probably last longer than what you do yourself. If you purchase cedar, redwood, or cypress, you can keep it bare and let it age gracefully. However, a clear coat will prolong its life considerably.

Stained wood siding

Some homeowners like the look of natural wood, so they choose stained siding. You can purchase siding that is already stained to the color or hue you want, or you can buy bare wood siding that is ready to be stained. Remember that staining the siding is labor-intensive and must be redone every few years.

What care and maintenance does wood siding need?

Every type of house siding requires an occasional washing. In addition to repainting or staining, always keep the side of your home free of dirt, debris, and mildew. All you need is a garden hose and a long-handled brush. Spray it down, brush it, and you're good to go. 

For stubborn stains, mold, or mildew, refer to the manufacturer's instructions before applying anything stronger than household detergent.

Is wood siding right for your home?

Siding protects your home from the elements and dictates style and curb appeal. When you have trouble choosing from all the options, consult a professional siding installer with the knowledge and experience to help you make your decision. They can also do all the work for you. We can match you with one in your area today.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best exterior wood siding?

The best exterior wood siding is the one that best complements your home, neighborhood, and lifestyle. For instance, if home maintenance is not your thing, choose a wood alternative like fiber cement or combine wood siding with stone veneer. 

Is wood siding resistant to pests?

That depends on the species. To resist wood-boring insects like termites, choose cedar, redwood, or cypress.

Is wood siding a good idea for any climate?

That, too, depends on the species. Areas with heavy rainfall and high humidity require rot-resistant woods like cedar, redwood, and cypress.