Natural Cedar Siding: The Timeless Choice for Northwest Homes
For generations, one material has defined the architectural beauty of the Pacific Northwest: natural cedar. With its rich, warm tones, distinct grain patterns, and unmistakable aroma, cedar siding offers a timeless elegance and curb appeal that simply cannot be replicated by synthetic materials. It is the authentic choice for homeowners who want their home to blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of our region.
Choosing natural wood is a significant decision. This guide provides an honest look at the unique benefits of cedar, as well as the important considerations and maintenance commitments that come with this premium, natural material.
The Unmistakable Appeal of Natural Cedar
Cedar’s popularity is rooted in a powerful combination of beauty and inherent strength.
- Authentic Natural Beauty: Each board of cedar is unique, with its own grain and color variations. This creates a rich, character-filled exterior that is both stunningly beautiful and completely original. Cedar can be stained to highlight its natural wood grain, or painted to match any color palette, making it exceptionally versatile for both rustic and modern designs.
- Inherent Durability & Rot Resistance: Cedar contains natural oils and preservatives called tannins. These compounds make the wood naturally resistant to moisture decay, rot, and insect infestation, which is why it has historically been a preferred building material in wet climates.
- Sustainability: When sourced from responsibly managed forests, cedar is a renewable and biodegradable building material, making it an environmentally conscious choice.
The Important Considerations for Cedar Siding
To build trust, we believe in being completely transparent about what it takes to own a home with wood siding. The primary trade-off for its beauty is the need for consistent upkeep.
The Maintenance Commitment
This is the single most important factor when considering cedar. To protect it from UV degradation and moisture, cedar siding must be regularly maintained. This typically involves a full cleaning and a new coat of high-quality stain or paint every 3 to 7 years, depending on the product used and your home’s exposure to the sun and rain. This maintenance is not optional; it is essential to the longevity of the siding.
Vulnerability to Physical Damage
While durable, cedar is a softwood. It is more susceptible to dents and dings from impacts like hail than fiber cement. It can also be a target for woodpeckers, which can create holes that require repair.
Upfront Investment
Cedar is a premium building material. The cost of the material itself, combined with the detailed labor required for a high-quality installation, typically places it at the higher end of the siding cost spectrum.
We offer affordable
Is Cedar Siding Right For Your Home?
Making the right choice comes down to your priorities.
- You should choose Cedar if: You value authentic, natural beauty above all other factors. You appreciate the unique character that only real wood can provide, and you are fully prepared for the long-term budget and effort required for its maintenance.
- You should consider alternatives if: Your primary goal is minimal maintenance and maximum “set it and forget it” durability. If a lower upfront cost is a key factor, materials like engineered wood siding may offer a compelling balance.
(H2): Expert Installation and Finishing Are Key
The lifespan and performance of your cedar siding are critically dependent on the quality of the initial installation and finishing. All boards must be properly acclimatized, fastened, and—most importantly—sealed on all sides before installation to prevent moisture absorption from behind.
Our siding installation experts have the craftsmanship and deep knowledge of wood required to install your cedar siding correctly, ensuring it has the best possible start for a long and beautiful life.