Hardwood Siding

Costs
Durability
History
Maintenance

Popular Siding Topics
Pros and Cons
References
Related Articles

More Information

While many are drawn to wood siding for its warm appearance and old-world charm, hardwood isn’t nearly as common today as other siding options. That’s not to say you can’t use it on your own home, but you must make sure that it’s installed and sealed correctly for long-lasting durability. Here’s what you need to know.

Costs

Because hardwood siding rates vary from one type of wood to the next, the only way to estimate your costs is to get a price quote from a certified installer. They can help you find the toughest hardwood siding your budget will allow.

Pros

Newer, specially engineered hardwood siding is proven to last longer than materials of the past.

If properly installed and maintained, hardwood siding can last for years to come.

Cons

Hardwood is more difficult to nail than softwoods.

It must be sealed with special sealants, and won’t stand up to the elements as well as other materials, like fiber cement siding.

Durability

Specially engineered hardwood available today is far more durable than the materials of the past. It is now made from wood chips, cooked with pressurized steam and refined into fibers. Resins are then added to bind the fibers and make the product stronger, while wax makes it water-repellent. If properly sealed, this type of hardwood siding can last for years.

Maintenance

Ask your contractor to recommend the best sealants for your type of hardwood siding, as well as the proper way to care for your siding after installation.

History

While it isn’t as common today, hardwood was a popular siding choice for hundreds of years. It used to be made of raw hardwood, such as yellow poplar, red oak, hickory beech, sycamore, and soft maple. A study conducted by the U.S. Forestry Service in 1967 discovered that yellow poplar siding cut into tongue and groove boards (versus board and batten) performed better than any other traditional hardwood siding.