Written by R. Ann Sipper

Cedar siding is one of the most popular wood siding options for homes. It offers a warm and rich color that is well suited to a variety of architectural styles. The textured wood grain surface has a mellow look and a broad appeal that lasts for decades. The subtly aromatic scent that lingers long after installation is also a great feature.

Cedar siding comes in a variety of patterns and grades to fit almost any need and look. Cedar lap-and-gap siding and cedar shake siding are two popular options.

Pros and cons of cedar siding

The pros of cedar siding far outnumber the cons. It is naturally resistant to insects and other natural elements that lead to decay. This means this natural wood siding does not deform or delaminate.

Cedar siding is a popular choice in home exteriors because it accepts a wide variety of finishes. Popular choices include stains and oil finishes, as well as paint. It is lightweight and easy to install and available nationwide.

All styles of cedar siding offer superior insulation compared with other man-made siding choices such as vinyl. This makes cedar siding an eco-friendly exterior siding. This insulating quality also gives it great acoustical properties, which create a more peaceful environment inside the home.

Cost is one of the main cons in cedar siding. Although it is more expensive than other sidings, the cost can be offset by the insulating benefits and increased value to the home.

Cedar shake siding

Cedar shake siding uses rugged, hand-cut shingles. The shingles are made by splitting the wood following the grain. Installation of shake siding is best left to professionals or to those with experience installing this type of siding. While cedar shake siding can be installed with a nail gun, there are requirements with spacing and insulation to ensure a proper fit and longevity in the life of the material.

Cedar lap-and-gap siding

Cedar lap-and-gap siding can be milled for either horizontal or vertical applications. Long boards are applied to exterior walls so that each board overlaps the one below it. For installation purposes, all lap-and-gap siding is nailed through the sheathing into the studs.

This type of siding can be found in a variety of styles including ship lap siding, bevel siding, channel rustic siding and Dutch lap siding.

The long boards cover more square footage compared with the shake siding, and can often be more cost-effective because they can reduce labor costs.

No matter what type of cedar siding you're interested in, it's important to get price estimates from multiple contractors before making your final decision. Submit a free request for siding price quotes and we'll match you to several qualified installers who you can compare.