Cedar siding is wood siding made specifically from cedar, the wood species most commonly favored for this application given its naturally occurring oils that provide inherent resistance to decay, insects, and moisture better than many alternative wood species.
This natural protective quality has made cedar the practical standard for wood siding, offering meaningfully better durability than less naturally resistant species even before any protective finish is applied.
Like other wood siding, cedar still benefits significantly from regular painting or staining, since while its natural oils provide some inherent protection, a proper finish extends the material’s lifespan and maintains its intended appearance considerably longer than leaving it entirely untreated.
What Does Cedar Siding Involve?
- Natural cedar wood in various profile styles
- Inherent decay and insect resistance from natural oils
- Regular painting or staining for extended protection
- Proper ventilation behind the siding to manage moisture
Why Is Cedar Siding Important?
Cedar’s natural durability properties give it a genuine performance advantage over many alternative wood species, making it the practical default choice whenever homeowners specifically want the authentic look and feel of natural wood siding without the accelerated decay risk some other species would present. This inherent resilience is a major reason cedar has remained the standard wood siding choice across generations of construction.
Left completely untreated, cedar siding weathers to a distinctive silvery gray over time, an aging process some homeowners specifically appreciate as part of the material’s natural character, though most opt for regular finishing to maintain a more consistent, intentional appearance instead. This choice ultimately comes down to personal taste and how much upkeep an owner is willing to commit to.
Cedar Siding vs. Wood Siding
Cedar siding specifically uses cedar, chosen for its natural durability advantages. Wood siding is the broader category term that can include other species as well, though cedar’s popularity means the terms are often used somewhat interchangeably in casual conversation.