Wood siding has been around for centuries and continues to remain popular among homeowners. Traditional siding is installed to give adequate protection to exterior walls from the harsh elements. Interior designers, builders and architects never overlook the majestic beauty of wood siding design in the practice of their profession and business. Wood siding creates a touch of authenticity, historicity, ruggedness, elegance and agelessness.
A vast array of wood specie, stain, style, finish, paint color and design is available to you. Wood siding has many patterns but the most common are simple. It can either be a horizontal or vertical pattern. You can create your own custom design layout. Your choice of wood siding pattern, the kind of stain or finish, what shade of color do you have in mind can be discussed with a qualified professional siding contractor. Based on his experience and expertise, he can recommend and give you practical advice on how to go about the selection and installation of a wood siding solution.
This kind of siding makes use of natural hardwood like cedar, redwood, cypress and other solid wood to project a natural, rustic or a contemporary look depending on the finish, one’s taste and liking. There are various categories of sidings you can choose from when planning to install wood sidings. Some of them are shingles, fiberboard, plywood, shakes, and clapboard. They are subcategorized in various styles including wooden lap board, tongue and groove, channel, board and batten, ship lap, split log siding and many more, These woods have a different variety of textures and designs. Wood sided structures are more lovely and sophisticated. They are very pleasant to look at. If they are properly maintained, they can last for a long time. Paint makeover on a periodic basis will do wonders to the image and appearance of the home.
Plywood siding is cheaper because its structural components are merged into one. It is easily integrated when framing is being done. Plywood is produced from various tree species. It has a long lifespan if properly maintained.
Fiberboard siding looks like natural wood and is economical. It is a popular choice nowadays. One variation is the wooden lap board look which has long, eye-catching horizontal lines. This one is more expensive but a much in demand siding choice.
Another siding option is the board and batten model which is a cedar or plywood piece with an attached one by two inch strip for every required gap. If you are fond of the rustic look, search for a channel siding. This one has a one-inch groove type pattern attached every eight inches apart.
You will be awed by the tongue and groove siding which has an interlocking pattern of boards at the edges. Another option you need to evaluate is the ship lap siding which is another horizontal pattern solution employing tight joints.
If your budget is for the lower end wood siding option, you have the hardboard lap. It is an inexpensive model which you find in many exterior walls of track homes. When it is about a regular horizontal pattern siding, choose the lap wood siding which has lap board pieces attached to each other or the clap board which is also horizontally installed in an overlapping style.
On the other side, wood planks are the versatile ones. They can be installed either vertically or horizontally. And finally, you can opt for a split log siding when your architectural structure has a cottage or log cabin style. Your options are still plenty with the other types and models of this siding technology.
Some downside of wood siding is its susceptibility to insects and termite attacks. You need to see to it that it is aptly protected with termite treatment by pest control experts. It is also prone to warping and splitting which can also be prevented.
In your wood siding project, you have to look into all aspects including overall project cost including maintenance and contingency budget. It will be a worthy investment and your dividends will come in higher property value as well as intangibles like pride, joy and happiness with the splendid and elegant look of your home because of the gorgeous wood siding installation.
