How to Choose Your Cedar Siding
 

Your siding has a significant impact on the overall look and design of a home. If you choose the wrong kind, it can affect the curb appeal of your home and compromise the overall value of your property. Poor quality cedar siding can also be a bad investment because it won’t be able to withstand the tough weather conditions and will deteriorate faster. At Emerald Cedar Contracting, we encourage our clients to choose their cedar siding carefully. Here are some points you should consider:

Types of Cedar Siding

There are two main types of cedar sidings available in the market- Red Cedar and White Cedar. Each wood species has its own advantages and disadvantages so you should consider them carefully before you make that choice:

• Red Cedar – Red Cedar grows in the western half of North America and is one of the most popular siding materials available in the market. It has a rich and distinct brown hue with undertones of red that most homeowners find very appealing. It also has a distinctive grain that isn’t prone to splitting and doesn’t swell easily.

  The tree develops some resistance to rot as it gets older; so if the siding is harvested from an older tree, it will be more resistant to rot and therefore more resilient. Red Cedar also has an exquisite grain that shines through when the wood is stained. This gives the entire exterior of the house a warm, rich color that would make your property stand out and look great.

• White Cedar – White Cedar is typically found in the eastern reaches of North America. It’s a softer, more malleable wood compared to red cedar. It has a very attractive silvery-grey shade that many people find very appealing. Aesthetically, it’s considered a safer choice to the bold hue that Red Cedar has.

  Many consider the latter to be a little too ostentatious for house exteriors. The light color and the slightly weathered look make White Cedar an excellent choice for coastal regions and continental designs. White Cedar has oils in it that make the material resistant to pests and rot; so it’s quite durable.

  The white color will naturally change over time to silver-green or gray-blue hues, with exposure to sunlight and weather conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for exterior siding. If you don’t like the pale coloring, you can always stain it in different shades according to your preferences.

Grading

Both Red and White Cedar siding is divided into different grades and these have an impact on their appearance. Clear grades like A and B have a very smooth and fine appearance with few imperfections. Siding made from these grades is typically more expensive and suitable for modern and contemporary designs because they have a very smooth appearance.

Wood of lower grade has more imperfections and growth characteristics but that doesn’t necessarily mean it is of bad quality. These grades have a rough texture and more knots in the design. The overall effect is very rustic and charming, which is ideal for more traditional looking homes.

Cedar Siding Styles

Both Red and White Cedar sidings are available in different styles. The style will determine whether your home looks rustic or polished. You can consult with our experienced designers to determine which one would be ideal for you. The choices available to you including the following:

• Lap Siding
• Board And Batten Siding
• Wood Strip Siding
• Bevel Siding
• Tongue-And-Groove Siding
• Shakes/Shingles

If you want to know more about cedar siding, don’t hesitate to contact us at Emerald Cedar Contracting. You can fill in this contact us form and request a call back from us

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