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You should restain or refinish your home's cedar siding every three to seven years to maintain its appearance and ensure maximum protection. The precise frequency depends on several factors, including your local climate, the siding's exposure to severe weather like direct sunlight, rain, and wind, the quality of the initial stain application, the type of stain used, and the condition of the wood.

Homeowners in harsh climates with high humidity and significant direct sunlight should plan on restaining every three years, while those in milder locations can wait up to seven years. For the longest-lasting protection in particularly harsh environments, consider using an opaque stain.

If you're looking for a lower-maintenance alternative, vinyl or aluminum siding are options to consider. Although their installation cost may be higher, they don't require as much upkeep over time, which can provide more value, especially in areas with excessive rainfall or high humidity.

Clapboard siding is traditionally made of wood, and is one of the most common types of wood siding in North America. When people talk about wood siding, they are usually talking about clapboard siding. However, not all wood siding is in the clapboard style: It can be tongue-and-groove, shake, and other designs. Also, clapboard siding can sometimes be made of different materials, like vinyl or fiber cement, so the terms are not interchangeable.

Though vinyl siding is affordable, the material may not last as long or look as good as other siding materials. For example, wood siding has a beautiful, natural appearance but requires much more maintenance to keep your siding looking as good as new. 

Fiber cement siding is another alternative that mimics the appearance of wood siding. Like vinyl siding, fiber cement is a low-maintenance material, but it does come at a higher price and is heavier and more difficult to install. Weigh the pros and cons of all siding materials before you decide on the best option for your home.

Different types of siding provide unique aesthetic and structural features, with each material commanding its own cost. Availability of materials and shipping costs also factors largely into the cost. The common types of siding materials include:

• Stucco: $7–$9 per square foot

• Wood: $1–$15 per square foot

• Engineered wood: $1–$6 per square foot

• Aluminum: $3–$6 per square foot

• Fiber cement: $5–$14 per square foot

• Brick: $10–$20 per square foot

• Brick veneer: $3–$10 per square foot

• Stone: $7–$30 per square foot

• Stone veneer: $5–$11 per square foot