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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.

You can put new siding over clapboards, but it’s not recommended. Some sidings, like vinyl siding, can go over clapboards with sheathing like a foam layer in between. However, it’s best to remove clapboard siding if you plan on replacing it with new siding. Burying wood clapboards underneath new siding can create risks of rot and mold, or hidden insect damage. It can also create warping issues over time. Removing clapboards allows you to properly install a new sheathing, as well as clean up the exterior wall and look for any signs of damage.

The cost of wood siding varies by the type of wood. Engineered wood siding tends to be in the middle of typical costs ($3 to $7 per square foot for materials). Hardwoods, for instance, can cost $5 to $20 per square foot for materials alone, but cedar wood can be as cheap as $3 per square foot.

If you’re wondering how to make wood siding last longer, including Composite T1-11, inspect it annually or quarterly to spot and repair cracks, holes, or chipped areas. You’ll also want to re-stain the wood every 3 to 5  years or repaint every 7 to 10 years for protection (note that repainting requires stripping and sanding off old paint as well). Lastly, keep up with regular cleanings using a garden hose or low-pressure power washer to help prevent grime and discoloration.