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You should stain your home's cedar siding every three to seven years for maximum protection and to maintain its appearance. Homeowners who live in harsh climates with high humidity and lots of direct sunlight should plan staining every three years, while those who live in milder locations can plan on seven. In particularly harsh climates, consider using an opaque stain variety for the longest-lasting protection.

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.

You should restain or repaint cedar siding every four to six years, depending on weather conditions and the starting quality of the wood. If you want a lower maintenance option, opt for vinyl or aluminum siding. Although the cost to install more resilient siding can be slightly more expensive, they don’t need as much maintenance and can provide more value over time, especially in areas that see excessive rainfall or high humidity.

While vinyl is the less expensive option, composite siding has been known to be more durable than vinyl. In addition, because it is made from recycled materials, it is a more ecologically-friendly choice. Composite siding is also more luxurious looking and comes in a much wider range of styles and colors.