Wood Siding

Wood siding is exterior cladding made from natural timber that protects your home while adding timeless curb appeal. Whether you're considering cedar shakes, clapboard, or board-and-batten styles, each option brings unique character and insulation benefits to your property. From installation and staining to repairs and replacement, Angi helps you connect with local pros and find the guidance you need for every wood siding project.
Wood Siding Service Articles and Advice
Clapboard or lap siding is one of the oldest modern exterior wall options. Let’s look at the pros and cons and if it’s a good fit for your home.
What is composite T1-11 siding made of? What are the pros and cons? Find out more about this popular and budget-friendly siding option.
Wondering how to calculate board and batten spacing? Use this calculator to help. Pay attention to the order in which you complete the calculations.
When installing siding, you may find rotted boards underneath the old siding. Siding is your home’s first line of defense against the elements–rot causes damage that can spread, so learn about what to do when you discover rotted boards.
Clapboard siding is classic, reliable, and hardy, but these wooden boards can get damaged in poor conditions. Here’s how to do a DIY repair for clapboard siding.
From clapboard to shiplap, there are tons of wood siding types for you to choose from. Here’s a run-down of the ten most popular types of wood siding.
Will pressure-treated wood rot? While treated wood should last longer than untreated wood, it's not invincible. Here's how to spot signs of pressure-treated wood rot.
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Common Wood Siding Service Questions

Wood siding requires an air gap behind it to allow water to drain out, and for air circulation and venting to allow humid air to escape and keep the material from rotting due to moisture. 

Similar to other types of wood siding consisting of natural materials, cedar siding should last 20 to 40 years . However, the lifespan for any wood siding, including cedar, can be far shorter without the proper repair and maintenance work. Don’t put off making repairs, or problems could worsen quickly. While you can repair minor holes and cracks in the siding shakes, rot and warping requires replacing the boards.

Yes, cedar is a popular option for shou sugi ban siding, which is a Japanese style of charring wood for a home’s exterior to finish and protect the material. Cedar shou sugi ban siding costs $15 per square foot on average, but ranges between $2 and $25 per square foot depending on your home’s size, the price of labor, and where you live.

Vinyl, brick veneer, stucco, steel, stone veneer, and composite siding are popular alternatives to wood siding. Which siding material is best for your home boils down to your budget, aesthetics, lifestyle, and climate. For example, stone veneer offers a timeless charm and is low maintenance but may have too high of a price tag. Meanwhile, some homeowners love vinyl siding for its low cost, while others dislike it for its appearance and shorter life span.

Avoid toxic chemicals that can leach into nearby lawns, as well as household ingredients like vinegar that can ruin paint and sealants. Instead, look for a very light detergent or a dedicated exterior siding cleaner. In a pinch, you can use a basic dish or laundry soap, but we suggest sticking with a dedicated cleaner.

If your siding is struggling with algae or moss, which indicates moisture issues, look for an outdoor cleaner that’s specifically designed to clear moss and algae stains. This is also a sign that you need to seal your clapboard against further problems.