
Cabot gives you all the information you need for a professional quality job.
Red Cedar has always been a popular choice for siding, and with good reason:
It's a naturally durable wood that retains its shape and holds finishes
extremely well.
Plus, cedar is available in a variety of patterns and
grades, so you can find the combination that’s just right for your home’s style
and your budget.
But where do you begin? Here’s a quick guide to help you make the best choice.
Know your grades Cedar is available in two gradesclear and knotty.
Clear grades have few flaws (such as knots or splits) and, because of
their superior quality and appearance, tend to be more expensive. They also
accept paints, stains and water repellents easily. Clear grades tend to give a
home a more refined, upscale look.
Knotty grades have, as their name suggests, larger and more frequent
knots than “clear” grades. Knotty siding has warmth and casual
charm and is ideal for homes, cottages and structures where a rustic
appearance is desired.
Check your seasoning Seasoned cedar simply means that the wood has been kiln-dried to remove moisture. This minimizes shrinkage after installation and helps to ensure a better finish. Before applying a finish to your cedar, the moisture content should be below 15%, so check with your supplier to find out the moisture content of the wood they sell.
Wood that is unseasoned is often called “green” and it must be allowed to dry for 30 days prior to finishing and installation.
Decide on a texture Cedar siding can be specified in one of three surface finishessmooth, rough and saw-textured.
Smooth surfaces show the grain patterns and variations more than other
textures when you apply a clear or semi-transparent finish.
Rough sawn surfaces can add a rustic, weathered look to
your home. Saw-textured cedar is milled in such a way that it shows the
markings made by the saw in the process.
Choose a pattern Cedar siding can be installed in a variety
of patterns, including the common “bevel” pattern, also
known as “clapboard.” This is the only pattern that must be
installed horizontally. Other patterns are tongue and groove,
channel rustic and shiplap, which all can be installed
horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Each lends itself to different looks
and situations.
Properly finished and maintained cedar siding will age gracefully and endure for decades. No wonder it’s such a popular choice amongst homeowners.
For easy reference, you may print this article.
This long-lasting, 100% acrylic finish is also water repellent and fade resistant.
Choose the right stain color for your fence. Consider various opacities.