Wood is probably the most popular siding material for homes and buildings. It’s easy to work with, looks great, and can last for many years without rotting or splintering. However, wood siding for cabins poses unique challenges when compared to wood siding for a house exterior. First, wood siding for cabins is subject to more wear and tear from weather, pests, and wear and tear of the workers themselves. Second, wood siding for cabins cannot be painted like wood siding for house exteriors because the paint will seep through and harm the wood siding.
Many wood siding projects are started with wood siding for a house exterior only, but many wood siding projects soon include wood siding for a cabin interior as well. This is a great way to give your cabin an outside look while still protecting it from the harshness of nature. Here are some considerations before you begin your wood siding for a house exterior and/or interior project:
Choose the Right Wood Siding
There are several wood species to choose from when wood siding for siding a house exterior or interior project. There are hardwoods, softwoods, and hybrids. Hardwoods, such as oak and maple, have greater resistance to the elements. Softwoods, such as pine and cedar, are lighter and require less maintenance. Hybrid wood siding is just that-a a wood siding made from one of several different wood species.
Choose wood siding for a house exterior or interior project according to your budget. Do not let cost be the primary factor in your choice, however. The quality of wood siding will make a difference in how long the wood siding can withstand weathering, and it will also determine its resale value and maintenance requirements. Be sure to take into consideration the amount of maintenance required, the wood siding’s resistance to decay, insects, and wear and tear, and how to weatherproof the wood siding is.
DIY
If you plan on building a wood siding project yourself, you’ll want to make sure you buy wood siding that comes from established woody tree plantations, rather than harvested wood. The wood siding will age better, and you’ll avoid having to repair or repaint wood siding over time. You can get wood siding that looks just like it’s been aged naturally by looking at it under an ultraviolet lamp. Ultraviolet light will not harm wood, but it will speed up the wood’s natural aging process.
As wood siding ages, its colour will darken and become weatherproof. This means that it won’t have to be painted anymore, but wood siding can still be stained. If you’re going to stain your wood siding project yourself, however, be sure to only use quality wood stain. There are many wood stains available that are not only inexpensive but will damage your wood siding more than they will protect it. Ask around for recommendations.
Paint Your Wood Siding
If you choose to paint your wood siding project yourself, several wood siding colours look terrific. They are easy to find, as most wood dealers stock wood siding of all kinds. However, keep in mind that wood siding that is a deep colour will require more maintenance than lighter wood siding, and it will also require periodic reapplication of wood siding paint if you want the colour to maintain its richness.
You will also want to think about what kind of exterior wood siding will look best with your existing home. Some wood siding will match almost any wood deck, and others will match only wood floors or other wood features. If you’re uncertain, ask your wood siding dealer for his opinion. He’ll be able to tell you in great detail which wood siding will work well with your existing home and what wood siding should be avoided in favour of matching your wood. Keep in mind that you will probably have to repaint wood siding over time because it does change colour with age, so plan accordingly.