Wood Siding Services
The Timeless Appeal of Wood Siding
Our wood siding specialization is part of our comprehensive siding expertise that includes all exterior cladding materials, from traditional options like cedar and pine to modern alternatives like fiber cement and insulated vinyl systems.
At GRT Roofing, we understand the unique beauty and character that only natural wood siding can provide. Our wood clapboard and custom wood siding services help homeowners achieve that perfect blend of traditional charm and lasting protection.
Types of Wood Siding We Install
Homeowners seeking wood’s aesthetic appeal without extensive maintenance often choose vinyl siding installation that replicates natural wood grain and color with significantly reduced upkeep requirements.
Cedar Siding Services
Western Red Cedar remains the premier choice for wood siding due to its natural resistance to moisture, insects, and decay. Our cedar siding services include both traditional and contemporary styles with premium grain patterns and finishing options.
Pine Siding Installation
For a more economical yet beautiful option, pine siding installation offers excellent paint adhesion, straightforward installation, and classic appeal. We source quality pine that minimizes knots and imperfections.
Hardwood Siding Options
For exceptional durability and unique aesthetic appeal, our hardwood siding options include species like cypress, redwood, and specialized tropical hardwoods with distinctive weathering characteristics.
Engineered Wood Products
Modern alternatives like LP SmartSide combine wood’s beauty with enhanced performance through engineered construction that improves moisture protection and pest prevention.
Our Wood Siding Installation Process
For wood’s authentic appearance with enhanced durability, fiber cement siding systems offer the perfect compromise between natural beauty and modern performance characteristics.
1. Wood Species Selection
We’ll help you navigate wood species selection based on your climate, maintenance preferences, budget, and aesthetic goals, working with local lumber suppliers to source the highest quality materials.
2. Design and Planning
Our design process includes choosing the appropriate style, determining optimal board widths and exposures, planning for proper flashing, and selecting staining and finishing options.
3. Expert Installation
Our specialty wood contractors understand the unique requirements of wood installation, including proper fastening techniques, expansion allowances, and moisture management systems.
4. Finishing Services
We provide professional staining and sealing services using premium products that enhance wood’s natural beauty while providing essential protection from UV damage and moisture.
Benefits of Professional Wood Siding Installation
Authentic Character
Nothing matches the depth, warmth, and character of real wood siding, which develops a beautiful patina over time and provides unmatched curb appeal.
Environmental Benefits
Responsibly harvested wood from sustainable forestry suppliers offers excellent environmental credentials as a renewable, carbon-sequestering building material.
Design Versatility
Wood can be custom milled, shaped, carved, and finished in countless ways, making it ideal for historic restoration projects or creating one-of-a-kind architectural details.
Repair Flexibility
Unlike manufactured materials, wood can be easily repaired, patched, or partially replaced by our skilled craftsmen to address localized damage without full replacement.
Wood siding’s thermal performance can be enhanced with insulated siding upgrades that maintain natural aesthetics while significantly improving energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
Traditional wood siding pairs beautifully with stone and brick veneer foundations that provide durable, low-maintenance base materials while preserving the authentic character of wood construction.
Wood Siding Styles We Offer
Traditional Clapboard
This classic horizontal wood plank siding creates the iconic look associated with historic American architecture, with various exposure widths available.
Board and Batten
Vertical installation with wide boards and narrow battens creates a distinctive farmhouse or rustic appearance with excellent water-shedding capabilities.
Shiplap
Tight-fitting horizontal boards with special rabbet joints create a clean, contemporary look that’s gaining popularity in modern designs.
Shake and Shingle
Individual cedar shingles or shakes provide exceptional texture and character, perfect for craftsman, cottage, or traditional home styles.
Properties transitioning from wood to low-maintenance materials may still need vinyl siding repair services for existing sections while planning comprehensive material upgrades.
Serving Cleveland Metropolitan Area in Northeastern Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Siding
What types of wood siding are available?
The most common wood siding types include horizontal clapboard (beveled boards that overlap), board and batten (vertical boards with smaller battens covering the seams), shiplap (horizontal boards with special rabbet joints), tongue and groove (interlocking boards), shake and shingle (individual pieces installed in overlapping patterns), and log siding (milled to resemble full logs). Each style creates a distinct architectural appearance and performs differently in various climates.
How much does wood siding cost?
Wood siding typically costs between $8-$15 per square foot installed, depending on wood species, style, and finish. Premium options like clear cedar can range from $12-$20+ per square foot, while pine and engineered wood products fall in the $6-$12 range. Additional factors affecting cost include site preparation, trim details, custom milling, and finish application. While more expensive than vinyl initially, wood provides exceptional aesthetic value that often enhances property values.
What is the best wood for siding?
Western Red Cedar stands as the premier choice for wood siding due to its natural resistance to decay, insects, and moisture, combined with excellent dimensional stability and insulation properties. Other excellent options include redwood (similar properties to cedar but more expensive), cypress (extremely rot-resistant), white oak (very durable hardwood), and engineered wood products like LP SmartSide that combine real wood with enhanced performance characteristics.
How do I maintain wood siding?
Proper wood siding maintenance includes: annual visual inspections for damage or finish wear; gentle cleaning with mild soap and soft brush (never pressure wash); immediate repair of any damaged areas; reapplication of stains or sealants every 3-7 years depending on exposure and product quality; maintaining proper clearance from ground and vegetation; ensuring gutters function properly to prevent water issues; and addressing any moisture problems quickly to prevent decay.
How does wood siding compare to other materials?
Wood siding offers unmatched authentic beauty and character but requires more maintenance than alternatives. Compared to vinyl (which is less expensive and maintenance-free but less attractive), fiber cement (which better mimics wood with less maintenance but lacks wood’s warmth), and brick (which is more permanent but much more expensive), wood provides the best combination of natural aesthetics and repairability. It typically adds more resale value than vinyl but requires regular maintenance to maintain its appearance and integrity.
How long does wood siding last?
With proper installation and maintenance, quality wood siding can last 50+ years. Cedar and redwood siding often reaches 75-100 years in well-maintained homes. Factors affecting longevity include wood species, exposure conditions, maintenance frequency, finish quality, and installation details. Regular staining or painting every 3-7 years is essential for maximum lifespan. Engineered wood products typically carry 30-50 year warranties but haven’t been in use long enough to determine actual longevity.
What is the wood siding installation process?
Professional wood siding installation follows these key steps: proper wall preparation with moisture barriers; installation of flashing at all openings, transitions, and vulnerable areas; careful layout planning to minimize waste and optimize appearance; precise cutting and fitting; proper fastening with corrosion-resistant nails; allowance for expansion and contraction; integration with trim details; and application of finish coatings. The process typically takes 1-3 weeks depending on home size and complexity.
How often should wood siding be stained or sealed?
Most wood siding requires refinishing every 3-7 years, though this varies widely based on: exposure to sun and weather (south and west-facing walls need more frequent attention); quality of previous finishes; local climate conditions; siding location (overhangs offer protection); wood species (cedar holds finishes longer than pine); and stain/sealer quality (premium products last longer). Semi-transparent stains typically need reapplication every 3-5 years, while solid stains and paints may last 5-7 years before requiring attention.