Cedar is naturally pest repellent. The wood has been used successfully as a source of building material for over two thousand years. Unlike plastic, cedar siding is non-toxic and resistant to decay, rot and insects. The natural color and texture of cedar siding enhances the property’s value, while acting to prevent adverse conditions from occurring on the home’s interior and exterior.

Cedar shingles

Cedar shingles require almost no maintenance. Cedar shakes or cedar siding is often left unpolished to provide protection from the elements. In most areas, shakes or cedar siding will maintain its natural color and texture. If treated with preservatives, most wood products can last up to fifty years or more without being affected by adverse conditions. Most shakes are treated with a B resin which helps increase their durability and extend their useful life.

Curb Appeal of cedar shake shingles

Both cedar shingles siding has aesthetic benefits. Lap siding is available in a variety of architectural styles such as Queen Anne, Colonial and Greek. Its unique, hand-curved panel design is ideally suited to an architectural style preference and compliment the cedar siding’s smooth look. It is available in a variety of sizes and styles that allow it to coordinate with existing homes. Because it contains small gaps, lap siding is commonly used for exterior applications such as walkways and pool surrounds.

cedar shake finishing

Cedar’s natural wood finishes create a beautiful finish that is also durable and resistant to rotting. This natural wood finish on cedar siding resists insect penetration and will not require sealing due to its resistance to moisture and decay. It is very common for residential homeowners to choose to use cedar siding because of its longevity, natural beauty and resistance to rotting and damage. The thickness of the boards allows the boards to mold around curves and architectural details creating an authentic look for the home.

Cedar shake installation

Although cedar siding can be installed with nails and screws, it is recommended that you use wood glue to install cedar siding. Wood glue will provide a solid grip and will prevent sagging over time. When it comes to trimming, the use of a professional sander makes it possible to create straight lines. Sanding is not necessary because the grain of the wood naturally smooths and tightens itself through exposure to the elements.

The process of staining cedar siding is similar to other types of staining. There are several different stains that can be chosen from including; antique stained cedar stain, distressed finish stained cedar siding stain, pebble stained cedar siding stain, sea grass stained cedar siding stain and pre-stained cedar siding stain. Some stains require pre-drilling of the holes before installation while others are ready to use right out of the box. Once stained, the home owner is able to enjoy many years of low maintenance as the wood rot’s and insect’s are kept at bay.