9 Types of Wood Siding Styles: Which Is Best for You?

For many homeowners, wood siding remains the top choice. After all, the natural beauty of wood is still hard to beat. However, composite siding and other low-maintenance siding options have grown in popularity over the years. Thanks to technological advances, low-maintenance composite siding has a look that is indistinguishable from solid wood. So, in addition to wood, there are many other options to decorate and protect your home.

Common House Siding Materials

Wood siding is a type of exterior wall covering, like other types of siding. Its main function is to protect the house from the weather. But for many people, the charm of wood siding lies in its appearance. You can choose from different styles of appearance. Split log siding is a good choice for a log cabin-style home. For a rustic farmhouse-style home, shiplap siding is a better choice.

In both cases, the siding is made at least partly from wood. Composite siding, natural wood, and wood-fiber cement are the three most popular types of siding for the exterior of a house.

Composite Siding

Composite siding is a decorative material that has the look and feel of real wood. It is made from a mixture of wood fibers, plastic, and other additives. Composite siding offers the best of both worlds: the advantages of plastic and the advantages of wood. As a result, it is stronger, more durable, and more attractive than real wood siding. More and more homeowners are opting for this low-maintenance composite siding material.

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Advantages of Composite Siding:

• Does not absorb water as easily as wood, and is highly water-resistant
• Strong and durable, with a longer lifespan
• Has the appearance of natural wood
• Requires little maintenance, saving time and costs
• A wide range of colors and finishes to match a variety of design styles
• Not damaged by termites and other pests
• Does not crack, warp, or fade

Disadvantages of Composite Siding:

• Higher initial cost
• Quality and durability vary depending on the manufacturer
• Composite materials can be difficult to dispose of and recycle

Natural Wood

As the name suggests, natural wood siding is made from wood taken directly from trees. Most people choose either pine or cedar siding. You can, of course, also choose oak, cypress, spruce, or fir siding.

Some people paint natural wood panels, but most people stain them to bring out the wood’s unique grain. Although wood siding is a popular exterior cladding material, it requires more maintenance. For example, regular repairs, staining, painting, and sealing work.

Advantages of Natural Wood:

• Natural, high-quality material
• A wide range of boards in different types and sizes
• Environmentally friendly and biodegradable

Disadvantages of Natural Wood:

• Possible water damage and insect damage
• Complex installation
• Requires a lot of work

Wood-fibre Cement Siding

This type of wood siding is made from a mixture of solid wood fibers, Portland cement, sand, and water. Wood-fiber cement siding is shaped like solid wood during manufacture. It doesn’t always look like solid wood, but it lasts longer, is not easily flammable, and is not susceptible to insect damage.

Advantages of Wood-fiber Cement Siding:

• More durable
• Less prone to insect damage
• Resistant to fire

Disadvantages of wood-fiber cement siding:

• More expensive
• Does not look like real wood
• Prone to cracking

Different Wood Siding Styles

Now that you know the three types of wood siding, let’s take a look at the different patterns.

Partition Siding

Whether you choose composite or wood siding, the most popular type is partition siding. This type of siding consists of long, tapered boards. These boards are laid horizontally in a pattern called a lap, overlapping each other. Partition siding is easier to install than other types of siding, which is a plus. It also allows rainwater to drain naturally, although all-natural wood can be damaged by water.

Advantages:

• Easy to install
• Resistant to moisture
• Suitable for all types of homes
• Timeless style

Disadvantages:

• Uniform appearance, not every individual
• Susceptible to damage

Shakes

Tiles and shingles are often confused because they look very similar. But don’t worry, there is a difference. Like shingles, these wooden wall cladding boards are made up of small rectangular boards that are laid on top of each other. In the trade, this is referred to as “lap”. The shingles are not exactly the same thickness and width, which gives them a more rustic appearance.

Advantages:

• Rustic appearance
• Interesting texture

Disadvantages:

• Prone to moisture
• Cedar shingles are prone to catching fire
• Natural wood is expensive

Shingle Siding

Shingles and boards are both lap-jointed, but they look very different. They are smoother and tidier. These small square pieces of wood are the same size and have smooth edges. Shingles are more expensive than other types of shingles, but they are easy to replace if damaged.

Advantages:

• Classic, simple appearance.
• Easy to replace or repair
• Easy to install by local siding specialists

Disadvantages:

• Prone to damage
• Prone to insect infestation
• More expensive than other shingles

Lattice Siding

Lattice siding is made from slender wooden slats that are nailed vertically to the boards. This material creates a unique barn-style look. As a result, they are becoming increasingly popular for modern stylish homes.

Like other types of siding, they cost about the same, but installation costs may increase. You can save money by opting for composite siding, which is easy to install.

Advantages:

• Unique appearance
• Remains intact in bad weather

Disadvantages:

• Longer installation time
• More likely to warp
• Stylish looks may go out of fashion

Tongue-and-groove Siding

Yes, the tongue-and-groove is what makes tongue-and-groove siding unique. Each board has a groove at one end and a protrusion at the other. When combined, they form one of the best joints in carpentry. Tongue-and-groove siding can be laid horizontally, vertically, or diagonally when combined. It looks sleek, like hardwood flooring.

Advantages:

• The joints are strong and stable
• It can be installed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally
• Very easy to install

Disadvantages:

• Individual parts are difficult to repair
• Not easy to replace

Shiplap Siding

Shiplap siding gets its name from the horizontal boards that were first used on old ships. However, it can also be installed vertically on a house. To ensure a tight joint, each board is grooved at the top and bottom. If installed correctly, it is weatherproof. It is therefore an excellent choice for cladding the exterior of a house.

Advantages:

• Easy to install
• Economical
• Outstanding appearance
• Effective protection against wind and rain

Disadvantages:

• The farmhouse style is not suitable for all houses
• Dust and dirt can get caught in the grooves
• Grooves can impede air circulation

Split Log Siding

Split log siding, also known as “half log siding”. This is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a log house. This type of wood siding is made from sliced logs, with the rounded edges of the logs remaining. It combines the look of a log with the advantages of modern construction. Woods such as oak, cypress, and cedar are commonly used for split log siding. Concrete log siding is also becoming more common.

Advantages:

• Has the classic log house look
• More affordable than full logs
• Not as difficult to install as logs

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for most houses
• Not easy to maintain
• Prone to moisture and mold

Gutter Siding

A popular rustic style is gutter siding. It usually has rough edges and a more handcrafted look. Gutter siding has a groove that allows it to be placed easily and prevents water and moisture from accumulating. It looks like a boat-shaped board, but there is a “shadow gap” between the boards. This makes it look and feel more three-dimensional.

Advantages:

• Provides a water-tight seal after installation
• Easy to expand and contract
• It can be installed vertically, horizontally, or crosswise

Disadvantages:

• Has a specific rustic aesthetic
• Requires regular maintenance

Panel Siding

Panel siding is made by joining smaller boards together to form a larger board for installation. As a result, panel siding can have a similar appearance to some of the other types of wood siding mentioned above, such as shiplap or split. However, these materials are laid in one continuous piece, rather than being joined together. This method of installation is simple, but it can make a house look less aesthetically pleasing.

Advantages:

• Easy to install
• Affordable

Disadvantages:

• Looks cheap
• Less customization

Summary

Choosing the right style of wood siding for your home is a great opportunity to enhance its beauty, durability, and value. From classic clapboards to rustic log siding, there are so many options. You can choose a style based on your taste, architectural design, and climate needs.

Each type of wood siding has its own unique benefits. This ensures a perfect match for every homeowner. By carefully considering factors such as maintenance, cost, and durability. You can rest assured in choosing the wood siding that best suits your home and lifestyle. You can then create a timeless and attractive look for your home.