Solid wood siding is readily available through most lumber dealers, lends itself to cutting and installation with basic carpentry tools and skills, and has a natural beauty that the manufacturers of nearly all other types of siding wish to achieve.

Wood siding will last from 30 years to the life of your home if maintained well; if not, it will crack, split, and warp and painted siding will peel. In addition, wood siding can be fodder for termites unless it’s protected with preservatives or unless you choose cedar or redwood heartwoods, which are naturally resistant to decay though expensive. Wood siding is also far less resistant to fire than masonry sidings.

During installation, you must seal all edges of wood siding with water repellent. Painted wood siding should be repainted every four to six years. and stained siding should be re-stained every three to five years. Natural wood that is protected by water repellent should be re-coated every two years.