Wood clapboard siding has long set the bar as the preferred look and choice of siding on North American homes. But, because wood board siding is expensive and increasingly scarce, several manufactured wood-based materials have become extremely popular alternatives. The main ones are plywood, oriented-strand board (OSB), and hardboard. Sold both in large panels and in clapboard-style boards, these products are significantly less expensive than real wood and offer effective usage of wood by-products.

In this section of HomeTips, you will find buying guide information that will help you sort through the advantages and drawbacks of these manufactured siding materials. And you’ll get help with DIY installation, as well as cleaning, repair, and general care.