For many New England communities, wood siding has been a design staple for home exteriors for many years. Though it requires quite a bit of maintenance to keep up the color and luster of the wood, there are many benefits to choosing wood siding when re-siding a home.

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There are many different types of wood siding to choose from, including plywood (not recommended), hardwood, log, shingles, or clapboard, with the most common woods of choice being pine or cedar. Cypress wood is another excellent choice for wood siding, as the natural oils from the tree are more resistant to moisture, and it works as a natural insect repellent – which is an added bonus for any New England home in the summer months, when it is sticky and humid and insect populations are high.

Pine wood siding became popular during the colonial times and many homeowners still love the look and feel of pine on the exteriors of their home. Pine wood siding can give a “log cabin” appearance to any home and is relatively inexpensive. It does require quite a bit of upkeep, as pine siding is less water-resistant than other wood siding materials; however, on the positive side, it is one of the best woods to select for painting and staining as it holds a finish for quite a long time.

To keep many types of wood siding looking its best and to prevent it from buckling or warping over time, homeowners must protect it from the elements by having the wood stained and primed before it is applied to the sides of the house. Every few years it should be refinished to keep up its original luster and to prevent weathering and fading.

Other woods such as cypress contain their own natural protectors from the weather and elements. Cypressene, the natural oil found within the wood, keeps the appearance looking fabulous without the need for chemicals and other treatments. This could be considered the best choice for an environmentally conscious home in need of updated exterior design.

The costs of wood panel siding greatly depend on many factors. The costs of each variety of wood are very different because of the various amount of work they require to prepare. Many wood panel siding varieties will not cost an arm and a leg, but the final cost of installation will vary depending on quality of wood and the size of the home.