For homeowners that are attracted to the aesthetic appeal of natural wood, but do not want the maintenance concerns that come with it, there are a variety of wood siding alternatives to choose from. Discover your different options that duplicate the look of natural wood while boosting the functionality and curb appeal of your home’s exterior.
Benefits of Wood-Look Siding
For some homeowners, natural wood siding is the only way to go – it’s beautiful to look at, has a timeless appeal, and is environmentally friendly. But many wood-look products process similar qualities.
- Aesthetics – many wood-look products perfectly mimic the texture of cedar shingles or the wood grain in board and batten siding
- Eco-friendly – wood-look products don’t have as low a carbon footprint as natural wood, but they do reduce negative impact on the environment
- Durability – Like wood siding, synthetic siding materials are very durable
- Low-maintenance – Unlike wood siding, wood-look products are designed to be low-maintenance
Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding, also known as composite wood siding, is manufactured from recycled wood and other recyclable materials that are broken down into strands, then glued and pressed together into sheets. Engineered wood is considered to be eco-friendly because it uses recycled wood, preventing fewer trees from being cut down in our forests. Benefits of engineered wood siding over natural wood include:
- Durability
- Resists pest infestations, wood rot, moisture, and warping
- Requires less maintenance
- Is available in a wide variety of textures, finishes, and wood siding styles
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is formed by combing wood fibers with other materials such as cement, sand or crushed stone. It is durable, long-lasting, and can withstand temperature fluctuations and active winds. Fiber cement is another wood-look product because it can be manufactured to appear like a number of different grains. Other advantages of this siding material are:
- Complements a range of architectural styles, from rustic to traditional to contemporary
- Grain patterns are uniform
- Resistant to fire, wind, moisture absorption, and insects
- Retains paint well; doesn’t blister or peel like real wood siding
- Is low-maintenance
Fiber cement siding is eco-friendly because it is non-toxic, can be recycled, and is energy-efficient.
Vinyl Siding
Wood grain vinyl siding is one of the most budget-friendly wood-look products on the market today. It is made from polyvinyl chloride, a type of plastic typically referred to as PVC that can be molded into different shapes and textures – cedar shakes, cedar shingles, tongue and grove – replicating the charm, appearance, and curb appeal of real wood siding.
Manufacturers achieve this by embossing the surface with a particular wood grain pattern. It has a longer lifespan than other types of vinyl siding. Some manufacturers offer siding installations that include a high-grade vinyl and a moisture barrier intended to improve energy-efficiency. Because vinyl siding uses toxic chemicals, it can’t be considered environmentally friendly. However, wood grain vinyl siding does have some ecological advantages: it reduces the demand for real wood siding; it’s made from recycled materials; and is low-maintenance.
Metal Siding
In recent years, metal siding has become a popular choice with homeowners and construction professionals because it’s durable, long-lasting, and is easy to maintain. As a wood-look product, it offers the curb appeal and timeless beauty of natural wood in a variety of options such as maple, walnut, distressed, and aged.
To boost the energy efficiency of your home with metal siding, choose a light colour and a reflective finish. Metal siding is sustainable and eco-friendly because it is manufactured from recycled materials and is recyclable once it’s reached its expected lifespan
