Wood shingles siding has a rustic charm that is seemingly forever in style. Its aesthetically pleasing appearance and functional properties have made this siding type one of the most popular in the U.S.
Which type of wood shingles is the right fit for your home depends on your budget, preferences, and location.
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How Much Does Wood Shingle Siding Cost?
Shingle siding made of real wood typically costs between $5 and $15 per square foot.
The price varies depending on the wood type you choose.
For instance, the most popular wood choice is cedar, and goes for $6-$12 per square foot. Redwood shingles can cost up to $15 per square foot, while pine tends to be closer to the lower end, at around $5 per square foot.
Besides the wood choice, the total cost for installing wood shingle siding depends on your home’s square footage and local labor rates.
On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $1 and $2.50 per square foot for labor.
Rural areas usually have lower labor costs than urban and densely populated neighborhoods.
The wood choice will also influence the labor cost, since some types of wood are more challenging to install than others.
How Long Do Wood Shingles Last?
With proper maintenance, wood shingle siding can adorn your home for upwards of 50 years.
The better condition you keep them in, the longer the life expectancy of wood shingle siding.
Improper care can significantly slash their longevity, forcing you to replace the wood shingle siding after roughly 15 years.
What Is Wood Shingles Siding Called?
Although wood shingle siding can be manufactured from several wood types, they are commonly called cedar shingles.
In addition, shingle siding is sometimes called shake siding, even though there are differences between the two options.
Wood Shingle Siding Types
There are several types of wood shingle sidings you can choose from. These types differ in appearance, durability, texture, and price
While wood shingle siding is most commonly made from softwood, there are some hardwood choices for custom-made shingle siding.
| Wood Type | Material Cost per Square Foot | Labor Cost per Square Foot | Total Installation Cost for a 2,000-Square-Foot Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar | $6-$12 | $1-$2.50 | $14,000-$29,000 |
| Pine | $2 to $5 | $1-$2.50 | $6,000-$15,000 |
| Fir | $2 to $6 | $1-$2.50 | $6,000-$17,000 |
| Redwood | $5 to $15 | $1-$2.50 | $12,000-$35,600 |
Softwood Shingle Siding
Cedar is undoubtedly the most popular option for shingle wood shingle siding. However, there are other softwood option worth considering.
Cedar
Cedar’s popularity in the wood siding industry can be explained by its high rot resistance.
Cedar is naturally resistant to moisture, insects, and decay, unlike most other siding options.
This wood type fares well when faced with the elements, such as rain, snow, and wind.
On average, a cedar shingle siding last between 20 and 30 years.
Cedar is typically stained instead of painted due to its striking red tone and the likelihood of bleeding if painted.
Although the initial installation cost might seem steep, cedar shingle siding can save homeowners money in the long run, thanks to its durability.
Pine
Pine is one of the most affordable wood shingle siding options, primarily due to its ease of use.
Although its resistance to rot and insects is admirable, pine typically doesn’t perform well in the long run.
Pine shingle siding has to be regularly repainted or stained.
Pine shingle siding is light in color, making the painting process hassle-free.
With extensive maintenance, pine shingles can last up to 30 years.
Fir
Fir is another widely available and affordable option for wood shingle siding, though less popular than pine.
Fir shingle siding is an excellent choice for homeowners who want the look of natural wood on their homes without breaking the bank.
Fir siding is eco-friendly and can easily be painted and stained.
Fir shingle siding can last up to 30 years if the wood is adequately maintained to avoid moisture damage.
Redwood
Due to its supply location, redwood is more prevalent in the west.
Redwood shingle siding is considered a high-end option, and it’s lauded for its natural appearance and curb appeal.
Redwood siding is moderately resistant to insect activity, rot, and moisture.
Redwood siding’s gorgeous red color should be stained every three to five years.
With proper care, redwood shingle siding can last up to 40 years.
Pro Tip: Homeowners on a tight budget who want the look of natural wood may want to consider engineered wood siding. This option is as visually appealing and durable as the real deal but at half the cost.
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Hardwood Shingle Siding
Hardwood shingle siding is typically more expensive than their softwood counterparts since the wood is more challenging to manipulate and has greater durability.
Teak
Teak is one of the most durable materials used to create shingle siding.
When properly installed, teak shingle siding should last for at least 50 years.
Thanks to its high silica content, teak wood is exceptionally resistant to the elements and repels water.
Ipe
Native to Central and South American forests, ipe wood is a more exotic hardwood siding option.
Ike is known for its outstanding strength, durability, and natural resistance to insects.
Accoya
Accoya wood is one of the most eco-friendly building materials, making it a benchmark in the timber industry when it comes to sustainability.
Few wood types offer the same combination of versatility, stability, and durability as accoya wood.
Best Wood Shingle Siding
Cedar is universally considered the best option for wood shingle siding, and for good reason.
Durability
Cedarwood is naturally durable and can resist adverse weather conditions far better than most other wood shingle siding options.
Although they are rot- and pest-resistant, finishing cedar shingle siding is recommended to keep them adequately protected.
Homeowners who are fond of their natural appearance and opt not to finish their cedarwood shingle siding should still have few issues with rot.
Aesthetic Appeal
Cedar shingle siding can transform any house into a rustic marvel.
Cedar shingle siding is particularly enticing for homeowners who want their homes to blend in with the countryside.
Cedar shingle siding can be stained or painted, which opens up a world of possibilities for customization options.
Insulation
Cedarwood serves as a fantastic insulator, allowing you to keep your house warmer in the winter and colder in the summer.
Cedar shingles will help protect the house from heat and water, thus reducing the risk of structural damage.
Impact on the Environment
Compared to other shingle siding materials, cedar is minimally processed during manufacturing.
Cedar shingles are completely biodegradable, thus avoiding waste once it’s time to replace the siding.
Cedar can be sourced from designated forests explicitly restocked for construction purposes, further mitigating its environmental impact.
Painting Wood Shingles
Wood shingle siding can look worn and faded as the years go by.
Some wood types can change color slightly, resulting in silvery-gray siding. For these reasons, many homeowners choose to repaint or re-stain their wood shingle siding.
Besides aesthetic reasons, a layer of paint can help protect the wood shingle siding against destructive UV rays and the elements, such as snow and ice.
In ideal conditions, a paint job could last up to 10 years. However, this is rarely the case. So, repainting should generally be done every five years or so to ensure proper protection and maintain uniform coloring.
Pro Tip: Make sure to use paint designed for exterior surfaces and a primer, especially if you live in particularly hot or cold regions. Without a suitable base, even the highest quality paint will peel right off in no time.
Shingle Wood Siding Pros And Cons
shingle siding made of wood has become popular for siding applications for their many benefits.
Here are some reasons homeowners choose wood shingle siding to cove their homes.
- Smooth and consistent texture
- Aesthetically pleasing finish
- Ease of installation
- Compatibility with oddly shaped walls
- Possibility of staining and painting
- Impact resistance
- Eco-friendly properties
As with any building material, there are some downsides to installing wood shingle siding that might deter homeowners from going this route.
- Extensive maintenance
- Susceptibility to rot
- Vulnerability to water damage
- Shrinkage or warping over time
- Higher price point than other siding options
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The Drawbacks Of Wood Siding
There are many different types and styles of wood siding. However, all of these options have similar drawbacks.
Maintenance
While some homeowners might appreciate a more weathered look to their siding, others prefer to keep it clean, uniformly colored, and protected at all times.
To achieve this result, homeowners must stain or paint the wood shingle siding every few years. Staining should be done more frequently, every two years or so. As for painting, it’s typically needed in five-year intervals.
Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule is the only way to prevent color fading and moisture damage to wood shingle siding.
The wood shingle siding should also be cleaned annually to avoid mildew and mold.
Lastly, homeowners must regularly inspect the wood shingle siding, since wood is prone to termite damage.
This extensive checklist of maintenance to-dos is arguably the most significant downside to installing wood siding.
High Cost
Maintaining wood shingle siding can be extremely costly.
On top of that, the initial wood shingle siding installation cost is high a well.
Combining both costs makes wood one of the most expensive siding options.
To be fair, some low-end options could probably fit most budgets. The problem with these options is that they usually require more maintenance. As a result, cheaper siding options will not save homeowners much money in the long run.
What Is The Difference Between Wood Shakes And Wood Shingles?
Wood shingles and shakes have a somewhat similar appearance, resulting in many people using the terms interchangeably.
However, there are some differences between the products regarding their looks and installation time.
Wood shingles are somewhat long pieces of wood that overlap. They may be identical in size and shape or feature unique designs. Whatever the case, wood shingles always look smooth and uniform.
In contrast, wood shakes have a rougher look and a more irregular texture. Their appearance results from the manufacturing process, as they are usually hand-split. As a result, they don’t lay completely flat when installed, resulting in a longer installation process.
What Is The ROI Of A Wood Siding Installation?
Wood siding installation has an impressive 75% rate of return on investment (ROI).
On top of that, selecting higher-end wood can increase this rate even further.
It’s also worth noting that regular wood siding maintenance is crucial to protecting your investment.
Wood Siding Maintenance And Cleaning Tips
Keeping your wood shingle siding looking immaculate for years to come will require some time and effort on your part. Here are some tips on how to keep your wood siding in top-notch shape.
Diligent Inspection
Weather, pests, and regular wear and tear can significantly damage your wood siding. It’s vital to inspect your siding thoroughly and regularly.
If you notice any signs of decay, make sure to treat the wood immediately. Usually, treating the wood once every six months will suffice.
Treating wood also helps with its fire-resistant properties.
Did you know? Areas with frequent fires might not allow wood shingle siding. Check your local building codes before making a decision.
If you notice any cracked spots or rot, it might be best to immediately remove and replace the damaged wood shingles before the damage spreads.
Regular Painting and Sealing
While you can always repaint the wood shingle siding every five years, you can also choose a more affordable option – a sealer.
Make sure to use a clear sealer and apply it at least every two years. These products will stop moisture damage and also highlight the wood’s natural grain.
Using sealer on wood shingle siding is better for homeowners who prefer the wood’s natural color over paint.
Regular Washing
Apart from damaging the siding, dirt and mildew also significantly diminishes the house’s curb appeal.
While soap and warm water are sufficient for removing dirt, you’ll need a stronger solution for mildew.
You should clean the wood shingle siding at least once a year.
Pro Tip: Use a solution of 25% white vinegar to 75% water to clean the areas with mildew. While applying the solution, use a sponge and then rinse clean with a low-pressure garden hose.
Is Wood Shingles Siding Worth It?
While installing wood shingle siding has some disadvantages, they are far outweighed by the advantages.
If you invest in more expensive wood and maintain it properly, you’ll save money in the long run.
In addition, with wood shingle siding your house will look appealing and stay protected for decades to come.
