Nameja Exterior Siding & Cladding

Wood Siding Selection: Balancing Beauty, Durability

When selecting timber for cladding, consider Western red cedar, European larch, European oak, and Douglas fir for their natural resistance to insects and decay, which means they don't need extra chemical treatments. While spruce, fir, and pine are more cost-effective, they require preservative treatments to ensure longevity and resistance to the elements.

For example red cedar is a naturally perfect siding material, crafted by nature itself. It's known for its exceptional beauty, coming from Canadian coastal timber, and is highly durable and stable.The wood's cellular structure creates natural insulating properties, and its ability to resist moisture and insects makes it ideal for exterior siding in both residential and commercial buildings.

In modern times, Western Red Cedar continues to be a sought-after material for its environmental sustainability, as it is a renewable resource that can be harvested with minimal impact when managed responsibly. It offers a combination of aesthetic appeal, practical functionality, and a nod to the historical significance of natural materials in construction.

Cedar siding offers unique design options, such as the ability to create mitered corners with tongue and groove panels for a distinctive look, which isn’t possible with other materials like vinyl. You can choose between different styles and widths, with each having its own advantages in terms of appearance and installation ease. While clear cedar provides a more uniform look, it may require more joins due to variable lengths. Knotty cedar offers set lengths and a rustic appearance but at a higher cost. Cedar siding installation is more labor-intensive and thus more expensive than other options like Hardie plank or Vynl.

At Nameja, we guide you through these choices to ensure your siding not only meets your aesthetic desires but also fits your budget and installation requirements, all while maintaining a high standard of craftsmanship.

Variety of Wood Siding Options

Cypress: Cypress wood siding stands out for its exceptional durability, making it a highly dependable choice for home exteriors. It naturally withstands decay, rot, and insect infestations, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability in protecting your home.
Redwood: Redwood is an excellent choice for cladding, offering both durability and aesthetic appeal. Its natural oils and tannins provide resistance to rot, decay, and insects, reducing the need for chemical treatments. Redwood's rich grain and color variations enhance the beauty and value of homes. While the initial cost can vary, redwood is cost-effective in the long run due to its durability and lower maintenance needs. Its lightweight nature also makes installation more efficient and potentially less expensive.
Cedar: Cedar siding stands out for its unique beauty and character, but it comes with considerations. Its initial and long-term costs are higher, and it requires regular maintenance. While cedar is stable and resistant to insects and rot, offering a beautiful finish, its upkeep can be time-consuming and costly. Frequent repainting and restaining, along with a propensity for damage, may lead to additional repairs. This makes cedar siding less suitable for those with tighter budgets.
Fir: A popular western softwood, fir is easy to work with and ideal for intricate siding styles like tongue-and-groove, though it requires regular maintenance.Douglas Fir is an excellent choice for cladding due to its superior strength and resilience compared to many other softwoods. It's 60% stiffer and 40% harder than European Redwood, making it a strong and durable option for various timber applications, particularly cladding. Its strength ensures long-lasting performance in building exteriors.
Spruce: Spruce is a popular option for exterior siding due to its widespread availability and adaptability to various styles, from traditional to modern. It's an affordable softwood, similar to pine, that's easy to work with and paints well. While spruce often features more knots than pine, adding unique character, this can also pose installation and maintenance challenges. Like pine, spruce is less durable against rot and insects, requiring more frequent care.
Pine: While initially appearing budget-friendly, pine siding may not be the most cost-effective choice in the long run. Today's fast-growing pine lacks the natural resin of older varieties, making it more vulnerable to rot, warping, and decay. This susceptibility, especially in Alberta's diverse climate, can lead to increased maintenance and repair costs over time.
Engineered Wood: A modern alternative, engineered wood siding is highly durable and easy to install, offering a long-lasting solution with a range of finishes.

Each type of wood siding brings its unique aesthetic and functional benefits to your home or business, catering to different styles and preferences.

Why Choose Wood Siding with Nameja?

Natural Aesthetics: Wood siding adds a warm, natural touch to any structure, enhancing its overall appeal.
Versatility: Available in various styles like lap, shingle, and board-and-batten, our wood siding options cater to diverse architectural designs.
Durability: Specially selected for Edmonton's climate, our wood siding options are built to last, withstanding the rigors of changing weather conditions.
Eco-Friendly Choice: Wood is a natural, sustainable material, making it an environmentally conscious choice for your siding needs.