What Is Cedar Siding
Cedar is a wood species specifically prized for siding because of natural oils in the grain that give it real resistance to decay, insects, and moisture absorption compared to most other wood types. Available in a range of profiles, including traditional lap boards, shakes, and shingles, cedar offers the warmth and texture of natural wood while holding up notably better over time than standard softwood siding.
Abington, CT homeowners often choose cedar specifically for its combination of aesthetics and durability, whether for a full exterior, an accent wall, or gable detailing paired with another primary siding material. Because cedar's natural oils are part of what gives it decay resistance, proper finishing matters just as much as with other wood, since a poorly sealed cedar installation still loses some of its inherent advantage over time.
Why You Need It
Standard wood siding requires diligent maintenance to avoid rot and insect damage, since the material has no inherent resistance to either. Cedar changes that equation. Its natural oils give it a real head start against the two most common failure points for wood exteriors, which means a well-installed and properly finished cedar exterior can go longer between maintenance cycles than comparable softwood options while still delivering the natural wood look many homeowners want.
There is also a value consideration for Abington, CT homeowners weighing material options. Cedar sits between standard wood and engineered alternatives in terms of maintenance demand, offering genuine natural wood character with meaningfully better durability than typical softwood siding, without the fully synthetic look of vinyl or fiber cement. For homeowners who specifically want real wood but are wary of standard wood's maintenance burden, cedar is often the right middle ground.
How We Do It
Moisture Barrier and Flashing
A continuous house wrap and properly lapped flashing are installed before any cedar goes up, protecting the sheathing underneath.
Layout and Spacing
Cedar boards or shingles are laid out with proper spacing to allow for natural expansion and contraction with humidity changes.
Careful Fastening
Corrosion-resistant fasteners are used with spacing that avoids splitting the cedar, particularly near board ends.
Sealing Cut Edges
Every cut edge is sealed before installation, since exposed cuts are the most vulnerable point even on naturally resistant cedar.
Finish Application and Walkthrough
A protective finish is applied to preserve both appearance and durability, followed by a full walkthrough with you.
What to Expect
Cedar siding installation typically runs five to nine working days for an average home, depending on profile choice and home size. Shakes and shingle patterns generally take longer than lap board profiles due to the detail work involved. Before starting, we review profile and finish options with you, since cedar can be left with a natural or lightly tinted finish, or fully stained or painted depending on your preference.
Once installation is complete, we walk the exterior with you to review the finished work and explain the maintenance schedule that will keep the cedar performing well. Job-site cleanup and material disposal are included as part of the project.
Why Choose Us for Cedar Siding
- 13 years installing cedar siding with attention to proper spacing, fastening, and edge sealing.
- Experience across multiple cedar profiles, from lap boards to shakes and shingles.
- Corrosion-resistant fastener selection appropriate for cedar's natural oil content.
- Same-day response for scheduling consultations and profile review.
- Clear guidance on the maintenance schedule that keeps cedar performing at its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cedar's natural oils give it genuine resistance to decay and insect damage that standard softwood siding lacks. This does not make it maintenance-free, but it does mean cedar generally holds up better between maintenance cycles than untreated softwood.
This depends on finish type and sun exposure, but cedar generally needs refinishing less frequently than standard wood due to its natural oil content. We can recommend a schedule based on your home's specific conditions.
Cedar can be left to weather naturally to a silvery gray patina, though we generally recommend at least a protective sealant to preserve the wood's structural integrity even if you prefer the weathered appearance over a stained finish.
We work with traditional lap board cedar siding as well as shake and shingle patterns, and can also install cedar as an accent alongside another primary siding material for a mixed exterior look.
Cedar typically costs more than standard softwood or vinyl siding upfront, reflecting its natural durability and appearance. We provide clear cost information specific to your project during the consultation.
Cedar performs well across the humidity and temperature range typical of the region, provided it is properly installed with adequate spacing for natural expansion and a suitable protective finish.