Cedar siding is one of the pricier choices — but many homeowners are willing to pay for its warm, natural beauty. With the right care, cedar can last 50 to 75 years, outlasting many lower-cost alternatives like vinyl and aluminum.
That said, cedar isn’t for everyone. It requires frequent maintenance, including cleaning and staining or painting every three to five years. And while it resists insects naturally, it’s still vulnerable to moisture, rot, and fire if left untreated.
In this guide, I’ll break down the pros and cons of cedar siding so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your home. Whether you’re drawn to its classic look or concerned about the ongoing maintenance, we’ll compare cedar to other popular siding materials — and help you weigh beauty, durability, cost, and upkeep before making a decision.
Pros and Cons of Cedar Wood Siding
Cedar siding has a distinct, natural beauty that enhances any home, but it also comes with higher maintenance and cost considerations. Here’s a detailed look at the benefits and drawbacks of choosing cedar for your home’s exterior:
Pros
- Timeless, natural beauty – Cedar’s rich grain and warm tones create an elegant, classic look. Over time, it weathers into a silvery-gray patina that many homeowners love.
- Versatile design options – Available in shingles, shakes, boards, and lap siding to complement any architectural style.
- Good insulation – Helps regulate indoor temperatures and reduces noise better than some synthetic materials.
- Customizable finishes – Stains and paints easily, giving you control over the final appearance.
- DIY-friendly installation – Light and easy to cut, making it more manageable for experienced DIYers.
- Eco-friendly choice – Renewable, biodegradable, and a great option for sustainable homes.
- Long lifespan with care – Can last 50 to 75 years with proper maintenance, outlasting some artificial siding options.
- Moisture resistance – Less prone to swelling and warping compared to other natural woods.
- Natural insect resistance – Cedar’s oils repel many insects, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Cons
- Higher cost – At $5 to $11 per square foot, cedar is more expensive than vinyl ($2–$3) and fiber cement ($3–$4).
- Frequent maintenance required – Cedar needs staining or repainting every 3 to 5 years to prevent weathering and decay.
- Nail sensitivity – Iron nails can react with cedar and cause staining; it’s best to use stainless steel or aluminum fasteners with cedar.
- Vulnerable to rot and pests – While naturally insect-resistant, cedar can still be affected by mold, mildew, and woodpeckers.
- Fire risk – Flammable unless treated with fire-resistant coatings, making it a less ideal choice in wildfire-prone areas.
- Ongoing costs add up – Repainting, staining, and potential repairs make cedar more expensive over time than synthetic alternatives.
Should You Choose Cedar Siding?
If you love the authentic, natural look of wood siding and don’t mind the upkeep, cedar is a beautiful, durable option. However, if you prefer a low-maintenance and budget-friendly choice, materials like fiber cement or vinyl may be a better fit.
How Cedar Compares To Other Siding Options
Cedar siding stands out for its natural beauty but requires more upkeep than synthetic options like vinyl and fiber cement. If you’re weighing different siding materials, this comparison chart between durability, maintenance, and cost will help you decide:
| Siding Type | Durability | Maintenance | Cost per sq. ft. |
| Cedar | 50–75 years (with maintenance) | High – Requires staining or painting every 3–5 years | $5 to $11 |
| Vinyl | 30–40 years | Low – Minimal upkeep, occasional washing | $2 to $3 |
| Fiber Cement | 50+ years | Low – Resistant to rot, pests, and fire | $3 to $4 |
| Aluminum | 40+ years | Low – Rust-resistant, but can dent | $1.50 to $2.50 |
Key Takeaways:
Its maintenance needs lead to a higher upfront and ongoing cost to cedar. Fiber cement and vinyl are more budget-friendly, but cedar offers a natural, rustic look that synthetic materials can’t fully replicate. Homeowners who want durability and minimal maintenance will prefer fiber cement and vinyl as both last longer with less effort. While aluminum is the most affordable, it can dent more easily than other materials.
If you love the charm of real wood and don’t mind the upkeep, cedar is an excellent choice. But if you prefer low-maintenance durability, fiber cement or vinyl may be the better fit.
On the plus side, cedar withstands moisture better than many woods, with minimal swelling and warping. It also naturally deters termites and other insects that can damage your home. As a rapidly renewable material, environmentally-conscious homeowners may prefer it over other types of siding.
Key Differences Between Cedar and Other Wood Siding
Not all wood siding is created equal, and cedar has some unique qualities that make it highly desirable. For starters, cedar has natural oils that resist rot, insects, and decay better than other woods. It also shrinks and swells less than most woods when exposed to moisture.
In terms of sustainability, cedar is one of the fastest-growing trees, and it’s more renewable than many other wood siding options. It’s also easier to work with and install on your home due to its softness compared to woods like oak. Additionally, cedar ages beautifully as it turns silvery-gray over time, making it great for your home’s appearance in the long run.
Cedar Grades, Styles, and Finishes
When choosing cedar siding, you’ll need to decide on the grade, style, and finish that best suits your home. Here’s what you should know:
- Clear Cedar – High-end, smooth, and free of knots; best for a polished, modern look.
- Knotty Cedar – Features natural knots for a rustic, traditional appearance.
- Bevel siding: Overlapping boards with angled edges, creating a classic lap siding look.
- Tongue-and-groove: Boards interlock for a smooth, seamless surface.
- Shingles: Thin, uniform pieces laid in overlapping rows for a clean, refined appearance.
- Shakes: Thicker and more textured than shingles, offering a rugged, natural look.
- Unfinished: Naturally ages to a silvery-gray patina but requires sealing for durability.
- Pre-stained: Factory-applied stain in various colors and opacities for a long-lasting look.
- Paintable: Cedar holds paint well, allowing for custom color options.
So, Is Cedar Siding Right For Your Home?
If you want a modern, high-end finish, go for clear cedar with a paint or stain. For a rustic cabin feel, knotty cedar shakes with a natural finish are ideal. If you prefer low maintenance, pre-stained or painted cedar offers better long-term protection.
If you value cedar’s appearance and eco-friendly nature over vinyl and fiber cement’s ultra-low maintenance, it may be the right choice for your home. Choose high-quality grades, use pre-stained finishes, and ensure proper installation to prevent decay. Stay diligent with upkeep, and cedar siding can last for decades, adding timeless beauty to your home.
Next Steps:
✅ Ready to install cedar siding? Research top cedar siding brands and find a contractor experienced with wood siding.
✅ Still unsure? Compare sample swatches of cedar, fiber cement, and vinyl to see what best fits your home’s style.
For additional information, check out our guide on the different types of home siding.
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FAQs About Cedar Siding
Maintain your siding properly by reapplying penetrating stains or paints every 3 to 5 years. Ensure proper ventilation, repair any weather sealing issues, and clean regularly to prevent mildew buildup.
Leaving cedar unfinished allows it to weather naturally into a silvery-gray patina. However, bare cedar is less stable and more vulnerable to the elements. Applying a stain or sealant helps protect it.
Cedar siding costs $5 to $11 per square foot for materials. Professional installation adds $3 to $5 per square foot, making it one of the more expensive siding options. For more installation information, check out our guide on how to install cedar siding.
Cedar requires more upkeep than vinyl or fiber cement but less than untreated wood siding. Expect to restain or repaint every 3 to 5 years and clean it regularly to maintain its look.
Cedar has a more natural and custom look, while vinyl has a uniform appearance and requires far less maintenance. If you want the beauty of real wood but with less upkeep, cedar can be a good middle ground between vinyl and traditional wood siding.
