Engineered wood siding is manufactured to be cost effective, low-maintenance, resistant to deterioration, durable and easy to install. It is made to look like real wood cladding, but without the high cost and high maintenance requirements of real wood. The siding is one option that homeowners can select from when finishing the exterior of their homes and the product offers a variety of options and benefits that have made engineered wood siding an increasingly popular exterior siding choice.
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Basics Of Engineered Wood Siding
Most engineered wood siding is manufactured from small strands of wood, combined with saw dust and wood flakes, that are coated with a resin bonding agent and then compressed under heat and pressure to create a strong and solid piece of wood. The material is then treated with products to make it resistant to moisture and termites and is then finished with a coating which is embossed to create the wood-like patterns that make it look like real wood. Some styles and options are pre-primed or pre-finished. There are different patterns and styles available, but most brands are made to resemble traditional horizontal or vertical cedar slats.
Engineered Wood Siding Cost
Prices For A 1500 Sq Ft. Home
Homeowners with 1,500 sq. ft. will spend between $3,000 and $7,500.
Prices For A 3,000 Sq. Ft. Home
Homeowners with 3,000 sq. ft. will spend between $6,000 and $15,000.
You can expect engineered wood to cost significantly less than real wood siding, usually around half the cost. In fact, it is one of the lower cost options available (vinyl and aluminum are still less expensive, however). Since the siding is lightweight, it comes with uniform edging and is typically available in longer than usual boards (around 16 feet), the cost of installation is also lower than for wood cladding. Learn more on engineered wood siding costs.
Engineered Wood Siding Installation
It is easier to install engineered wood siding than it is to install authentic wood cladding. It is also less expensive. The engineered material is more lightweight than real wood. Some manufacturers also offer self-aligning edges, making it easier to install than wood, which can have uneven edges. Another benefit is that once installed, it does not require priming, painting, staining or sealing because the engineered product can be pre-finished in a wide selection of colors and finishes. Some brands come pre-primed if you prefer to paint it in any color you want.
Maintaining Engineered Wood Siding
Maintenance requirements are lower than those for real wood cladding, but they are more than for vinyl, aluminum or fiber cement options. However, many products will still require periodic painting, probably around every 5 – 10 years. It is treated to resist moisture, mildew, and termite damage, so it will require less ongoing maintenance than its real wood counterpart.
Warranties on Engineered Wood Siding
Most brands carry warranties on them for up to 30 years. This is lower than for some other types of cladding, but it will still last for quite awhile. Engineered wood siding doesn’t offer quite the longevity as fiber cement or aluminum, but it will typically last longer than real wood, with much less work required to keep it looking good over the years.
Related Topics
Vinyl
Clapboard And Board
Stucco
Wood
