Wood Siding: The Pros and Cons
Last Updated: Mar 10, 2025Wood, a beautiful material, is an abundant, renewable resource. But it requires maintenance, especially in unforgiving outdoor environments. So what's the real deal with using it on the exterior of a home?
First, let's run the numbers. It may surprise you to learn that the use of wood as the primary exterior surface in homes has decreased in the last few decades from a high of 43% in 1986 to 5% in 2019. In 2019, new homes used vinyl siding 25% of the time, brick 20%, stucco 27%, and 21% clad with fiber cement. While this may seem, initially, as a "win" for those worried about preserving trees and forests, it may cause concern.
Table of Contents
- How Does Wood Compare To Vinyl Siding?
- Is Vinyl Siding Environmentally Friendly?
- How Long Do Vinyl and Wood Siding Last?
- How Can You Choose Environmentally Friendly Siding?
- What Are The Best Types of Wood Siding?
- Do Low Maintenance Alternatives to Wood Siding Exist?
- Bottom Line
How Does Wood Compare To Vinyl Siding?
Of the siding types listed in the 2019 census, wood is one of the most sustainable products for a home's exterior, and vinyl siding is one of the least sustainable. So why does vinyl have the largest market share? The answer comes down to cost. To side a 45 X 20-foot ranch style home with cedar clapboard costs $12,455. Vinyl siding comes in at a little over half that price, at $7,000.
Is Vinyl Siding Environmentally Friendly?
One major con in the use of vinyl siding is that made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC production releases dioxin, a deadly toxin that can harm both humans and animals. Many environmentally-conscious organizations have called for a ban on PVC.
How Can You Choose Environmentally Friendly Siding?
When considering what siding to choose, several environmental factors come into play, as follows.
- Siding Material: Consider the material itself. What is it? Is it human-made, does it contain unhealthy chemicals and, is it biodegradable? Does it hold any sustainable certifications?
- Source Location: Where does the material come from? Is it local? Or does it need to be shipped from far away, which means it takes more energy to get to you?
- Energy Efficiency Benefits: Does the product you are considering insulate against harsh climate? What is its R-value (its ability to withstand the transfer of heat)?
- Manufacturing and Production: Does a given siding option require a lot of energy to produce (like brick)?
- End of Life: Can the siding be recycled at the end of its useful life? What happens to the ten to fifteen percent of the material that is typically wasted on-site during construction?
- Ease of Installation: How labor intensive is it to install? Do you need a specialized professional, or can it be completed by a general contractor or you?
For a more detailed look at the pros and cons of other siding options, see Rise's In-Depth Siding Guide.)
What Are The Best Types of Wood Siding?
Rise's guide to wood siding cites the following as the best options for wood siding:
- Cypress
- Cedar
- Redwood
- Pine
- Thermally Modified, and
- Engineered Wood
Depending on your budget, location, and preference, any of these would make beautiful options for the outside of your home.
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Donna Pols Trump
Donna Pols Trump’s work has been published in literary magazines and online. She has received several Pushcart Prize nominations. Donna’s education includes degrees in Biology and Physical Therapy and a host of writing classes taken and taught at The Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. Her short story “Portage” was selected by judge Anne Tyler for first prize in a 2018 contest sponsored by december magazine.
