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Cedar Siding FAQ


BuildDirect is pleased to provide answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on a wide variety of our products, including cedar siding. If your questions are not answered on these pages, or you simply wish to speak with a Customer Service Representative, our customers can contact us toll free from anywhere in North America at 1-877-631-2845 or by email at customerservice@builddirect.com


Q. Where can red cedar be most commonly found?

A. Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) grows from Oregon up to Alaska in the rain belt areas along the coast of North America. Red cedar can also be found in the inland rain area of the Rocky Mountains. Red cedar is known as a controlled growth species, with regeneration and reforestation programs in place to ensure the health of the species.


Q. What makes red cedar naturally suitable for use as siding?

A. Red cedar is a very durable wood with natural oils and resins for resilience to the elements. Cedar has been used for centuries for use in roofing, siding, canoes, and other outdoor uses. Because of its natural environment, cedar is moisture resistant. Cedar is also resistant to insect damage.


Q. What are the physical properties of red cedar?

A. Red cedar is an evergreen softwood species. Cedar features great dimensional stability, meaning that it is tends to retain its shape while also taking to nailing and staining very well. Western cedar will help to keep warmth in during the winter months, and keep interiors cool during the summer months, due to its cellular structure. Cedar is easy to work with, due to its relatively light weight, and remains to be a very reliable material for overall durability.


Q. How does Cedar West prepare the lumber for use as siding?

A. The siding is kiln dried to a maximum moisture content of 19%. This process lessens the amount of time needed to acclimatize the product and lessens shrinkage as the stock reaches moisture equilibrium with the climate.


Q. How long will cedar siding last?

A. Cedar is classified as a durable species. With the application of a proper finish, Western red cedar siding can last for decades. As with all wood, avoid allowing your cedar siding to come into contact with the ground. This can shorten the life span of the cedar.


Q. What fasteners should I use in applying the cedar siding?

A. Do not use common nails or screws. Use of these will lead to eventual bleeding of rust over time, causing an unsightly stain in the cedar siding. Use only hot dipped galvanized, aluminum, or stainless steel nails or screws when fastening Western Red Cedar. Be careful not to over-nail, as this can lead to splits in the cedar.


Q. How much will cedar shrink as it dries?

A. For kiln dried cedar siding products, the shrinkage will be minimal, approximately 19%. The final shrinkage will depend on the climate, however. Expect approximately 1-2% depending on grain direction.


Q. What is bevel siding?

A. This variety of siding features siding with a thick edge which tapers off into a thin one, with each siding board applied in an overlapping style. This style lends the effect of smooth horizontal lines to an exterior. Usually the application is with the “sawn face” turned out and with a stain applies the wood texture gives a soft finish to the house.


Q. What is channel siding?

A. Channel siding is popularly installed in the vertical style, but also lends itself to horizontal and diagonal styles as well. The profiles of the individual boards overlap the next, creating a shadow effect. This effect enhances the look of the lines of the exterior. The “sawn” or “rough” face is usually shown outward in order to gain a popular rustic look.


Q. What is the grade of Cedar West cedar siding?

A. Cedar West cedar siding boards are a select tight knotted grade, with 10-15% quality knotty that can be used as the short lengths around windows and doors, with trimming.


Q. What lengths are available?

A. The lengths of Cedar West cedar siding are sold according to buyers who can match the length required that gives them the best fit for recovery and square footage needed.


Q. How should I prepare my Western red cedar siding for finishing?

A. Before applying a coating of any nature, make sure the cedar is completely dry. When applying a solid paint or finish, apply a primer coat for all surfaces. This will help to protect the wood from moisture and possible mildew build up. A primer coat with tannin blocking qualities will help to stop what is called extractive bleeding which takes place when tannins in the wood are dissolved by moisture, causing them to seep up to the surface of the wood. It is recommended that all surfaces of the board be prefinished, including the edges, in order to add a protective level of stability to the cedar siding boards. Remember, the final finishing coat must be compatible with the primer coat. Consult with your local paint outlet in order to get the best results.