Softwoods are a solid choice for a wide range of outdoor building projects such as house siding, decking, pergolas, fencing, and more. When it comes to lumber for your backyard building project, redwood or cedar remains the top two contenders for their durability and natural beauty.
But is one better than the other?
The decision comes down to personal preference and the unique style of your home. Both softwoods deliver optimal richness and warmth, though there are slight differentiations between the two that will help you make your final choice.
Weather-Resistance
Both western red cedar and redwood are durable options for outdoor building projects. They are renewable resources where western red cedar boards tend to have more red tannin, contributing to their rich, deep color that makes them popular for siding projects.
Redwood is also durable and weather-resistant, and ideal for large areas. Both cedar and redwood need to be stained to protect the wood from the inside out.
Select transparent stains to preserve the visibility of the natural characteristics of the wood, like knots and wood grain, while also providing moisture protection. Choose from different colors of stains to complement your home’s other outdoor structures, like a deck or pergola.
Pest-Resistance
Cedar and redwood contain natural oils that can help repel insects. Additionally, adding a rainscreen to maintain a one- to two-inch gap from the home’s exterior will prevent the buildup of moisture and mildew that often attracts bugs.
Better Curb Appeal
Both redwood and cedar are attractive softwoods, and homeowners have flexibility when designing the siding pattern and color of their homes. Customize the board size and placement to create an exterior that accurately reflects your style.
Alternatively, many homeowners choose siding for a single accent wall, which immediately refreshes the outside. To maintain a rustic feel, a knotty cedar siding will accentuate the beauty of the home. Or for a sleek, modern look, all-heart redwood may be the go-to choice.
Preserve Your Siding with a Stain
Regardless of whether you choose redwood, cedar, or some other type of wood siding, staining should always be part of the project. Using an oil-based stain penetrates the wood from the inside out to preserve and protect it against harsh weather, warping, and other environmental factors.
Wood stains like Messmer’s and Penofin also protect against UV exposure and mildew to keep the color intact and keep clean up to a minimum. You’ll automatically extend the lifespan of your siding by restaining it every few years, depending on its exposure to the sun and moisture.
Choose a Softwood for Your Siding Project
Both redwood and cedar siding options offer exceptional value to create a warm and inviting look. There are ways to keep costs down depending on your project goals.
When planning out your house siding project, stop by your local J&W Lumber store to see what we have in stock and how we can help you manage costs. We can also special-order materials for your build.