The phrase that comes to mind when we think of cedar is “natural beauty.”  Yet, many people ask us how to finish, seal, stain, and/or paint their cedar. Cedar is an investment and in order to get the most enjoyment out of it you’ll want to protect it and keep it looking good for years to come.

Before we dive in too deep, we want to remind you of related articles that we’ve published in the past:

• Cedar Siding Maintenance
• Cedar Siding Frequently Asked Questions
• 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Cedar Siding
• How Long Does Cedar Siding Last?
• How to Use Cedar to Accent Your Home
• Cedar Siding: Paint, Stain, or leave it alone?
• How to Keep Your Cedar Siding Looking Like New
• Sealing Cedar Siding

If you still have questions then here are the big takeaways:

A natural look is best

Typically we advise against painting.  Cedar expands and contracts all year long and paint comes off with relative frequency.  If you want a painted look then perhaps a premium product like James Hardie siding that can imitate the appearance while lasting with a paint job. Leaving it natural or using a simple stain will give you the aesthetic benefits of cedar.

Cedar is naturally resistant to the elements

Much of the impulse to paint or finish cedar comes from a need to protect it. Cedar is naturally resistant to heat, cold, and insects.  In fact, it offers insulation to your home when used as siding.

Clean it carefully

Cedar will start to weather and age as it gets older, this is natural, and for some, it is even a desirable look.  If you want to clean it, it is essential not to use a power washer or any metal brushes on it as you may damage the wood.  Cleaning can be a big job, but it can also make it last longer so it is best to have a professional handle this for you every few years or as needed.

A simple stain is best

Here is a photo from a house we remodeled in 2021. The cedar used in the entryway added some beautiful natural colors to the otherwise chromatic scheme of this home. However, once the cedar was installed we added a light stain to bring out a bit more of the color.  As you can see, the wood grain still shows but so does that beautiful color.

If you’re interested in installing, maintaining, repairing, or updating cedar siding for your home then contact EMA Construction for a free estimate!

Lately, we’ve been taking time to answer some of the most popular questions on the internet regarding our products.  Cedar siding and cedar shakes are premium siding products and offer a natural beauty that is not easily imitated or replicated.  But how long does it last?

The short answer is the cedar lasts anywhere from 20 to 40 years with some well-maintained cedar lasting as long as 70 years. While cedar offers many benefits to durability and insulation compared to something like vinyl siding, it also brings with it a bit more maintenance and up-front cost. Generally speaking, cedar outlasts stucco.  It is comparable to log siding, but with less maintenance.  It doesn’t last as long as natural stone or fiberglass, but it is more affordable.  It is also worth noting that cedar, aside from looking great, is eco-friendly and naturally insect-resistant.

One challenge that you’ll have to weigh when choosing siding is whether you want to buy something cheaper that won’t require maintenance or last as long or whether you’re ready to invest in your home’s cosmetic, insulation and weather-proofing, and long-lasting natural beauty.  If the latter sounds like you and you’re prepared to handle a moderate amount of maintenance then cedar is a great choice for your home or even just add some accent work to other siding.

If you’re interested in long-lasting cedar siding then contact EMA Construction today for a free quote on your home.  We can handle the design, installation, ongoing maintenance, and repair for all of your cedar shakes and siding needs.