Over the years, wood siding has become less and less popular — not because it looks bad, but because of its many drawbacks like rotting, warping, and constant maintenance. More homeowners are turning to vinyl siding that looks like wood as a smarter alternative.
It makes sense, too. Vinyl siding has become extremely popular, especially in the Midwest, because of its durability, low maintenance and energy efficiency.
Some homeowners are still hesitant about vinyl siding because they think it makes their home look cheap compared to classic wood siding. However, faux wood vinyl siding is catching the attention of more and more homeowners because it delivers the rustic charm of real wood with none of the upkeep.
Below, we'll cover everything you need to know about wood look vinyl siding and why it's a better option than real wood.
What Is Vinyl Siding That Looks Like Wood?
Vinyl siding that looks like wood is standard vinyl siding manufactured with textured surfaces that replicate the grain, depth, and appearance of real wood. Modern manufacturing techniques have made these products nearly indistinguishable from natural wood at a glance.
If you have a more traditional or classic style home, you probably want to keep that aesthetic instead of installing modern-looking siding. With wood grain vinyl siding, you can maintain that look and increase your home's energy efficiency at the same time.
Vinyl siding from Feldco is available in wood grain finishes to preserve the beauty of a wood-clad home. You truly get the best of both worlds — the rustic look of wood and the performance of vinyl.
Available Styles: Shingles, Shakes, Cedar & Log Looks
One of the biggest advantages of exterior siding that looks like wood is the range of styles available. Whether you want the look of hand-split cedar shakes, smooth lap siding, or even a log cabin aesthetic, there's a vinyl option to match. Common styles include:
Vinyl siding that looks like wood shingles gives your home a classic coastal or craftsman feel. Cedar look vinyl siding replicates the rich, warm tones of natural cedar without the susceptibility to moisture damage. For homeowners who want a cabin or lodge appearance, vinyl siding that looks like logs provides that rustic aesthetic with zero wood maintenance. These options are available from standard double four to shake and scalloped profiles.
Problems With Real Wood Siding
Many older homes have wood siding like shakes or dutch lap — styles that are sought after because they're elegant and classic. There's no doubt that the look of wood siding enhances curb appeal, but it comes with significant drawbacks.
Note that we said many older homes have wood siding. That's mainly because homeowners today realize wood siding is more of a burden than a benefit. The home improvement industry has also seen major advances in vinyl products, including vinyl siding that looks like real wood.
Wood siding is especially problematic for Midwest homeowners. Homes in this region face heavy moisture year-round — and moisture is wood's biggest enemy.
Wood siding is prone to rotting, swelling, warping and expanding when exposed to rain and snow. It can also fade from prolonged sun exposure and is vulnerable to termite infestation.
To keep wood siding in good condition, expect to spend significant time and money. Staining is required every few years, sometimes more often, to maintain protection. Even with consistent maintenance, damage from weather or impact (like a stray baseball) is still likely.
Beyond ongoing maintenance costs, the initial installation of wood siding is among the most expensive exterior cladding options available.
Advantages of Vinyl Siding
Where wood siding falls short, vinyl siding that looks like wood siding excels. One of the biggest reasons vinyl siding is the most popular exterior cladding option is because it's extremely cost-effective.
Vinyl siding is engineered to never rot, warp, swell, crack or expand. Rain and snow cause no damage whatsoever.
Another advantage: the colors are baked in during manufacturing and will never fade. Your home will look as good years later as it did on the day of installation.
Vinyl siding is also extremely energy efficient. Feldco's siding, for example, comes with a superior backing system that wraps your home tight to keep wind, rain, snow, rodents and termites out.
Maintenance is minimal — the only upkeep you'll need is a good cleaning every once in a while.
Still want the aesthetic appeal of wood? Vinyl siding that looks like real wood gives you that classic look with modern performance.
Get a Free Quote From Feldco
For the best siding products in the Midwest, look no further than Feldco. We've been proudly serving the Midwest for over 40 years and have earned the trust of over 400,000 homeowners.
Our vinyl siding is available in wood grain finishes, including shake styles that create the warm and beautiful feeling of wood siding — without the downsides.
Get a free quote online to start your next siding project and combine beauty and energy efficiency with vinyl siding that looks like wood.
866-4FELDCO