Does Cedar Siding Need To Be Stained

Apply a semi transparent stain to show off your cedar s best assets.

Does cedar siding need to be stained. This is something to consider when choosing cedar shingles or siding. Semi transparent stains allow some of the wood grain to show through. When putting up brand new cedar siding it is recommended that your first stain be oil based alklyd. For those who like the stained look cedar requires more maintenance than many other woods.

Semi transparent stains are not as weather resistant as solid stains and they need to be refinished every two years. Any exposed wood is susceptible to the elements that cause mildew swelling splitting and cracking. In refinishing painted or solid color stained siding and trim removal of the old coating may be required. With plenty of colors of stain and paint to choose from you have a ton of new options for decorating the exterior of your home.

Although cedar is naturally resistant to rot and decay staining your siding promptly will help in the preventing of deterioration. As mentioned this paint stain or solid body stain can be applied to new or previously paint stained cedar wood and siding. Semi transparent stains are your best bet when you want the real look of slightly weathered cedar with protection. The sooner you treat your cedar the better.

Use multiple coats of seal if you live in a wet climate. The few solid particles in this mix will not significantly obscure cedar s wood grain. Applying deck stain to cedar vertical siding is not required could be cost prohibitive and not needed but could very well be done lasting much longer. Siding requires restaining and regular maintenance.

Wood stains are toxic to inhale and can harm your skin so wear a respirator mask and gloves and apply stain an area with proper ventilation. However with semi transparent stains you will need to take care with the application. Prepare your cedar siding by washing it with soapy water to remove any dirt or dust if any has accumulated. Use an oil based stain instead of latex.

This is necessary if for example the old finish is severely cracked or is peeling. Consider sealing your new cedar siding to keep it looking like new for longer. Cedar siding is very durable against the elements but still requires regular maintenance and depending on the climate should be restained every few years. Cedar must be regularly stained and sealed at significant expense to protect it from moisture penetration and possible rot mold and warping cedar not properly cared for will become susceptible to insects an issue not found with fiber cement and vinyl woodpeckers occasionally bore into cedar siding.

Exterior western red cedar surfaces only need to be refinished when the old coating has worn thin and no longer affords the wood protection.