Types of wood paneling that you can use on the outside of your home

If there is something that we cannot neglect in a house, it is its exterior cladding. This is the presentation of our house and can make a positive or negative impression depending on the condition. In addition, this coating is the protective layer against external elements, so that it has to withstand all conditions.

Among the most popular paneling we have found for wood, and to help you choose the best one for your home, today we offer you a list of different types of wood paneling that you can consider.

In countries where concrete is more expensive or weather conditions do not favor its use, it is best to build houses with external cladding and other types of fillings such as fiberglass. This is where wood comes in because it is economical and has many designs.

Image source: Arkin Tilt Architects

Among the most commonly used woods we find cedar, fir, pine or redwood. The patterns on the boards that these woods can produce are perfect in their natural state, so we rarely need to touch them up with paint.

If you’re unsure or just don’t know what wood cladding options are available, read on and discover a new world of constructive alternatives.

Advantages of using a wooden siding

They are easy to install

Unlike concrete, building walls with coatings is a quick and easy process. Any competent person involved in installing coatings can do this, and it doesn’t take many days for the project to complete.

You can even save money if you have sufficient carpentry knowledge because you can install it yourself.

Wood is an ecological material

Of the existing building materials, wood is possibly the most environmentally friendly as it is a renewable, biodegradable material and can be easily carved and cut to be used as a coating.

In this way, there are tree species that grow very quickly like cedar, making it easy to maintain constant wood production. Once it has reached the end of its useful life, we can throw it away with no regrets, as it quickly decomposes and creates compost for the soil.

An easy to repair and paint material

If we still don’t want to completely change the coating of our house, we can repair or repaint it at any time. The repairs of the different types of wood cladding usually consist of replacing the damaged parts with new slats, as it is much easier to simply remove and replace all of the endangered part than to try to repair a small hole.

If the damage is very small, we can fill the crack or the trough with some wood putty at any time. Wood is ideal for painting, because its porosity enables it to be easily absorbed by the paint. We don’t even have to add patterns if we want because the wood keeps its natural grooves.

The only disadvantage of wood is that it is susceptible to insects and natural elements. To avoid damage, a layer of protective varnish should be applied after painting.

This should be used again as a maintenance measure with a certain frequency, otherwise the wood will crack, rot, deform or burn. Not to mention termites and other insects that use wood to nest when they find holes in them.

It can adapt to any design

Image source: Dirk Denison architect

Perhaps the most important aesthetic advantage is that wood is one of the most customizable materials on the market for our home.

We have a wide range of colors available, and if we don’t like it, we can change it at any time. The available textures also make it easy to find a design that we like.

Types of wood paneling for our home

Wood paneling is not just a huge sheet. These come in several presentations such as slats, shakes, lap or shingles.

These slats or panels can be installed both horizontally and vertically on the wooden frame that serves as a support.

Depending on the case, we need to add a protective layer of paint or sealant. We also have to consider that it needs to be installed with a moisture barrier.

A standard construction method is to prime the sides of the wood to prevent water from entering and rotting the wood.

Next, we’ll take you through some of the most popular wood paneling presentations.

Board and Latte – A classic and simple construction

Image source: Cabin DIY

This design is based on large slats (we might even consider them full-size walls in some cases), placed side by side, and to which is added a thinner strip of wood that serves to hide the connection between the large parts.

Shingles and Shakes – For geometric patterns

Image source: FP supply

These pieces of wood are lighter and available in various geometric patterns. They are ideal as tiles or for covering walls.

Image source: Parr Lumber

These parts are cut out of large blocks called bolts. They are usually made of red cedar and redwood, but can be made from a variety of options.

In addition, this type of coating has a special treatment so that it does not catch fire easily.

Wood-based materials – Great economic savings

Image source: J&B constructions

An economical option for covering and building in general is to use a replacement or rather a conglomerate made from wood. The wood-based material is a mixture of different pieces and old wood that has been treated and compressed to create a board that can be even stronger than natural wood.

Image source: Modernize

Although it does not require much maintenance, its low price has a disadvantage, and it is that the small spaces created by the mixing of the parts make these panels vulnerable to moisture.

Shingles – Specially made for outdoors

Image source: Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects

The most traditional option for wood paneling, which is very typical for American homes, is the use of shingles. These are very long slats with reduced width, which are laid in a superimposed form like tiles.

Image source: WiseGEEK

It may be one of the oldest alternatives on the market, but it is still extremely popular due to its ease of installation and visual appeal.

Drop Channel Siding – Our own puzzle

Image source: Buffalo Lumbar

The versatility that this type of wood cladding offers is astonishing as we can place it both horizontally and vertically without any installation problems.

This style consists of wooden slats that are very similar to the previous ones. In this case, one of the sides has a full-length opening through which you can insert a tab that protrudes from the opposite side (obviously from another slat). It was a mystery.

Image source: Sobakoved

The shape, the space between the joints and the way these boards are cut allow the water to flow perfectly.

Shared logs – Back to the cabin

Image source: McHenry architecture

This is perhaps the most rudimentary alternative there is because we are literally stacking logs that are intertwined around the edges so they don’t move. This is a characteristic style of the huts in the forest.

Tongue and groove siding – For a smooth appearance

Image source: Buffalo lumber

This is presented as a more aesthetic alternative to drop channel siding. Although the same principle is used as for a wooden strip with a slot and flap, these can usually be connected perfectly so that no furrows occur.

These can also be installed in any direction, and it’s perfect if we’re looking for a less rustic finish, either inside or outside our home.

Many types of wood cladding to choose from

Image source: Buffalo lumber

As we could see, the number of types of wood cladding available is overwhelming, and this is partly due to the fact that wood is an ancient material that has been perfected over time.

Today, wood paneling is easy to install and manufacture, easy to customize and repair, and definitely easy to purchase.

The only thing we have to consider when choosing a wooden cladding is that it needs constant maintenance. With proper care, however, wood can become an eternal material.

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