Does Cedar Siding Need To Be Stained

Staining cedar with a semi transparent stain.

Does cedar siding need to be stained.

The few solid particles in this mix will not significantly obscure cedar s wood grain. However with semi transparent stains you will need to take care with the application. Exterior western red cedar surfaces only need to be refinished when the old coating has worn thin and no longer affords the wood protection. 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. This is something to consider when choosing cedar shingles or siding. 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. Semi transparent stains are your best bet when you want the real look of slightly weathered cedar with protection.

Cedar siding is very durable against the elements but still requires regular maintenance and depending on the climate should be restained every few years. Apply a semi transparent stain to show off your cedar s best assets. Consider sealing your new cedar siding to keep it looking like new for longer. Wash wait for it to dry.

Semi transparent stains are not as weather resistant as solid stains and they need to be refinished every two years. Use multiple coats of seal if you live in a wet climate. 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. Use an oil based stain instead of latex.

Prepare your cedar siding by washing it with soapy water to remove any dirt or dust if any has accumulated. To preserve the style as it is installed and first stained you will need to re stain or re paint on a semi annual basis. Although cedar is naturally resistant to rot and decay staining your siding promptly will help in the preventing of deterioration. This is necessary if for example the old finish is severely cracked or is peeling.

Siding requires restaining and regular maintenance. Semi transparent stains allow some of the wood grain to show through. As mentioned this paint stain or solid body stain can be applied to new or previously paint stained cedar wood and siding. 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.

For those who like the stained look cedar requires more maintenance than many other woods.