Is it better to paint or stain cedar siding?

The best answer is based on your home’s current cedar condition. Stain lasts longer and often looks more natural, but can only be applied if cedar is paint-free. Paint offers more protection and can be a good choice for badly worn homes with previous peeling issues from past painting applications.

How long does painted cedar siding last?





High-quality paint or stain, properly applied, should last five to seven years, and as many as 10, depending on weather conditions and if you maintain the siding. However, you may need to reapply a clear-coat stain every two years.

How often do you need to maintain cedar siding?

every three to five years

Expect to restain your cedar siding every three to five years. This also largely depends on the annual weather conditions in your area and how much damage your cedar siding has sustained over the last few years. There should be no difficulty in determining when it is the right time to do the job.

Does painting cedar make it last longer?

Cedar is an incredibly popular natural wood option for home siding. Cedar siding needs to be repainted every 5-7 years, but if you take some special precautions, you can get up to 10 years from one paint application.

What lasts longer exterior paint or stain?





Done right, an exterior paint job can last 10 years; stain needs to be reapplied more often, anywhere from two to 10 years, depending on the type of stain. One key to how long an exterior finish lasts is how well the surface is prepared.

How long does stain on cedar last?

A stain will usually last 3-7 years on cedar siding. For higher-quality stain products, you may even see them last on cedar for up to 10 years, so it’s better to splurge for a premium option.

Is cedar siding high maintenance?

Cedar siding is unquestionably beautiful, and unbelievably durable. Unfortunately, it is expensive and can be high maintenance. Most people who choose cedar do so for the beauty of the wood, without concern for the expense and maintenance. If you don’t have to worry about the cost of siding, cedar may be your choice.

Should cedar be painted?

The type of paint you use on your cedar siding needs to protect it from weathering and other damages. Acrylic-based paint is recommended when painting cedar siding as it looks great and offers the protection the natural wood needs.

Does cedar siding increase home value?



Natural cedar wood siding that has been well taken care of can undoubtedly increase your home’s value and curb appeal by association. It’s a beautiful high-quality siding, but only on the right house.

Will cedar rot if painted?

One benefit of installing cedar siding is the beauty of its natural finish. Red cedar has a natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack. Still, some homeowners may desire—or feel the need—for painting cedar siding.

How much does it cost to paint cedar siding?

Apply cleaner with light brushing. Power wash and rinse siding surface. For a basic project in zip code 47474 with 125 square feet, the cost to Paint Siding starts at $1.92 – $3.59 per square foot*. Actual costs will depend on job size, conditions, and options.

Should you stain cedar?



Although cedar is naturally resistant to rot and decay, staining your siding promptly will help in the preventing of deterioration.

Is it better to paint or stain wood for outside?

staining the deck, paint generally comes out as the more durable and colorfast finish, lasting 10 years or longer before requiring re-application. Oil-based paints offer the best protection from moisture, whereas latex paints provide the best defense against UV-related fading.

Is it better to stain or paint outdoor wood?

Paint allows you more color options, as where stain is limited to shades of brown. Because paint fills gaps and cracks, it hides the flaws of a weathered or old deck much better than stain does. It’s easier to clean a painted deck rather than a stained one.

How long does stain last on wood siding?

Siding that has been primed and coated with two coats of paint can offer up to 10 years of protection. Stain is slightly different. Two coats of penetrating stain can provide up to 10 years of protection, while one coat offers only 1 to 2 years. However, subsequent coatings will last longer than the first coat.

What are the disadvantages of stain?



The Cons of Staining Wood
While some stains can last up to five years, postponing re-staining a wood surface for too long can cause the job to become more complex and labour intensive. Even decks that are stripped and re-stained will still require maintenance every couple of years.

Is it cheaper to stain or paint a house?

The pros of using stain to decorate your home
Stain is normally cheaper to purchase than paint. It is easier to apply stain, as well as to re-coat surfaces that need a touch up. Stain is quicker to apply than paint, because you don’t always need to prime surfaces first. It also only usually needs one coat.

How do you keep cedar siding stained?

Like other types of external siding, cedar is prone to accumulation of dust and dirt. You have to clean it twice a year to keep it easier. Use a soap and water solution for general cleaning to scrub the siding and then wash it down. You can use some bleach if you have mold and mildew problems.

Can you leave cedar siding untreated?

Cedar has natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, allowing you to leave the wood untreated without worry of excess warping, rotting and cracking. It does weather, though, changing color throughout time, offering a much more rugged look than stained cedar siding offers.

How do you maintain painted cedar siding?



A thorough cleaning once or twice a year will greatly extend the life of cedar. Prone to dust and dirt accumulation, cedar exterior siding receives a good pressure wash (on the lowest setting) well. In addition, an annual pressure wash on the lowest setting helps keeps it looking great too.