Best Exterior Cedar Siding Options for Your Home
Choosing the right finish, coating, or siding option for exterior cedar can protect against weather, extend life, and enhance curb appeal. This guide compares seals, stains, and cedar-inspired siding products to help homeowners select durable, low-maintenance solutions. We cover water resistance, finish depth, installation considerations, and long-term upkeep to support informed decisions for American homes.
| Product | Brand | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| WaterGuard 11.75 oz Woodland Cedar | Olympic | Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain + Sealer | Ready-to-use; waterproofing protection |
| Easy Seal 1 gal Natural Cedar | Flood | Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Finish | One-coat application; deep penetration |
| Homeside Select Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding | Polaris | Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding | Low maintenance; textured cedar look |
| Homeside Select Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding Savannah Wicker | Polaris | Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding | Multiple color options; Tru-Lock system |
| ProLuxe Log & Siding Cedar 077 | Sikkens ProLuxe | Wood Finish | High solids alkyd; UV protection |
| ProLuxe Log & Siding Cedar 077 (2 gal) | Sikkens ProLuxe | Wood Finish | Two 2-gallon cans packaged |
| Ekena Millwork Cedar Gable Vent | Ekena Millwork | Vertical Gable Vent | Unfinished Western Red Cedar; can be painted |
Olympic WaterGuard Cedar Stain & Sealer – 11.75 oz
Olympic WaterGuard combines a semi-transparent stain with a protective sealer in one ready-to-use formula. This product is designed for exterior cedar and other wood surfaces, forming a water-repellent coating that resists cracking and peeling. The semi-transparency preserves the natural wood grain while adding color and protection from sun and moisture. Application is straightforward, typically allowing for a uniform finish with fewer coats, making it a practical choice for decks, fences, and siding projects where a natural cedar appearance is desired.
Flood Easy Seal Cedar Finish – 1 gal
Flood Easy Seal provides a premium oil-based wood finish and sealer designed for cedar siding and other exterior wood surfaces. The product claims deep penetration through a Penetrol-like additive that helps prevent runs and laps, delivering a smooth, even coat. The oil-based formula tends to deepen color and enhance grain with excellent adhesion. It is suited for longer maintenance intervals, preserving cedar’s natural warmth while delivering durable moisture protection against the elements.
Polaris Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding – Granite Gray
Polaris Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding provides a low-maintenance alternative to real cedar, featuring a Tru-Lock locking system and textured appearance inspired by real cedar shakes. This product offers random seams to mimic the rustic, natural look of cedar clapboard without the upkeep. It simplifies installation and reduces long-term maintenance since vinyl resists rot, insects, and warping. The box composition and weight reflect typical coverage designed for multiple square feet per bundle, aiding in project planning for exterior walls with cedar-ward aesthetics.
Polaris Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding – Savannah Wicker
Savannah Wicker offers multiple color options for cedar-imitating vinyl shake siding. The Tru-Lock system enhances installation accuracy and durability, while the textured finish creates a convincing cedar shingle appearance. Vinyl siding like this reduces the need for periodic sealing or staining, making it a practical choice for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance cedar-like exterior with a consistent color option and minimal upkeep.
Sikkens ProLuxe Log & Siding Cedar 077
Sikkens ProLuxe Log & Siding Cedar 077 is a high-solids alkyd finish designed for cedar surfaces, offering translucent pigment with UV absorbers for enhanced protection against sun damage. Its microporosity and flexibility accommodate cedar movement with strong adhesion, helping reduce cracking and peeling. This finish can enrich cedar’s natural tone while providing long-lasting color and weather resistance, making it a premium option for homeowners pursuing a traditional cedar look with strong durability.
Sikkens ProLuxe Cedar 077 (2 gal)
This two-gallon pack of Sikkens ProLuxe Cedar 077 offers the same high-performance features in a larger quantity, designed for larger cedar projects or multiple coats across a siding run. The product emphasizes durable color retention, UV protection, and flexibility to accommodate cedar’s expansion and contraction with temperature and humidity changes. It is suitable for homeowners seeking uniform coverage across extensive cedar facades or decks that require equivalent finish across surfaces.
Dremica Siding Mounting Block & Electrical Box Kit
While not a cedar finish, mounting and hardware compatibility can influence cedar siding installations. This Dremica kit includes a mounting block with built-in electrical box designed for 1/2-inch vertical lap siding, providing a tidy solution to survive outdoor conditions. Its durable plastic construction can be painted to match siding hues, helping to maintain a cohesive exterior look and water management around fixtures on cedar-clad walls.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Exterior Cedar Projects
- Material compatibility: Cedar accepts water-repellent finishes well, but actual performance depends on proper surface preparation, including cleaning, sanding, and primer where needed.
- Finish type: Semi-transparent stains preserve wood grain and provide UV protection, while solid or opaque finishes offer stronger color and protection but obscure natural wood texture.
- Maintenance interval: Sealers and varnishes may require reapplication on cedar every few years, while vinyl cedar-look siding reduces ongoing maintenance but limits breathability and repair options.
- Water management: For cedar boards, ensure proper flashing, ventilation, and drainage to prevent moisture intrusion behind the siding or stains, which can lead to warping or rot over time.
- Color and texture accuracy: Real cedar vs. cedar-imitating materials differ in texture, grain visibility, and how they respond to weather. Choose based on desired authenticity, budget, and maintenance tolerance.
- Application conditions: Temperature, humidity, and surface moisture can affect stain penetration and finish cure. Follow label instructions for best results and safety.
- Long-term durability: Premium finishes with UV absorbers and flexible binders help cedar resist cracking and color fading, contributing to a longer service life in sunny or storm-prone climates.
- Repair and replacement: Vinyl cedar-look siding offers lower maintenance but may complicate color matching for repairs. Wood finishes are easier to touch up but require ongoing reapplication.
- Environmental impact: Consider low-VOC formulas if indoor air quality or outdoor exposure to adjacent living areas matters for your family.
- Budget vs. performance: Weigh upfront costs against maintenance needs and expected lifespan to estimate total ownership cost over time.
When selecting exterior cedar solutions, homeowners should balance aesthetics, durability, and maintenance. Stains and sealers protect real cedar with a natural look, while cedar-appearance vinyl siding offers long-term convenience. Premium finishes from brands like Sikkens ProLuxe prioritize color retention and flexibility, especially on older cedar structures. For projects that require quick, maintenance-light updates, vinyl cedar shakes deliver a convincing facade with reduced upkeep, while wood finishes suit traditional homes prioritizing authentic grain and warmth.