As a contractor, you know that quality wood siding is a great investment for homeowners. It can give the home a new appearance depending on what the owner chooses: From light-colored woods to species stained in beautiful, deep shades of brown and red, there are many options available.

Consider different aspects of each species of wood siding. Some woods are naturally pest-resistant, some tend to have a very minimal risk of warping. The climate you work in will affect the choices you can offer, as well as homeowners' preferences.

To get started:

1. Get wood siding information to make sure you know how to properly install different types of siding. Homeowners are counting on you to do a quality job.

2. Take measurements accurately. You'll need to order the proper amount of wood siding, but also, since prices range drastically, this will help your clients pick siding that fits their budgets.

3. Help homeowners choose which species they prefer by constructing a wood siding list, detailing the pros and cons of each type of wood. Providing samples will help as well.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Go with traditional pine wood siding

Pine has been used as siding for ages. It is inexpensive when compared to other types of wood, but it does have its drawbacks. Finding high-quality lengths of siding can be a challenge, since pine tends to be knotty. It does take stain and paint well, though. Make sure you instruct homeowners on how to properly maintain the wood so as to avoid warping and wood rot.

I recommend: Choose from the different grades of pine clapboard from Granville Manufacturing. Check out the variety of patterns available at PRO-Build.

See what a cedar wood siding provider can offer

Cedar is a great option for homeowners living in wooded areas. It is resistant to insects and rotting and also acts as natural insulation, but it's still affordable for most customers.

I recommend: Buy tight knot white cedar from Lumber Out West. Install pre-finished western red cedar shingle panels, available at Michigan PreStain.

Find wood siding suppliers that sell redwood planks

Redwood is a softwood that is long-lasting and easy to stain or paint. It is very durable and resists warping, making it a good investment for homeowners in any climate. It can be a bit pricey, though, since redwoods are native to the western American states and aren't readily available to those living on the eastern seaboard.

I recommend: Buffalo Lumber offers a redwood siding in six- and eight-foot lengths. Find tongue-and-groove, shiplap and rabbeted bevel California redwood siding at Redwood Lumber and Supply.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Another type of wood siding that is popular among homeowners is cypress. It has natural oils that act as preservatives, meaning no chemical treatments are necessary, so this type of siding may appeal to the environmentally conscious.
• •  Many suppliers provide a wood siding directory that shows you what their manufacturers offer. You can check out the stock from the manufacturers to see if they offer quality products before you buy.