When it comes to choosing new siding for your home, wood look siding offers the warmth and aesthetic of real wood without some of the drawbacks like rotting, cracking, and splintering. With so many options on the market, finding the siding with the most realistic wood look can be challenging. In this article, we’ll examine the factors that contribute to a realistic wood look and review the most realistic wood look siding options available today.
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What Makes Siding Look Like Real Wood?
There are several key factors that give wood look siding its realistic appearance:
Grain Pattern
Real wood siding has a visible grain pattern with unique knots, streaks, and variations in color. The most realistic wood look siding will mimic these subtle details with texturing and multi-toned colors applied in layers.
Texture
Wood siding has a tactile, non-uniform texture. Wood look siding can emulate this by using matte finishes and molding the siding during manufacturing to give the surface and edges an authentic wood-like feel.
Natural Color Variations
Real wood weathers over time, developing natural dark spots, light patches, and other color changes. Quality wood look siding incorporates those variations through subtle shading and multi-toned hues.
Plank Design
Wood siding comes in horizontal planks of varying widths. Choosing a wood look siding made with widths similar to real wood siding – around 6 inches on average – adds to the realistic look.
Visible Fasteners
Wood siding is traditionally installed using visible nails. Opting for wood look siding with visible fasteners along the plank lines enhances the authentic wood aesthetic.
Deep profiles
Wood siding has depth and dimensionality. Wood look siding made using deep profiles and contours has more surface area to mimic wood details.
Most Realistic Wood Look Siding Options
Now that we’ve covered the elements that create a convincing wood look, let’s evaluate some of the specific siding products that deliver the most realistic wood grain aesthetic:
Cedar Wood Look Siding
Made from PVC or polymer materials, cedar-look siding replicates the appearance of real cedar wood siding. It has a recognizable knotty grain pattern and warm reddish-brown tones. The texturing even mimics the fine cracks of real cedar. This is an exceptional option for homes where real cedar is desired but not practical.
Redwood Wood Look Siding
Redwood is another popular real wood siding known for its attractive grain and reddish color. Redwood-look siding captures the natural beauty of real redwood with multi-toned hues that weather over time. It’s crafted using deep profiles to cast realistic shadows that accentuate the depth and wood patterns.
Pine Wood Look Siding
Pine wood has a distinctive wood grain with straight lines and modest color variation. Pine-look siding replicates these characteristics with subtle linear texturing and small knots for a convincing pine wood aesthetic with low maintenance.
Cedar Shake Wood Look Siding
For a classic wood look, cedar shake siding mimics the appearance of real hand-split cedar shakes. The layered look and varied dimensions and textures recreate the charm of real wood shakes. Authentic fastener lines and deep shadow profiles enhance the realistic cedar shake look.
Composite Wood Look Siding
Composite wood look siding combines materials like polyurethane foam backing with a PVC or acrylic overlay. The foam gives the siding depth, while the overlays are factory finished with multi-toned, textured surfaces that look remarkably like real hardwoods. Composite siding best recreates the rich colors and tactile feel of wood.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Wood Look Siding?
Wood look siding provides the aesthetic benefits of real wood with added durability and less maintenance. However, there are some tradeoffs to consider:
Pros
- Replicates the look of real wood siding
- More durable and longer-lasting than real wood
- Resists rotting, cracking, and insect damage
- Requires less maintenance like staining or painting
- Fire and impact resistant
- Insulated options improve energy efficiency
- Lower cost than natural wood siding
Cons
- Plastic appearance on low quality products
- Fades and discolors over time from sun exposure
- Not biodegradable or recyclable like real wood
- Textures and colors mimic but don’t perfectly match real wood
- Can still be damaged by impacts
The right product with high-quality materials can closely emulate the realism of wood while minimizing the downsides.
How Much Does Wood Look Siding Cost?
Wood look siding costs $2 to $7 per square foot installed. This compares to cedar wood siding which can cost $6 to $13 per square foot installed. Exact wood look siding prices depend on the specific materials and style:
| Wood Look Siding Type | Cost per Square Foot Installed |
| Vinyl siding | $2 – $4 |
| PVC siding | $3 – $5 |
| Cedar polymer siding | $4 – $7 |
| Composite siding | $4 – $7 |
| Cedar shake look siding | $4 – $6 |
| Fiber cement siding | $5 – $8 |
Vinyl is the most budget-friendly option, while composite and fiber cement cost more but provide added dimensionality and ultra-realistic wood looks.
How to Choose the Best Wood Look Siding?
Follow these tips when selecting wood look siding:
- Prioritize realistic textures and multi-toned colors
- Look for deep profiles that create natural shadows
- Choose established brands with good warranties
- Review samples to see colors and textures in person
- Opt for thicker planks around 5-6 inches wide
- Consider composite for the most authentic wood look and feel
- Make sure the style matches your home’s architecture
- Aim for durable, low-maintenance materials
- Get contractor quotes to compare installed costs
The species, style, and installation details should all coordinate with your home’s design for the best visual appeal.
How Long Does Wood Look Siding Last?
Wood look siding lasts 30 to 50 years with proper installation and maintenance. Life expectancy depends mainly on the material:
- Vinyl: 30-50 years
- PVC: 40-50 years
- Cedar Polymer: 40-50 years
- Fiber Cement: 30-40 years
- Composite: 40-50 years
Compare that to natural wood siding, which typically lasts 15-30 years before needing replacement.
For maximum longevity, keep wood look siding free of moisture buildup, damage, and dirt accumulation. Avoid power washing, which can erode the materials over time.
Conclusion
The most realistic wood look siding accurately captures the visual character of real wood using modern materials engineered for durability and performance. Key considerations include textured grain patterns, multi-hued colors, deep profile shapes, visible fasteners, and plank sizes that mimic real wood. Leading contenders for the most authentic wood look include composite, cedar polymer, quality PVC, and cedar shake style siding. With the right product selection and proper installation, you can achieve the aesthetic appeal of real wood combined with the benefits of engineered wood look siding that will last for decades.