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Renovation5 min

Traditional Wood Siding vs. Engineered Wood Siding: The Big Differences

If you are considering siding materials and you love the authentic look of wood, your next step is to decide between traditional wood siding and engineered wood siding. Both can give you a traditional clapboard or shingle-style exterior, but beyond this similarity, wood and engineered wood are surprisingly different from each other.

Traditional wood siding is typically made from cedar or redwood because these species have better resistance to decay. Wood siding is available in both horizontal and vertical profiles, as well as traditional shakes and shingles. It can be painted, or treated with stain or oil. However, wood has slowly declined in popularity among homeowners due to its increased cost and high maintenance demands, and the rise of better house siding options.

LP® SmartSide® engineered wood trim and siding improves on all the characteristics of natural wood, which has allowed this brand to become a top choice among remodelers and homeowners alike.

  • Composition.Engineered wood combines treated wood strands or fibers and adhesive resins to produce a composite material that is stronger than natural wood. The addition of special water-resistant waxes and zinc borate allows engineered wood to resist decay, even in rainy, humid environments.
  • Maintenance. Wood siding must be painted or stained frequently or it will begin to rot and warp. Regular maintenance is costly, in terms of both time and cash. LP SmartSide engineered wood siding is pre-primed to hold paint.
  • Termite resistance. Because LP SmartSide exterior trim and siding is treated with zinc borate during the SmartGuard® process, it will resist damage from termites. Without proactive pest management, wood is highly susceptible to termite infestation that can cause permanent structural damage.
  • Pricing. Wood siding may cost more to install than other siding materials, and the maintenance required over its lifetime can add thousands to its overall cost. Engineered wood is generally less expensive to purchase and to maintain than traditional wood siding.

Discover LP® SmartSide® Products

LP invites you to learn more about our engineered wood siding products and the benefits they offer for you and your home. Visit the LP SmartSide gallery to see siding profiles, color options and more. For more information about LP SmartSide Siding and Trim, and to connect with a remodeler near you, visit wwwLPSmartSide.com.

Learn about the differences between fiber cement and engineered wood siding, then compare to vinyl and engineered wood siding.

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