Wood cladding: a sustainable and affordable solution
Most of our new constructions feature wood exterior cladding, a material that has become a signature element of écohabitations boréales projects. And with good reason: this type of exterior finish blends harmoniously with our large wooded lots in the laurentians, and offers excellent value for money and durability. Wood is a noble and authentic material that will always be relevant. The warm texture of wood is revealed in a multitude of colors and profiles. The design possibilities and installation methods are equally varied. Wood siding can be used for modern homes as well as more rustic cottages. Here’s some information on wood cladding.
What's your budget?
In Quebec, exterior wood siding is mainly available in white pine, spruce and white or red cedar. Wood species doesn’t change the guarantees offered, but it does vary the price. Spruce is the most affordable, followed by white pine and cedar. Prices range from $3.25 to $5.00 per sq. ft. (with factory-applied stain). Installation costs range from $6 to $10 per sq. ft., depending on the total quantity to be installed and installation details such as the direction of installation and the amount of molding and architectural details to be integrated.
Durable exterior cladding
It’s wrong to think that wood siding requires a lot of maintenance – quite the contrary. All claddings are low-maintenance, whether brick, fiber cement or some other type. As for wood, a simple annual hose cleaning is recommended to preserve its original beauty and keep it free of dirt and debris. If properly installed, manufacturers offer a 50-year warranty against wood rot. The same warranty also covers stain against peeling, chipping and cracking for 15 years on opaque stains and 8 years on two-tone or semi-transparent stains. Some manufacturers, such as Groupe Crête Signature, now offer a 15-year warranty even on two-tone dyes.
Which tincture to choose?
Three options are available in terms of finish stain: opaque, two-tone and semi-transparent. There’s something for every taste. In all cases, we install only factory-pre-stained products on all four sides of the wood paneling to maximize wood protection. This superior protection is impossible to achieve if the finishing stain is applied on site after the siding has been installed. Opaque stain offers the greatest durability and warranty, which is why it’s our customers’ favorite. Black has become increasingly popular in recent years, and we have a few words of caution. Wood coated with black stain tends to heat up more quickly than lighter colors. As a result, black wood siding could age prematurely, especially when installed on a south-facing façade.
Wooden profiles
Regardless of the type of stain or wood species, you always have to choose which profile your wood siding will have. This refers to how the wood will be cut and how the siding boards will fit together. These include V-joint, grooved clapboard, ranch style, modern, coved or traditional board and batten. It’s worth visiting a showroom to see the different visual effects these profiles offer, and also consider the associated cost per square foot, as they are not all equivalent.
Shingles
An overview of wood siding would not be complete without mentioning cedar shingles, an emblematic product of New England architecture. It is also regularly found on the gables of alpine chalets, where it adds a touch of refinement. This type of siding, available almost exclusively in cedar and with its particular installation requirements, requires a slightly higher budget for both materials and installation.
Find your style
Depending on the color combination, wood profile and finish, you can create a distinctive style for your home.