It can be not easy to choose from the many wood siding contractors in the phone book and on the Internet. Siding is a crucial aspect of home building and improvement. Siding contractors can properly install the siding to increase the market value of your home and protect it against the elements. If you’re thinking about installing siding, take a moment to learn the basics of wood siding.

There are three basic types of wood siding. Each has its own unique characteristics that lend itself to different installation methods. The three main types of wood siding are:

Pine. The most common form of wood siding, pine is the most inexpensive, but it does have the tendency to expand when it is times exposed to moisture. This expansion can compromise the wall’s integrity and cause the project to come apart. Pine also expands and contracts when it gets hot or cold, so it may not be the best choice for homeowners seeking free quotes. Look for companies that offer free estimates on home siding project based on traditional pine installation methods.

Cypress. Cypress comes in a wide range of grains, and its tight grained appearance makes it ideal for stucco applications. Some real wood siding contractors substitute this material for plywood because it is easier to work with, and the cost of genuine wood is less. However, Cypress should never be used on a structure that will be exposed to water, since its resins can cause mold and mildew to form.

Vinyl Siding. Contractors who provide natural wood siding installation often recommend vinyl siding installation for its ability to match an existing exterior application. Because it is available in a broad range of colors, textures, and patterns, it can easily blend into surrounding structures. When considering which siding materials to use, look for vinyl siding contractors who can show you samples from various locales, as well as a sample of one house that was constructed with the new product.

Quail. Because it lacks any type of grain, quail has the lowest visual appeal among all wood siding contractors. It is a particularly good choice for structures that are located in upscale residential areas. Look for a company that is able to produce custom patterns for your house and designs for the gable, so that the curb appeal of the house is not lost. However, quail is expensive, and many homeowners may not find it practical due to its low price.

Solid plank. Although not technically siding, this is a type of wood siding material that is used as a paver and applied directly to the exterior of a home. Because it is solid, a solid plank will not have any sort of texture to it. This makes it a good choice for house structures that do not require intricate designs or painting. For this reason, solid plank is quite expensive and not a popular choice among siding contractor.

Different types of wood can be chosen to make your house curb appealing. However, it is always wise to choose the type of wood that is suitable for your climate and structure. Some wood may look nice when it is newly cut and ready for staining, but it may rot if you leave it exposed to the elements. For this reason, it is important to work with a professional wood siding contractor who can discuss the different types of wood options available and recommend the best ones for your house. Once a wood siding contractor has determined the type of wood to use for your project, they will also discuss ways in which the wood can be stained and installed so that the finished product will have the best possible finish for curb appeal.

It would be misleading to state that the job of any wood siding contractors is done once they have chosen and purchased the lumber for your home. In fact, some of the best projects may begin long before the siding is actually installed. A good contractor will begin with an assessment of the roof and base materials. They will ask questions about how long your home has been standing and whether or not there is already excessive wear on the nails and shingles. The contractor will also discuss the best methods to repair damage that already exists.

One of the most important aspects of choosing wood for your home is choosing the right kind of wood. Although fiber cement looks beautiful and may be the right choice for your home, it is expensive. For that reason, homeowners should consider all of the different wood options available to them and discuss which ones would best meet their needs. Some common woods used as siding include cedar shake siding, redwood, and lime shake siding. All of these materials are great for both exterior and interior use, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages so it is critical to make sure that the contractor you are working with has experience in the installation of each material.