Vinyl Siding That Looks Like Cedar Shingles

A Wonderful Option For Low Maintenance Siding With an Upgraded Look

Sometimes faking it isn’t such a bad thing. Cedar-inspired vinyl shingles look like a high-end product, but they’re less expensive than real cedar and require a fraction of the maintenance. The best brands, though not all brands, look like natural wood. Fool your neighbors and never waste time repainting.

Some people are hesitant to even consider vinyl because they picture the kind of cheap, plastic-looking vinyl that you used to see on manufactured or cookie cutter. But vinyl has come a long way in terms of look and quality. It’s actually the most popular choice in the United States for siding.

Cedar-inspired vinyl is available in a variety of colors and shingle sizes, typically ranging from about 5 to 9 inches. There are perfectly formed shingles that create a streamlined look or more natural versions with rough edges for a cottage-like feel.

Vinyl vs. Cedar Siding Maintenance

Natural cedar is a beautiful and durable product - no question. It starts out as a vibrant golden color and eventually fades into a more muted gray, which many people like. Cedar is resistant to fading and pests. It has a great smell.

However, people that have cedar siding work for those benefits. The siding requires periodic washing, sealing and staining/painting. The frequency varies based on local conditions, but you’re probably looking at staining or sealing every five to 10 years. That’s a huge undertaking if you’re a DIYer and expensive if you hire someone.

Vinyl siding never requires painting. In fact, you can’t paint it because the paint when stick. A high-quality vinyl can be maintenance free for decades.

The Cost of Vinyl vs. Cedar Siding

Cost is another reason to choose vinyl. Cedar is one of the most expensive types of siding, ranging in price from about $6 to $10 per square foot, installed, depending on your location. Premium cedar-inspired vinyl is more likely to cost about $5 to $8 per square foot installed. That might not seem like a huge difference, but it adds up when you consider the total bill. Also, don’t forget to factor in the cost of maintenance, which can be a significant long-term expense with real cedar.

Choosing a siding material can be difficult because there are so many options. Everyone has a different opinion. Some people are set on having a natural material, while others are fine with an imitation if it looks good. If you’re on the fence, however, it’s a good idea to check out both products before making a decision.

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