Two of the most popular options for creating a durable and aesthetically pleasing building are cladding and siding. But if you’re struggling to understand the differences between cladding vs siding, you’re not alone.
We’re exploring the differences between the two options of cladding and siding exteriors in this article to help you get a better understanding.
Let’s get started.
What’s Difference Between Cladding vs Siding?
Cladding is an external layer that is applied to buildings in order to provide protection and improve aesthetics. It is typically installed over a framework that allows for ventilation and moisture control. Siding, on the other hand, also provides protective and decorative purposes but is, instead, directly fixed to the exterior walls of a building.
Material Options for Cladding and Siding
When it comes to cladding and siding, there are several different materials that you can choose to improve the design, durability, and sustainability of your home. Here are some of the most popular options.
Hardwood
Known for its strength and durability, hardwood is a premium choice. It can last for decades with proper maintenance and is an excellent option for those seeking a timeless, natural look.
Composite
Composite materials mimic the appearance of natural hardwood while also providing enhanced durability with less maintenance. These materials resist insects and weather conditions, which makes them a cost-effective and sustainable choice in the long term—and many offerings, such as the ones from Lumber Plus, are designed for sustainability.
Thermowood®
Thermowood® is produced through a unique thermal modification process that enhances the wood’s durability and weather resistance without harmful chemicals. It offers the beauty of natural wood with reduced maintenance requirements, which makes it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a popular siding material because of its affordability, ease of installation, and low maintenance. Plus, it is available in various colors and styles, making it a versatile choice for many homeowners. The downside with vinyl, however, is that it’s not as durable as the other options.
Metal
Metals, such as aluminum and steel, are used for their durability and modern aesthetic. Metal cladding and siding often provides better protection against the elements but can be more expensive than other options.
Materials such as fiber cement, brick, and stone are also used for cladding and siding.
How to Install Cladding and Siding
Now that we’ve addressed the types of materials used for cladding and siding, let’s take a look at how both are installed.
Cladding Installation
Cladding is typically installed over a framework or furring strips to create a gap between the cladding and the building’s surface:
- The gap, known as the rainscreen method, allows for ventilation and moisture drainage, to significantly help reduce the risk of mold and structural damage.
- The rainscreen method is particularly preferred for installing wood cladding because it enhances durability and performance. This technique involves placing the cladding over a ventilated cavity to ensure that any moisture that penetrates the cladding can easily evaporate or drain away.
Siding Installation
Siding is attached directly to the exterior walls, often using nails, screws, or adhesives. This method is generally simpler and quicker than cladding installation.
Cladding vs. Siding: Cost Comparison
The cost differences between cladding and siding is another important factor to consider. For example:
Cladding Costs
Cladding materials and installation tend to be more expensive because of their additional layers and complex installation. Composite cladding can range from $6 to $15 per square foot, while premium options like hardwood can cost significantly more.However, it’s also important to note that this is also dependent on the choice of material you select.
Siding Costs
Siding is generally more cost-effective, with vinyl siding costing between $3 to $7 per square foot installed. Other materials like fiber cement and engineered wood are slightly more expensive, but are still more affordable than most cladding options. Similar to cladding, however, the overall costs can differ significantly with materials.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cladding and Siding
Before purchasing either option, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into in terms of quality. Here’s what you should know:
Pros of Cladding
- Durability: Thicker and more resilient for better protection against weather and physical damage
- Aesthetics: Provides a wide range of design choices, including different textures and installation patterns
- Insulation: Offers better thermal and sound insulation due to the additional layer and ventilation gap
Cons of Cladding
- Cost: Higher initial cost for materials and installation
- Maintenance: Depending on the material, cladding can require more upkeep, especially for wood options
Pros of Siding
- Affordability: Generally cheaper and easier to install
- Low Maintenance: Materials like vinyl and fiber cement require minimal upkeep
- Versatility: Available in many styles and colors to easily match any architectural design
Cons of Siding
- Durability: Certain siding materials tend to be less durable than cladding, especially in harsh weather conditions
- Limited Insulation: Depending on siding selection, it’s possible that siding provides less insulation compared to cladding options
Lumber Plus Offers Premium Cladding and Siding Products
Finding both quality cladding and siding can be difficult, which is why we make it easy at Lumber Plus by offering both options.
Here are a few of our most popular options:
Composite Cladding
Lumber Plus offers high-quality composite cladding, known for its durability and low maintenance. This eco-friendly and long-lasting solution is perfect for homeowners seeking sustainability and performance.
Thermowood® Cladding
Produced through a unique thermal modification process, Thermowood® cladding by Lumber Plus enhances wood’s durability and weather resistance without harmful chemicals. Not to mention, it offers the beauty of natural wood with minimal maintenance.
Hardwood Cladding
The hardwood options for cladding and siding at Lumber Plus are top-tier, and provide unparalleled beauty and longevity—ideal for those seeking a high-end finish!
Lumber Plus’s Commitment to Sustainability
We believe in building a better future, one board at a time.
Our commitment to sustainability means we source responsibly, using recycled and eco-friendly materials in our composite and Thermowood® products.
By prioritizing sustainable practices, we ensure our products not only enhance your home, but also protect our planet.
Explore Premium Building Solutions with Lumber Plus
At Lumber Plus, we understand the importance between cladding vs siding, and we also understand the importance of selecting the right materials for your building projects.
Our range of high-quality cladding and siding options, including composite, Thermowood®, and hardwood.
Contact us today for more information!
