Wood slat siding has emerged as a popular choice among builders and homeowners everywhere, specifically because it offers a unique blend of aesthetic appeal and functionality.
But exterior vertical wood slat siding, in particular, has gained significant traction in modern architectural designs.
This article will explore the various types of wood slat siding—including thermowood options such as Ash, Pine, and Ayous—and provide practical tips for incorporating these materials into building designs.
Exploring Wood Slat Siding
Wood slat siding consists of narrow, evenly spaced wooden slats that create a striking visual effect.
Historically, wood slat siding has been used in rustic and farmhouse designs, but it has started to see a resurgence in contemporary architecture because of its clean lines and natural look of its vertical and horizontal lines.
Material Options for Slat Siding
There are several options to use to create slat siding. Some of these include:
Hardwood Slat Siding
Hardwood slat siding, especially from Lumber Plus, is known for its durability, sustainability and natural beauty. Here are the specific products available:
- Ipe: Also known as Brazilian Walnut, this strong wood offers exceptional longevity (70+ years) and is ideal for siding and cladding projects. It is sustainably sourced and available in various profiles.
- Cumaru: This hardwood is noted for its high durability and aesthetic appeal, lasting over 50 years. It is perfect for exterior home renovations and is also sustainably sourced.
- Jatoba: Jatoba wood is celebrated for its strength and longevity (50+ years). It is an excellent choice for construction projects that require durable and attractive wood.
- Garapa: Garapa wood is known for its golden color and resistance to mold and decay, with a lifespan of 25 years. It is a popular choice in modern architecture for its beauty and low maintenance.
- Sucupira: This hardwood comes in solid wood boards suitable for exterior applications, offering a fine grain for the best finishes. It has a lifespan of over 50 years and is sustainably sourced.
Benefits of Hardwood Slat Siding
- Natural Beauty: Rich, attractive grain patterns and colors.
- Durability: High resistance to decay, insects, and weathering.
- Sustainability: Sourced from responsibly managed forests.
Thermowood® Slat Siding
Thermowood® slat siding—another product Lumber Plus carries, is treated with heat to improve durability and stability, which makes it an excellent choice for both exterior and interior applications. The specific products available include:
- Thermo-Ayous: Lightweight and smooth-textured, Thermo-Ayous is easy to install and offers good thermal properties, making it ideal for large panel applications and detailed finishes.
- Thermo-Pine: This cost-effective option is easy to work with and features a fine, even texture. It is suitable for decorative elements and less exposed areas.
- Thermo-Ash: Known for its hardness and durability, Thermo-Ash provides a stable and attractive option for cladding and siding.
Benefits of Thermowood® Slat Siding
- Enhanced Durability: Improved resistance to environmental factors.
- Stability: Minimal warping and movement.
- Eco-Friendly: Sustainable and low environmental impact.
Comparative Benefits of Hardwood and Thermowood® Siding
When choosing between hardwood and Thermowood® for slat siding, it’s essential to consider how their distinct characteristics cater to different architectural needs. Here is what you should know:
- Durability: Hardwoods like Ipe and Cumaru last over 50 years with minimal maintenance, resisting decay, insects, and weathering naturally. Thermowood®, with a lifespan of 15-20 years, is resistant to rot, pests and as a siding because of its manufacturing process.
- Stability and Maintenance: Thermowood® offers superior stability with minimal warping in varying climates, making it ideal for such areas. Hardwoods, while appealing with their rich, natural grain patterns and colors, require proper maintenance to prevent fading over time.
- Sustainability: Both options promote environmental stewardship. Thermowood®’s processing uses no chemicals and emphasizes sustainability, whereas hardwoods like Ipe and Cumaru are sustainably sourced from responsibly managed forests.
By understanding these key differences, you can now make an informed decision that aligns with their projects’ structural requirements and design aesthetics.
6 Wood Slat Siding Design Ideas
1. Create Focal Points:
Use vertical siding on large walls to create height and horizontal siding on accent areas for added width and balance.
2. Highlight Architectural Features:
Vertical slats emphasize tall features like entryways, while horizontal slats highlight wider sections like overhangs, creating a cohesive and enhanced facade design.
3. Contrast and Texture:
Mixing vertical and horizontal slats creates visual contrast, adding depth and preventing monotony. Pair complementary materials and finishes, such as stone and gravel, with Thermowood® options like Thermowood® Pine.
4. Light Wood with Dark Colors
Light vertical wood slat siding provides a sleek, modern look that enhances a building’s height and clean lines. Thermowood® ensures durability and low maintenance while maintaining a natural appearance. This versatile siding integrates well with contemporary design, adding depth and visual interest to residential and commercial structures, making it ideal for a cohesive, high-end facade.
5. Modern Minimalist with Wood Slat Siding
Vertical slat siding siding adds a sleek, modern look to buildings, with natural wood tones offering warmth and elegance. It pairs well with contemporary features like large glass windows and clean black trim, making it ideal for both residential and commercial use.
6. Contemporary Exterior with Horizontal Wood Slat Siding
Horizontal wood slat siding adds modern sophistication and aesthetic appeal to this residential building. It contrasts beautifully with the light wall elements. The wood siding adds texture and depth, making the building stand out while providing durability and low maintenance, ideal for commercial use.
Maintenance Tips
Maintaining your wood slat siding effectively ensures its durability and aesthetic appeal for years to come.
- Regular cleaning is crucial; by routinely removing dirt and debris, you not only preserve the siding’s natural beauty but also prevent the accumulation of materials that could damage it over time.
- It’s important to periodically reapply sealants or finishes. These treatments are vital for protecting the wood from environmental elements and maintaining its appearance.
- Conducting regular inspections for any signs of damage or wear is essential.
Promptly addressing these issues helps maintain the integrity of the siding and prevents minor damages from becoming major problems.
Explore the Wood Slat Siding Solutions at Lumber Plus
At Lumber Plus, we are committed to providing superior building solutions that emphasize quality, sustainability, and innovation.
Our extensive range of wood slat siding options, including Ash, Pine, and Ayous thermowood, ensures that you can find the perfect material for your project. Contact us today for more information.
