Confirming the Siding Profile and Species
Even after initial selections, it's crucial to reconfirm the exact hardwood siding profile and species with your contractor. Different profiles, such as tongue-and-groove, shiplap, or rainscreen, have specific installation requirements and aesthetic outcomes. For instance, a rainscreen profile typically requires a specific furring strip depth to create an air gap, which affects the overall wall assembly.
Hardwood species also vary significantly in appearance and characteristics. Lumber Plus offers a range including thermally modified wood, Maximo Accoya, and Brazilian hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Angelim, Jatoba, and Tigerwood. Each species has a unique grain pattern, color, and density. Ensure the selected species aligns with the design intent and any specific performance expectations, especially if the project involves exposure to particular environmental conditions.
Verify the specific name and product code of the chosen siding from your design documents against the contractor's understanding. This prevents ordering a similar but incorrect product.
Link: /siding-and-cladding
Verifying Dimensions and Quantity Take-Off
Your contractor will typically perform a detailed take-off from the project drawings. Before ordering, review these calculations together. This involves more than just total square footage. Consider wall heights, window and door openings, and any architectural features that require specific board lengths or cuts.
For example, if your design features long, uninterrupted spans, discuss whether custom lengths are preferred or if standard lengths will be pieced together with visible butt joints. Account for waste factor, which can vary depending on the complexity of the installation, the profile, and the nature of hardwood (e.g., accounting for natural defects if ordering a non-clear grade). A common waste factor for siding can range from 10-15%, but this should be agreed upon based on the specific project.
Consider a hypothetical wall section measuring 10 feet high by 20 feet long, using 5-inch face-width shiplap siding. The total area is 200 square feet. If each board is 5 inches (approximately 0.417 feet) wide, you would need roughly 200 sq ft / 0.417 ft = 480 linear feet of coverage. Adding a 10% waste factor means ordering approximately 528 linear feet. If the siding is supplied in 10-foot lengths, you'd need 53 pieces. This is a simplified example; actual calculations must consider specific board lengths available and cut optimization to minimize waste.
Fasteners and Substructure Compatibility
Hardwood siding requires specific fastening methods and a suitable substructure. Discuss with your contractor the type of fasteners to be used (e.g., stainless steel screws, hidden clips) and confirm their compatibility with the chosen siding species and profile. Fastener choice can impact both appearance and long-term performance.
The substructure, often furring strips or battens, is equally important. Ensure the material and spacing of these elements are appropriate for the siding. For rainscreen applications, the substructure creates the necessary ventilation gap. Confirm the depth of this gap and the material of the furring strips, especially if using thermally modified wood or other materials that benefit from specific ventilation details.
Link: /thermally-modified-wood
Link: /brands/norx
Finish and Maintenance Plan
Decide on the finish for your hardwood siding before ordering. Some hardwoods are installed unfinished and allowed to weather naturally to a silver-gray patina, while others benefit from an applied finish for color retention or enhanced durability. If a finish is desired, confirm the type of product (e.g., oil-based, water-based, UV-resistant) and who will apply it – pre-finishing by the supplier or on-site application by the contractor.
Discuss the long-term maintenance expectations. Natural weathering requires less active maintenance but results in color change. Finished siding will require periodic reapplication of the finish. Understanding these commitments upfront helps manage expectations and ensures the siding performs as intended over time.
Link: /products/maximo-accoya
Delivery, Storage, and Job Site Logistics
Coordinate delivery logistics with your contractor. Hardwood siding materials are often heavy and require proper handling. Confirm the delivery address, access points for large trucks, and whether a forklift or other equipment is needed for unloading. Establish a clear plan for on-site storage.
Hardwood should be stored in a dry, level, and well-ventilated area, protected from direct sunlight and moisture. Improper storage can lead to warping, checking, or other damage before installation. Discuss who is responsible for receiving the shipment, inspecting it for damage, and ensuring proper storage until installation begins.
Before you order
- Confirmed exact siding profile and species (including product codes)?
- Reviewed and agreed upon quantity take-off and waste factor?
- Verified fastener type and substructure compatibility with contractor?
- Decided on pre-finishing vs. on-site finishing and long-term maintenance plan?
- Coordinated delivery logistics, on-site access, and storage responsibilities?
- Discussed lead times and desired delivery dates?
- Confirmed payment terms and ordering process?
Confirm installation details, approved uses and warranty terms in the current instructions for the exact product and profile. Your installer should verify the substrate, structure and applicable project requirements.
Questions to help you decide
Why is a contractor review so important before ordering hardwood siding?
A contractor review is crucial because they are responsible for the installation. Their expertise helps identify potential issues with material selection, quantity calculations, and installation details that might be overlooked during the design phase. This collaboration ensures the order is accurate, compatible with the project's specifics, and aligns with the construction schedule, minimizing costly errors and delays.
What should I do if the contractor's material take-off differs from mine?
If there's a discrepancy, schedule a joint review of the project plans and measurements. Go through the calculations step-by-step, accounting for waste factors, specific board lengths, and any unique architectural details. It's common for slight differences to emerge, but resolving them before ordering is essential to avoid ordering too much or too little material.
Can I order samples before finalizing the full order?
Yes, ordering samples is highly recommended. Samples allow you and your contractor to physically inspect the chosen species, profile, and potential finish. This helps confirm the aesthetic and ensures everyone is aligned on the material's appearance before committing to a large order. Confirm if the samples represent the full range of natural variation in the wood.
Ready to Plan Your Hardwood Siding Project?
Request a material quote today. Provide your project dimensions, desired profile, and ZIP code to confirm current availability and service options for your hardwood siding needs.
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