Refreshing a Facade with Hardwood Siding

Evaluating Your Existing Facade for Hardwood Siding

Before any new material is selected, a thorough assessment of the current facade is crucial. Look for signs of water infiltration, rot, insect damage, or structural instability. These issues must be addressed and repaired before installing new siding. Pay close attention to areas around windows, doors, and the base of the wall, as these are common points for moisture intrusion.

Consider the existing wall assembly. Is it a solid masonry wall, a framed wall with sheathing, or another construction type? Understanding the current structure will help determine the appropriate furring strips, rainscreen gaps, and fastening methods required for the new hardwood siding. Documenting the existing conditions with photos and measurements will be invaluable during the planning phase.

Choosing the Right Hardwood Species and Profile

Lumber Plus offers a range of hardwood siding options, each with distinct characteristics. Brazilian hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Angelim, Jatoba, and Tigerwood are known for their density and natural resistance properties. For a different aesthetic, thermally modified woods such as Ayous or Ash provide stability and a clean grain for contemporary facades. Maximo Accoya, an acetylated wood, offers enhanced durability and dimensional stability.

The profile of the siding significantly impacts the final appearance. Options range from traditional tongue-and-groove to modern rainscreen profiles that create distinctive shadow lines. Consider how the profile will interact with light and shadow on your facade and whether it complements the architectural style of your home. For example, a crisp, modern profile might suit a minimalist design, while a more traditional profile could enhance a classic aesthetic.

Explore various profiles and species at our Siding & Cladding collection: /siding-and-cladding. For enhanced stability options, consider our Thermally Modified Wood collection: /thermally-modified-wood, or the Maximo Accoya collection: /products/maximo-accoya.

Planning Your New Layout: A Worked Example

Let's consider a hypothetical facade refresh for a 12-foot wide by 9-foot tall section of an entry wall. The goal is to replace a portion of the existing facade with vertical hardwood siding, creating an accent feature. We'll use a 5-inch wide (nominal) tongue-and-groove hardwood siding profile.

First, measure the exact area to be covered: 12 feet (width) x 9 feet (height) = 108 square feet. If using 5-inch wide boards (actual coverage may be less due to the tongue-and-groove overlap, typically 4.5 inches for a 1x5 board), and assuming a vertical installation, you would need enough boards to cover the 12-foot width. Each board provides 4.5 inches of visible coverage. To cover 12 feet (144 inches), you would need 144 inches / 4.5 inches/board = 32 boards across. For a 9-foot height, you would generally purchase boards in standard lengths, such as 10-foot or 12-foot, minimizing cuts and waste.

For this example, purchasing 32 boards at 10 feet long would give you 320 linear feet. With an effective coverage of 4.5 inches per board, this yields (320 linear feet * 12 inches/foot) / 4.5 inches/board = 853.33 square feet of coverage, which is significantly more than needed for a 108 sq ft wall. This illustrates why careful planning of board length and profile coverage is essential to avoid over-ordering. A more precise approach is to calculate the linear feet needed: (12 feet width * 12 inches/foot) / 4.5 inches effective width = 32 boards. Each board needs to be 9 feet long. So, 32 boards * 9 feet/board = 288 linear feet. Round up to the nearest standard board length available, e.g., 10-foot boards for a 9-foot height, meaning 32 boards x 10 feet = 320 linear feet. This will account for cuts and minor waste. Always add a waste factor, typically 10-15%, for cuts and potential imperfections. For this project, you would need approximately 352-368 linear feet of the chosen siding.

Considering the Substructure and Rainscreen Assembly

Hardwood siding requires a robust substructure for proper installation and long-term performance. This typically involves vertical furring strips installed over a weather-resistive barrier (WRB). The furring strips create a ventilated air gap behind the siding, forming a rainscreen assembly. This gap allows moisture to drain and air to circulate, helping to prevent rot and extend the life of the siding.

The spacing of the furring strips depends on the siding profile and fastening method. Generally, they are spaced to align with studs or blocking, providing a secure attachment point. Ensure the furring strips are dimensionally stable and compatible with the hardwood siding. For best results, consult manufacturer guidelines for specific spacing and fastening details for your chosen siding profile.

Finishing Details: Corners, Windows, and Doors

The appearance of your refreshed facade is significantly influenced by how corners, windows, and doors are detailed. For outside corners, options include mitered joints for a seamless look, butt joints with trim, or using metal corner profiles. Each method offers a different aesthetic and level of complexity.

Around windows and doors, proper flashing and trim are essential to prevent water intrusion. The siding should terminate cleanly against window and door frames, often with a reveal or a trim piece. Ensure that all cuts are clean and precise, and consider pre-finishing cut ends for added protection, especially with certain hardwood species. The goal is to create a weather-tight and visually appealing transition between the siding and openings.

Maintenance and Appearance Over Time

Hardwood siding, like any natural material, will change in appearance over time. Many hardwoods, particularly when left unfinished, will gradually weather to a silver-gray patina. This natural aging process is often desired for its aesthetic appeal. If maintaining the original wood color is preferred, the siding will require regular application of a UV-protective finish.

Regardless of whether you choose to let the wood weather or maintain its color, periodic cleaning is recommended to remove dirt, mildew, and other surface contaminants. Understanding these maintenance considerations upfront will help you choose the right hardwood species and finishing approach for your long-term vision.

Before you order

• Assess existing facade for repairs (water damage, rot, insects).
• Identify existing wall assembly type (masonry, framed, etc.).
• Determine the desired aesthetic for the refresh (modern, traditional, accent).
• Select hardwood species based on desired appearance and performance (e.g., Ipe, Cumaru, thermally modified Ayous, Maximo Accoya).
• Choose a siding profile (e.g., tongue-and-groove, rainscreen).
• Measure the area to be covered and calculate linear footage needed, including waste factor.
• Plan the substructure, including furring strips and rainscreen gap.
• Detail corner treatments and transitions around windows and doors.
• Decide on finishing (natural weathering or UV-protective finish).
• Confirm fastening methods compatible with chosen siding and substructure.

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

Keep planning your project