Understanding 'Natural Look' in Hardwood Siding
A "natural look" for hardwood siding typically emphasizes the inherent characteristics of the wood itself. This means showcasing the unique grain patterns, color variations, and textures that develop as a tree grows. Unlike manufactured materials or heavily processed wood products, natural hardwood siding allows these features to be the focal point. It's about celebrating the imperfections and individuality of each board, rather than striving for uniformity.
Achieving this aesthetic often involves selecting species known for their distinct appearance and choosing finishes that enhance rather than obscure these qualities. The goal is to create a facade that feels organic and timeless, evoking a sense of warmth and authenticity that synthetic materials cannot replicate. It's a choice that prioritizes the material's origin and its inherent beauty.
Species Selection for Authentic Grain and Color
The choice of hardwood species is fundamental to achieving a natural look. Each species offers a unique palette of colors and grain patterns.
Brazilian hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, and Garapa are known for their rich, deep tones and distinctive grain. Ipe, for instance, often presents a dark brown with subtle reddish hues and a fine, interlocking grain. Cumaru offers a golden to reddish-brown, sometimes with darker streaks, and a medium texture. Garapa is typically a lighter golden-yellow, with a straight to interlocked grain. Angelim boards, sometimes referred to as Brazilian Cherry, provide deep red facades, while Jatoba can offer a dramatic figure for statement walls. Tigerwood is recognized for its bold, contrasting stripes.
Thermally modified woods, such as Ayous or Ash, provide a different natural aesthetic. Thermally modified Ayous cladding, for example, is featherweight with a clean, straight grain, offering a contemporary natural look. Thermally modified Ash features a clean grain for contemporary facades, while thermally modified Clear Radiata offers a consistent appearance. Maximo Accoya, an acetylated wood, also offers stability and a natural wood appearance, distinct from thermally modified options. These options allow for a natural aesthetic with enhanced stability for exterior applications.
Consider how the wood's natural color will evolve over time. Many hardwoods, if left unfinished or with certain transparent finishes, will gradually weather to a silvery-gray patina when exposed to UV light and moisture. This natural aging process is often considered an integral part of the "natural look" for those who appreciate the dynamic character of wood.
Profiles and Textures: Highlighting the Wood's Character
The milling profile of hardwood siding significantly influences its visual impact and how it contributes to a natural aesthetic. Profiles like tongue-and-groove, shiplap, or board-and-batten each create distinct shadow lines and patterns that can either emphasize or soften the natural variations in the wood.
For a truly natural look, consider profiles that allow the individual boards to stand out, such as a simple shiplap or a square-edge profile with a slight reveal. These profiles create subtle shadow lines that articulate each board, drawing attention to its unique grain and texture. Conversely, highly ornate or complex profiles might detract from the raw beauty of the wood itself. The texture of the wood – whether smooth-sanded, wire-brushed, or rough-sawn – also plays a role. A wire-brushed or rough-sawn finish can enhance the tactile quality and rustic appeal, while a smooth finish might highlight the wood's luster and intricate grain patterns more directly.
Finishing Choices for a Natural Appearance
The finish applied to hardwood siding is crucial for achieving and maintaining a natural look. The goal is often to protect the wood while allowing its inherent beauty to show through.
Transparent or semi-transparent stains and oils are excellent choices as they provide UV protection and moisture resistance without obscuring the grain or color. These finishes can enhance the wood's natural tones, making them appear richer, or they can subtly shift the color while still allowing the wood's character to dominate. Some finishes are designed to slow the graying process, preserving the initial wood color longer.
Alternatively, leaving certain hardwoods unfinished allows them to naturally weather to a silver-gray patina. This option requires accepting the wood's natural aging process as part of the desired aesthetic. It is essential to understand that even unfinished wood benefits from proper ventilation and installation to prevent moisture-related issues.
Avoid opaque paints or solid stains if the primary goal is a natural look, as these will cover the wood's grain and color, transforming its appearance entirely.
Worked Example: Designing a Natural Look Facade
Consider a hypothetical residential project with an exterior wall measuring 20 feet wide by 10 feet high. The homeowner desires a natural-look facade using hardwood siding, aiming for a warm, inviting aesthetic that highlights the wood's inherent beauty.
**Species Choice:** After reviewing samples, the homeowner selects Cumaru hardwood for its golden-brown tones and distinct grain. Cumaru is a durable option that will develop a graceful silver-gray patina over time if left with a clear, UV-protective oil finish.
**Profile Selection:** A 1x6 (nominal size, actual dimension approximately 3/4" x 5.5") shiplap profile is chosen. This profile provides a clean, contemporary line with a modest shadow gap, allowing each board's natural variation to be visible without creating an overly busy appearance.
**Finish Decision:** A penetrating, clear UV-inhibiting oil is selected. This finish will protect the wood from moisture and slow the initial graying process, allowing the rich golden-brown color of the Cumaru to be enjoyed for longer before it transitions to a natural silvery hue.
**Installation Plan:** The siding will be installed horizontally, with careful attention to consistent spacing and alignment to emphasize the continuous lines of the shiplap. Field cuts will be made using sharp, appropriate blades to minimize splintering, and exposed cut ends will be sealed with the chosen oil finish to ensure uniform protection.
**Quantity Calculation (Hypothetical):** For a 20-foot wide by 10-foot high wall, the total area is 200 square feet. With 1x6 shiplap (actual coverage approximately 5.125 inches per board), each linear foot covers roughly 0.427 square feet. Therefore, 200 sq ft / 0.427 sq ft/linear ft = approximately 468 linear feet. Accounting for waste and cuts (e.g., 10-15%), a purchase of around 515-540 linear feet would be prudent. This would typically mean purchasing boards in common lengths like 8, 10, or 12 feet, optimizing cuts to minimize waste.
Before you order
- Identify preferred natural wood tones (e.g., golden, reddish, dark brown).
- Evaluate desired grain pattern (e.g., fine, bold, interlocked).
- Consider how the wood will weather over time if left unfinished or with transparent finishes.
- Select a siding profile that highlights the wood's natural characteristics (e.g., shiplap, square-edge).
- Choose a finish that protects the wood while allowing its natural beauty to show through (e.g., clear oil, semi-transparent stain).
- Plan for proper installation and ventilation to support the wood's longevity.
- Review available complementary products such as rainscreen components or fasteners.
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
Will all hardwoods weather to a gray patina?
Most hardwoods, when exposed to direct sunlight and moisture without an opaque finish, will eventually weather to a silvery-gray patina. This is a natural process caused by UV degradation of lignin in the wood. The rate and exact shade of gray can vary by species and environmental conditions. Some finishes can delay this process, but it is a common characteristic of natural wood outdoors.
How do I maintain a natural hardwood siding look?
Maintaining a natural look typically involves periodic cleaning and reapplication of a suitable finish. For oiled or stained siding, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for reapplication, usually every 1-3 years depending on exposure. Cleaning with a mild detergent and water can help remove dirt, mildew, and pollutants. If you've opted for a completely unfinished, weathered look, maintenance primarily focuses on ensuring good drainage and ventilation to prevent moisture accumulation and rot.
Can I use interior hardwoods for exterior siding to get a natural look?
Generally, no. Hardwoods suitable for interior applications may not possess the natural durability, density, or dimensional stability required to withstand exterior conditions, especially direct exposure to weather, insects, and fungi. Exterior-grade hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, or thermally modified woods are specifically chosen or processed for their performance in outdoor environments. Always select hardwoods explicitly specified for exterior siding applications to ensure longevity and performance.
Ready to Design Your Natural Hardwood Facade?
Request a material quote today. Provide your project dimensions, desired profile, and ZIP code to confirm current availability and service options for our hardwood siding products.
Request a material quote →