For many years, cedar has been a popular building material. You can find cedar in everything from roofing shingles to cedar siding panels to cedar decking material. You can also find cedar inside, in the lining of closets, hope chests and decorative features. There are a lot of reasons that people choose cedar to build with.
One reason that people choose to use cedar to side their houses is because it looks very nice. Not only do cedar siding panels look good when they are new, but as they weather, they weather to a look that people have tried to get using faux finishes, but nothing beats the authentic look that only comes from the real stuff. A related reason is that cedar lasts for a long time. It can withstand the elements and the test of time. They don’t need to be replaced as often, because it is such a sturdy long lasting construction material. It is also a greener choice, since it doesn’t need to be replaced as often, and because it comes from a renewable source. Some people choose to use reclaimed panels from older homes to side their newer homes with because of the weathered look.
Another reason that cedar siding panels is so popular is that it is a natural insect repellent. That is what makes cedar popular as closet lining or in hope chests, it keep moths and other destructive insects away. Just as it does with the moths, it also keeps termites and other insects that could damage a house from getting a foot hold in siding or the walls underneath.
You can get cedar siding panels in both white and red cedar. While red cedar is slightly more expensive, it is also the more common choice. Both colors have the same properties, so it only comes down to preference. You can buy them pre-stained to any level you want, or you can stain them yourself, or you can just let them be natural. It all depends on what you want your home to look like, and what your design plans for your home are.