A brief introduction to cedar bevel siding

The term bevel siding is known by many different names: clapboard, lap siding, and weatherboard. Bevel siding refers to the wooden siding on the outside of a home. This wooden siding is almost always overlapped horizontally on the outside frame of the home, with one end thicker than the other. 

Among the many types of solid wood siding available, a favorite among many homeowners and builders alike is the western red cedar bevel siding. Here are some of the reasons cedar boards make popular bevel sidings:

1. Cedar boards are visually appealing and versatile. Naturally, it has a tan brown color, with a tight grain pattern and few knots.
2. Cedar as wood is durable and weather-resistant, capable of resisting rot and decay. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor applications where the boards have to face the elements.
3. Cedar as wood has natural oils and preservatives that help it fight away bug infestations, fungi, algae, and excessive moisture.
4. It is, at the same time, an excellent absorbent of stains and paints, allowing homeowners the flexibility to choose how they want the siding to look.
5. Because bevel siding is overlapped horizontally, it gives the exterior of the building an attractive shadow line which can vary depending on the thickness of the siding being used.
6. Cedar’s reversible face also allows for the choice of exposing either the smooth side or the rough side of the lumber.
7. The bevel caused by the tapering thickness of the boards allows for rainwater to naturally flow down the walls without causing any seepage into the joints between the boards.

Read more: What is hardie board siding

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Costs

On average, the cost of material alone for cedar bevel siding can vary from $7.95 to $12.95 per square foot, depending on the quality of the wood chosen and site location. If an insured and licensed siding contractor needs to be hired for the installation, expect an additional cost of between $210 and $540.

DIY installation instructions

1. Staple polyethylene or a similar moisture barrier to the external wooden wall sheathing. Use matching tape to seal the seams.
2. Install corner trim on all the wall corners. Use a level to make sure each trim sits plum on the walls. Nail the trim in place using galvanized nails and a hammer. This should extend from the roofline to the bottom of the floor.
3. Measure a cedar starter strip that is the same thickness as the beveled corner trim. Set it level along the bottom of the wall using a tape measure and a level. Nail it to the bottom of the house sheathing using galvanized nails that are long enough to penetrate the sheathing into the bottom plate of the wall by 1¼ inches.
4. Starting at the corners, place a beveled board against the trim. Make sure the bottom of the board is level with the bottom of the starter strip. Use long galvanized ring shank nails to fasten the board into place. The nails should penetrate the siding, the sheathing, and into the wall studs.

The board should be nailed at the bottom, an inch above the edge, and a nail 16 inches apart into each stud.

1. Start nailing planks abutting the previous one, and continue till the end of the wall. You may need to cut and trim boards to fit the corners.
2. As you continue to work around the house, keep in mind that pieces of siding need to be equal at both ends at corners. 
3. Don’t forget to cut notches for plumbing, electrical outlets, and other fittings.
4. Cover the wall with cedar siding until the roofline. Keep a distance of a quarter-inch between the last board and the soffit at the top of the wall. This gap will need to be covered with molding that matches the corner trim.

Read more: Introduction to cedar ceilings

Written by Narayan Shrouthy. December 22, 2021

Narayan is a content writer for Kukun. With experience in both content writing and editing, Narayan mixes his writing and love for reading with his passion for music. As an active musician, He aims to be a key player in Kukun's content experience.

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xavier.chavez1@outlook.es(@xavier-chavez1outlook-es)

Something particularly great from cedar wood is that tends to be soundproof. I really love this type of wood, recommended for siding