Cedar siding: why can't I just let it weather?

Ptron

I was planning on putting up cedar lap siding on my house and letting it go. I think the grey, weathered cedar is pretty and natural looking. Both of my parents' houses are that way. Well, one is lap and the other is tounge and groove. The t&g one has some rotted spots but it also has other issues that could be hastening the problem. The lap one is pretty much spotless and both are 30+ years old!

Are rotting issues the reason I see it said that cedar siding requires constant maintenance? Seems like natural cedar is a farily common look, or at least it was.

oh'mike

Sadly todays cedar is softer,has more knots and tends to be cut thinner than the cedar of yesterday.

Traditionally cedar was left natural and lasted a lifetime.

I think you would be taking a chance with what's available in the lumber yards.

If money is no object,you could order old growth clear. Just bring a fat wallet.--Mike--

Tom Struble

you can have that color and protection too
http://www.cabotstain.com/products/p...TypeName=Clear

sdsester

Used to use redwood and cedar all the time. Let it weather to the look like what you have in mind.

Raced a Cheoy Lee Lion 35' sailboat with a teak deck that was never touched with anything either. Tad gray looking.

Once you start finishing woods they take more maintenance than anything else.

Tom Struble

see it all depends on things such as sun/rain exposure,humidity levels,mold sources etc just because these houses happened to turn a nice gray,yours may just turn black,wood siding is a big investment and most are going to need some treatment for the reasons Mike suggested