[Naturemn]

A different project lead us to removing the siding on our enclosed porch. Currently we have 100 year old cedar lap siding in white. The paint no longer holds very well, but where we have replaced it in the past it is holding nicely.

We were considering our different options. Our concerns are that everything eventually will fade or need replacing. Is no maintenance really no maintenance? If they need repainting, is it a big hassle compared to wood? We have been looking at LP Smart siding against new cedar lap siding. Products are always coming and going and "the thing". New options haven't been around long enough to really know if they stand the test of time. Steel was the thing and now I hear from contractors it isn't. What would you put on and why?

Secondly, this is our front enclosed porch. I am thinking a person could change things up as it isn't the main house. Could you go unpainted cedar? Half and half something?

Lastly, if getting the smart side, will the two whites possibly look bad together? Is white hard to match and not have one look "greyish" IYKWIM? What different tools etc would we need to get to attach, cut, etc the Smart side that could add to the cost?

 

[Windows on Wash]

The LP Smartside stuff is well designed.

 

[Marson]

A different project lead us to removing the siding on our enclosed porch. Currently we have 100 year old cedar lap siding in white. The paint no longer holds very well, but where we have replaced it in the past it is holding nicely.

We were considering our different options. Our concerns are that everything eventually will fade or need replacing. Is no maintenance really no maintenance? If they need repainting, is it a big hassle compared to wood? We have been looking at LP Smart siding against new cedar lap siding. Products are always coming and going and "the thing". New options haven't been around long enough to really know if they stand the test of time. Steel was the thing and now I hear from contractors it isn't. What would you put on and why?

Secondly, this is our front enclosed porch. I am thinking a person could change things up as it isn't the main house. Could you go unpainted cedar? Half and half something?

Lastly, if getting the smart side, will the two whites possibly look bad together? Is white hard to match and not have one look "greyish" IYKWIM? What different tools etc would we need to get to attach, cut, etc the Smart side that could add to the cost?

There is also Allprime available, not sure how widely--we use it in the midwest. It is actually an asian pine, palownia or something like that. It's good stuff and cheaper than cedar. Comes in classic profiles like 1/2" bevel siding 4"-6"-8", 3/4, 5/4, etc.



However, if you are happy with the look of LP smartside, then I would get that in a heartbeat. It's going to be a fraction of the cost of cedar, will hold paint better. Just be careful that you follow the instructions especially the need to gap butt joints--the stuff does expand and contract in length more than real wood. But it's a product that has been around for many years already and I think it will be around for many more.


Unpainted cedar? You mean with some sort of clear coat? Cedar looks great that way, but plan on re doing it practically every year or it will look like heck in pretty short order. I have also seen cedar/redwood put on with nothing on it, but haven't been impressed with the way that ages. It always winds up looking old and tired.

 

[dj3]

I just painted a 17 year old shed with LP Smartside 2 weeks ago - one morning prime, next morning exterior paint and trim.
Looks like new.