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Engineered Wood Siding vs. Traditional Wood Siding

When considering exterior wood siding options, homeowners often focus on aesthetics. But while traditional wood siding is known for its natural charm and classic beauty, it comes with a number of challenges that can be easily addressed with the use of engineered wood siding.

“Real” Wood vs. Engineered Wood

Many homeowners are drawn to the beauty of traditional wood when they consider exterior wood siding options. What they don’t often consider are the inherent challenges that come with a naturally biodegradable material. Engineered wood siding such as LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding is designed specifically to offer durability and protection from moisture, fungal decay, termites and weather elements.
traditional wood siding
Traditional wood siding (or real wood) is made from fast-growing timber then milled in to siding. Highly biodegradable, it may age faster than other siding options and requires constant maintenance.
SmartSide siding
Engineered wood siding is a manufactured siding that uses engineered wood strand technology that offers superior protection against hail, wind, moisture, fungal decay and termites. Composite wood siding is mixed with different fibers and strands of various woods to create a durable and cheaper to install finished product.

Compare “Real” Wood Siding vs. Engineered Wood Siding

Let’s see how traditional wood and engineered wood siding compare in some key areas:

Composition

yellow siding

Whereas traditional wood is sourced from trees such as cedar and redwood, engineered wood uses treated wood strands combined with wax and resin binders for strength.

Efficiency

man holding board

With its high flexibility factor, LP SmartSide engineered wood siding installs easily and may be quicker to install.

Durability

hail damaged grill

Traditional wood is highly biodegradable and not treated, while LP SmartSide treated engineered wood trim & siding can withstand wind gusts up to 200 mph and comes with a 50-year limited warranty.

Cost

smiling man

Engineered wood is typically less expensive than traditional wood.

Maintenance

man carrying boards

While traditional wood demands nearly constant maintenance, LP SmartSide Trim & Siding requires less. Use this simple checklist for cleaning and maintenance that will help keep your siding looking beautiful.

How Durable is LP SmartSide Siding?

Head-to-Head: LP® SmartSide® Siding vs. Traditional Wood

Proprietary Process for Better Protection

LP SmartSide siding is a more durable material than traditional wood because of its proprietary SmartGuard® manufacturing process. This process ensures that every strand of wood is treated with a carefully formulated mix of resins, waxes, and zinc borate and finished with an overlay to offer complete protection against extreme heat, moisture, termites, and fungal decay.

This naturally derived additive helps engineered wood resist damage from termites and fungal decay.
Engineered wood stands up to impact and survives freeze/thaw cycles due to resins that offer incredible strength.
Designed to resist moisture, waxes coat each strand to offer enhanced durability in humid environments.
This final element of protection resists moisture intrusion, providing a durable base for a finished look.
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Check out LP SmartSide’s product catalog for more details.

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