Choose the Best Siding for Your PNW Home

Edmonds Waterfront, Captured by Anastasiya Homes

The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is known for its natural beauty, lush forests, and wet climate. While this unique geographical area creates a stunning landscape, it also presents challenges for home exteriors. Choosing the right siding is essential to ensure durability, moisture-resistance, and longevity. Here, we explore our top 3 siding choices that can withstand the PNW elements and enhance your home’s curb appeal.

Key to Durability: Rain Screen

Before diving into siding choices, it’s crucial to install a rainscreen on your exterior wall. No matter what siding you choose! A rainscreen is essential for water management and long-term protection for homes in the PNW. It creates a layer of ventilation and drainage behind your siding, which allows moisture to escape and prevents potential water damage over time. Without proper drainage, trapped moisture can lead to rot, mold, and structural issues. H2D can help determine the best rainscreen for your project, ensuring long-term material durability that aligns with your budget and build.

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Let’s explore our favorite siding for the PNW

Edmonds Waterfront, Captured by Anastasiya Homes

1. Wood Siding: Natural + Classic PNW Choice ($$-$$$)

Cedar is our top choice for exterior siding in the Pacific Northwest. As a native species to the region, it thrives in our climate and has natural oils that make it resistant to rot, mildew, and insects. Cedar siding is extremely versatile and can be installed in many various styles, from the classic shingle look to modern vertical laps, and many options in between.

• Pros

  • Performs well in PNW climate

  • Naturally resistant to rot, mildew, and pests

  • Available in versatile design options (shingle, shiplap, bevel, board + batten, etc.)

• Cons

  • Requires some maintenance (cleaning + re-sealing every 3-5 years)

  • Can be more expensive option up-front

Looking for a low-maintenance cedar option? Consider using Shou Sugi Ban siding. This traditional Japanese method preserves wood (cedar included) by charring planks with fire. The process increases the wood’s natural resistance to water, fire, mold, decay, pests, and you only have to re-oil every 10 years!

Whidbey High Performance Compact, Captured by Anastasiya Homes

2. Fiber Cement Siding: Durable + Low-Maintenance Option ($$-$$$)

While we do love natural materials, fiber cement siding is super popular in the PNW for good reason. This material is a blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers that can withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and high winds without warping or rotting.

• Pros

  • Highly moisture resistant and fire resistant

  • Suitable for any house style

  • Available in versatile styles (shingles, lap siding, large format panels)

• Cons

  • Requires painting and periodic upkeep for longevity (use a high-quality exterior paint to maintain vibrancy after years of rain and sun damage)

  • Heavier than other material options

  • Higher initial costs, including labor

3. Metal Siding | Steel + Aluminum: Modern and Ultra-Resilient ($$$-$$$$)

Metal siding is an excellent choice for modern PNW homes due it’s exceptional durability to withstand the region’s climate, including heavy winds and rains. Steel and aluminum are also highly resistant to moisture, rot, and insect infestations, making it a low-maintenance and long-lasting option. Metal reflective properties are more energy efficient, by keeping homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

• Pros

  • Extremely durable + long-lasting

  • Weatherproof, highly moisture resistant + fire resistant

  • Resistant to rot, mildew, and pests

  • Practical and attractive choice

• Cons

  • Can amplify the sound of rain on stormy days (some may find this soothing, others not so much)

  • Most expensive cost option in provided list

Seward Park Industrial, Captured by Christopher Nelson Photography

The Best Siding for Your Home

When selecting the best exterior siding for a Pacific Northwest home, make sure to first install a rainscreen! A rainscreen is essential for ensuring proper moisture management and protecting your home’s structure. Choose materials that can withstand the region’s heavy rainfall and high humidity environment. Moisture resistance and durability is essential. Cedar wood, fiber cement, and metal are our top three recommended materials, each offering unique benefits: cedar is a native species that naturally produces oils that make it resistant to rot, mildew, and pests; fiber cement is incredibly durable and versatile; and lastly, metal has a sleek look that is superior in durability of all options.

Siding can enhance the architectural style and curb appeal of your home, while also preventing potential water damage issues from arising. At H2D, our 3D modeling software allows us to visualize multiple different siding mockup options to help you find the perfect combination for your project. Contact us today to start designing a highly durable and long-lasting exterior to your Pacific Northwest home!