How To Install 1×6 Cedar Siding Vertically?

When it comes to enhancing the exterior of a home, one popular and attractive option is the installation of 1×6 cedar siding vertically.

This choice not only adds a unique aesthetic appeal but also provides durability and natural resistance to various weather conditions.

However, installing cedar siding vertically can be a challenging task for homeowners and builders alike. in this topic, I share some helpful tips and insights to help you achieve a stunning and enduring result.

So, the first thing you’ll want to do is to gather all the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need a level, a hammer or nail gun, galvanized or stainless steel nails, a saw, and of course, your 1×6 cedar siding boards.

Now, before you start with the installation, make sure your wall is ready. You want to have a flat and clean surface to work with. It’s also a good idea to install a weather-resistant barrier or house wrap on your wall to protect it from moisture.

When you’re ready to begin, pick a starting point for your first cedar board. You can choose a corner or a door, depending on what works best for your project.

You’ll want to make sure the first board is perfectly plumb, so use a level to check it. Once you’re sure it’s straight, go ahead and nail it in place.

It’s important to use galvanized or stainless steel nails because they won’t corrode and will hold up well over time.

With your first board in place, you can start installing the next ones. Just like with the first board, make sure each one is plumb before you nail it down. Keep a consistent gap between each board.

This gap will allow for the natural expansion and contraction of the cedar boards due to changes in temperature and humidity. A good rule of thumb is to leave about 1/8-inch between each board.

As you’re installing the boards, you might need to trim some of them to fit around windows, doors, or other obstructions.

Use a saw to make any necessary cuts, but be sure to measure and mark carefully so you don’t end up with any gaps that are too large.

Once you’ve installed all the cedar siding boards, you can finish up the project by sealing or staining the wood. This will help protect it from the elements and keep it looking great for years to come.

How can you properly prepare the wall before installing cedar siding vertically?

Preparing your wall correctly before installing cedar siding vertically is really important to ensure a great outcome.

So, the first thing you’ll want to do is take a good look at the wall you’re working with. Check for any damage or issues like cracks, holes, or signs of rot.

If you come across any of these problems, it’s a good idea to address them before you start with the siding installation. Having a solid and stable wall as your foundation is key to a successful project.

Once you’ve taken care of any necessary repairs, you’ll need to make sure the wall is clean. Get rid of any dirt, dust, or old siding materials that might be lingering around.

You can use a broom to sweep the surface, or even a power washer if needed. Just be gentle with the power washer so you don’t damage the wall’s structure.

Now that you’ve got a clean wall, it’s time to think about protecting it from moisture. One way to do this is by installing a weather-resistant barrier, often called house wrap.

To put up the house wrap, begin at the bottom of the wall and work your way upwards. Make sure each layer overlaps the one below it by a few inches, so you create a shingle-like pattern that helps keep water out.

Use staples or nails to hold the house wrap in place, making sure it’s snug against the wall.

Sometimes, you might also want to use furring strips when installing cedar siding vertically. These thin strips of wood or other materials create a small space between the cedar siding and the wall.

This can help with ventilation and drainage, preventing moisture from getting trapped behind the siding.

When installing cedar siding vertically, the furring strips should be installed horizontally. This allows for proper support and attachment points for the vertical cedar siding boards.

Attaching the furring strips horizontally also helps create an air gap behind the siding, promoting better ventilation and drainage, which in turn helps prevent moisture buildup and prolongs the life of the siding.

Make sure to space the furring strips at appropriate intervals, usually 16 or 24 inches in the center, to align with the studs in your wall. This will provide a solid attachment point for your cedar siding.

What type of nails should you use?

So, when it comes to nails, you’ll want to use either stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nails.

These materials are resistant to rust and corrosion, which is important because cedar siding can react with certain metals and cause staining or premature deterioration.

Make sure the nails you choose are long enough to penetrate at least 1-1/2 inches into the framing or furring strips.

Now, as for the nailing pattern, there are some guidelines you should follow. When nailing through the face of the cedar boards, you want to make sure the nails are driven straight and flush with the wood’s surface.

Be careful not to overdrive the nails, as that can cause the wood to split or create depressions that may collect water.

For 1×6 cedar siding, you’ll typically want to use two nails per board at each point where the board intersects a framing member or furring strip.

Space the nails evenly across the width of the board, about 3/4 to 1 inch from each edge.

When installing the cedar siding boards vertically, try to stagger the nails so they don’t align vertically on the same grain line.

This helps reduce the risk of splitting the wood. Also, avoid nailing too close to the ends of the boards, as this can also lead to splitting.

How to handle the top and bottom edges of the cedar siding?

Handling the top and bottom edges of the cedar siding, particularly around the roofline and foundation, is an important aspect of the installation process. Let’s discuss this in a conversational manner.

When you’re dealing with the bottom edge of the cedar siding near the foundation, you’ll want to ensure there’s some clearance between the siding and the ground.

This helps to prevent moisture from wicking up into the wood and causing rot. Typically, you should aim for at least 6 to 8 inches of clearance, but this might vary depending on your local building codes.

To provide a clean and finished look at the bottom edge, you can install a trim board, sometimes referred to as a starter strip or skirt board, horizontally along the bottom edge of the siding.

This not only gives a nice appearance but also helps to support the cedar siding boards as you install them vertically.

Now, when it comes to the top edge near the roofline, it’s important to pay attention to flashing. Flashing is a thin sheet of metal or other waterproof material that directs water away from the siding and the roof intersection.

Properly installed flashing helps to prevent water from seeping behind the cedar siding and causing damage.

You can use L-shaped or step flashing, depending on the type of roofline you have. The flashing should be installed underneath the roofing material and should extend out over the top edge of the cedar siding.

This way, any water that runs down the roof will be directed away from the siding and won’t get trapped behind it.

Lastly, you might want to install a trim board or molding at the top edge of the siding to create a finished appearance.

This trim can also help to cover the top edge of the flashing, making the transition between the siding and the roof look clean and polished.

So, by paying close attention to the top and bottom edges of your cedar siding, particularly around the roofline and foundation, you’ll be able to prevent moisture issues and give your siding installation a professional and finished look.

How to deal with the corners when installing cedar siding vertically?

When it comes to handling outside corners, there are a couple of common methods. One option is to use pre-made corner trim pieces or corner boards.

These are usually made of the same material as your siding or a complementary material, and they’re installed before the siding. The vertical cedar siding boards are then butted up against the corner trim, creating a clean and finished look.

Another method for handling outside corners is to miter the cedar siding boards. This involves cutting the ends of the siding boards at a 45-degree angle so they meet and form a 90-degree angle at the corner.

This technique can create a seamless and attractive appearance, but it does require precise cuts and might be more difficult to achieve, especially for a DIY project.

For inside corners, you can also use pre-made corner trim pieces or corner boards. Install these before the siding, and then butt the vertical cedar siding boards up against the trim.

This creates a clean, finished look and provides good support for the siding boards.

Alternatively, you can install one cedar siding board flush against the inside corner and then overlap the adjacent board onto the first board.

This method requires careful alignment of the boards to ensure a tight fit and a visually appealing result.

In both outside and inside corner scenarios, make sure to properly seal and caulk the joints to prevent water infiltration and maintain a polished appearance.

By carefully considering your options for handling corners and using the method that best suits your project and skill level, you’ll be able to install cedar siding vertically with professional-looking results.