If you’ve driven through an older neighborhood lately, you might find that homes built before the 1950s often have a warmth and charm that’s hard to find today.
Part of that comes from the materials — back then, wood, brick, and stone siding were the norm.
Then along came vinyl siding in the 1950s and fiber cement boards in the 1980s. These newer materials were marketed as “maintenance-free” and “easy to install,” and they quickly took over the housing marker. Today, wood siding is far less common — even as interest in sustainable building materials has grown.
So, is it time to give natural wood siding another look? We think so. And not just because we sell it — but because when you choose the right species and install it correctly, wood siding can last 50+ years, look incredible, and even help insulate your home.
Why Wood is Worth a Second Look
A well-chosen wood siding doesn’t just add character; it can literally help keep you warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Every layer of solid wood siding adds an R-value of about 1.5, which means better insulation and potentially lower energy bills. Compare that to vinyl, sheetrock, or fiber cement, which have a combined R-value of essentially zero. That’s one reason older homes often feel more comfortable year-round.
Meet Sassafras: The Unsung Hero of Siding Woods
Sassafras Siding might not be a household name in building materials, but it should be.
Here’s why:
- Dimensional Stability: Sassafras is the most dimensionally stable kiln-dried wood in the USA. That means it won’t warp, cup, or twist when installed correctly, even in places with big seasonal swings in temperature and humidity.
- Workability: It’s lightweight, easy to cut, and takes finishes and paints beautifully.
- Beauty: Its grain is warm and distinctive, giving homes a timeless, handcrafted look.
- Resistance: Immune to carpenter bees and termites— a common problem for many other wood species.
Black Locust: Tough as Nails (and Rot-Resistant Too)
If Sassafras is easy-going and friendly, Black Locust Siding is the tough, no-nonsense cousin. It’s harder to work with and costs more, but you get some serious benefits:
- Exceptional Rot Resistance: It’s the most rot-resistant wood you can get in the USA.
- Hardness: It can take more abuse than softer woods, making it great for exposed areas.
- Bug-Proof: Like Sassafras, it’s immune to carpenter bees and termites.
Why Not Pine, Cyprus, Cedar, or Redwood?
While species like Pine, Cypress, Cedar, and Redwood are beautiful and have their own strengths, they have a few drawbacks:
- Most modern boards come from “early wood” logs with a lot of sapwood — the softer, less durable part of the tree. This will mold and deteriorate faster.
- Most are vulnerable to carpenter bees, which can cause costly structural damage.
- They tend to be less dimensionally stable than Sassafras or Black Locust, gapping and expanding and contracting with changes in temperature and humidity.
The Takeaway
Natural wood siding isn’t just about looks — though it definitely wins in that department. It’s about longevity, energy efficiency, and using all natural materials that work with your home instead of against it.
If you’re planning a siding project, especially one where you want both beauty and performance, it’s worth considering Sassafras or Black Locust Siding. You’ll get a material that’s been trusted for generations, updated with the knowledge and techniques to make it last even longer today.
Want to see how it’s done right? Check out our installation guidelines here: Robi Decking Installation Guide
