For homeowners who want that true wood look, cedar siding is a popular choice because of its resistance to rot, decay, and insect infestations. While we suggest having a professional install your siding, you can do it yourself with some tools and patience. Here, our siding experts give you the steps you need in order to install cedar siding:

1. First, you’ll want to install the siding corner trim on all corners of your home.
2. Use your hammer and nails to secure the corner boards, making sure they’re flush with your home before nailing them in place.
3. Once all of your corner boards are in place, fill any joints with caulk in order to seal them.
4. Next, use your measuring tape to measure the length of the first side you’re completing.
5. After that, cut as many furring strips as you need to span that length.
6. Attach your furring strips to the bottom of your home to support the lower edge of the first board.
7. Using your table saw, cut your cedar siding pieces to the appropriate length.
8. Then, begin by installing the first piece at the bottom of your home. (Make sure to overlap the furring strip about one inch. Do not exceed two inches.)
9. Continue down the length of your home with your first cedar siding piece.
10. After that, continue layering the pieces vertically until you’ve reached the top of your home. Make sure you allow about 1/4 inch between the top of the last board and the soffit, then seal the gap with molding.
11. When you get to windows or doors, use your saw to cut your siding so that it fits around the shape.
12. (Tip: To create the best look, make sure your layered pieces aren’t exactly the same length as the pieces below them. In other words, don’t position the seams on top of one another.)
13. Repeat steps 4-12 on the remaining sides of your home until it’s covered entirely.