Cedar siding alternatives have become increasingly popular among Minnesota homeowners who love the warm, natural look of real cedar but want to avoid the relentless maintenance and limited lifespan that come with it. If you are considering new siding for your home, understanding today's cedar alternatives can save you thousands in long-term costs while delivering even better curb appeal. At Weatherguard Construction, we have helped homeowners in Stillwater, Woodbury, Eden Prairie, and across Minnesota transition from high-maintenance cedar to beautiful, durable alternatives.
Why Homeowners Are Moving Away From Cedar
Cedar siding has been prized for centuries for its natural beauty, rich color variations, and resistance to insects and decay. However, in Minnesota's punishing climate, cedar has significant drawbacks that drive homeowners to seek alternatives:
Constant maintenance — Cedar requires staining or painting every 3-5 years in Minnesota. UV exposure, moisture, and temperature extremes break down finishes rapidly, and neglected cedar quickly deteriorates.
Moisture damage — Despite its natural resistance, cedar absorbs moisture that causes swelling, warping, cupping, and splitting. Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycles accelerate this process, as absorbed water expands when it freezes, physically breaking apart the wood fibers.
Insect and woodpecker damage — While cedar resists many insects, carpenter ants and woodpeckers are persistent problems in Minnesota. Woodpeckers in particular can cause extensive damage to cedar siding searching for insects or creating nesting cavities.
Cost escalation — The price of quality cedar has risen dramatically over the past decade as old-growth supplies have diminished. New-growth cedar does not have the same density, tight grain, or natural durability as the old-growth cedar used in previous generations.
Short lifespan — In Minnesota's climate, even well-maintained cedar siding typically lasts only 15-25 years before needing replacement. Poorly maintained cedar can fail in as few as 10 years.
LP SmartSide: The Premier Cedar Alternative
LP SmartSide engineered wood siding is the leading cedar siding alternative for Minnesota homeowners, and it is the product we recommend most frequently at Weatherguard Construction. Here is why:
Authentic wood appearance — LP SmartSide features deep cedar-grain textures that are virtually indistinguishable from real wood at normal viewing distances. The texture is molded from actual wood, creating natural-looking grain patterns, knots, and character.
Superior durability — LP SmartSide is treated with the proprietary SmartGuard process that protects against moisture, fungal decay, and termites. Unlike cedar, which begins to break down the moment it is exposed to the elements, LP SmartSide maintains its structural integrity for decades.
Impact resistance — LP SmartSide outperforms both cedar and fiber cement in impact resistance testing. In Minnesota's hail-prone climate, this is a significant advantage. A hailstone that would dent or crack cedar or fiber cement will bounce off LP SmartSide.
Reduced maintenance — While LP SmartSide does require periodic repainting (every 10-15 years versus every 3-5 years for cedar), it does not split, cup, warp, or rot like natural cedar. The maintenance commitment is a fraction of what cedar demands.
Excellent warranty — LP SmartSide carries a 5/50 Year Limited Warranty that far exceeds what any cedar siding manufacturer offers. Cedar siding rarely carries warranties longer than 5-10 years.
Cost-effective — LP SmartSide typically costs 20-30% less than premium cedar siding and dramatically less over its lifetime when reduced maintenance costs are factored in.
Fiber Cement: Another Strong Cedar Alternative
Fiber cement siding (the most well-known brand being James Hardie) is another popular alternative to cedar siding:
Pros as a cedar alternative:
- Excellent fire resistance — non-combustible, unlike cedar
- Available in smooth and wood-grain textures
- Factory-applied finishes (ColorPlus) reduce initial painting requirements
- 30-year non-prorated manufacturer warranty
- Impervious to insects and woodpeckers
Cons compared to LP SmartSide:
- Significantly heavier, requiring stronger framing and more labor to install
- Brittle — can crack during installation or from impact (hail, baseballs, debris)
- Requires special cutting tools due to silica dust (safety concern during installation)
- More expensive to install due to weight and labor requirements
- Does not replicate wood grain as convincingly as LP SmartSide
Composite and Polymer Siding Options
Newer composite and polymer siding products are entering the market as cedar alternatives:
- Composite siding blends wood fibers with polymers and resins to create a durable, low-maintenance product. Brands like Boral TruExterior offer products that look and feel like wood but resist moisture and insects.
- Polymer shake siding recreates the look of cedar shakes without any organic material. These products are virtually maintenance-free but can look less authentic than engineered wood options.
Comparing Cedar Alternatives Side by Side
When evaluating cedar siding alternatives for your Minnesota home, consider these key factors:
| Feature | Cedar | LP SmartSide | Fiber Cement | |---------|-------|--------------|--------------| | Appearance | Natural wood | Authentic wood-grain | Good, less natural | | Lifespan (MN) | 15-25 years | 30-50+ years | 30-50 years | | Maintenance | Every 3-5 years | Every 10-15 years | Every 10-15 years | | Hail Resistance | Poor | Excellent | Fair (cracks) | | Weight | Light | Light-medium | Heavy | | Cost (installed) | $10-16/sq ft | $8-13/sq ft | $10-16/sq ft | | Warranty | 5-10 years | 5/50 years | 30 years |
Making the Switch From Cedar
If your current cedar siding is aging and you are ready for an upgrade, here is what to expect:
- Removal of existing cedar — Old cedar is removed, and the underlying sheathing and housewrap are inspected for damage
- Sheathing repair — Any moisture-damaged sheathing is replaced to provide a solid substrate
- Modern housewrap installation — New weather-resistant barrier provides additional moisture protection
- New siding installation — Your chosen alternative material is installed per manufacturer specifications
- Painting and finishing — LP SmartSide is primed and ready for paint in your chosen color
The entire process typically takes 1-2 weeks for an average-sized Minnesota home. Homeowners in Apple Valley, Burnsville, and Lakeville who have made the switch from cedar to LP SmartSide consistently tell us they wish they had done it sooner.
Ready to Explore Cedar Alternatives?
If you love the look of cedar but are tired of the constant maintenance, Weatherguard Construction can help you find the perfect alternative. As a certified LP SmartSide specialist, we have the expertise to deliver a beautiful, durable result that captures the warmth of natural wood without the headaches. Call (651) 439-4320 or book a free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can LP SmartSide really look as good as real cedar?
Yes. LP SmartSide features deep wood-grain textures molded from actual cedar, creating a remarkably authentic appearance. When painted in a stain-style or solid color, it is virtually indistinguishable from real cedar at normal viewing distances. Many visitors will assume your siding is real wood.
How much will I save on maintenance by switching from cedar?
Over a 30-year period, the average Minnesota homeowner saves $15,000-$25,000 in maintenance costs by choosing LP SmartSide over cedar. Cedar requires staining or painting every 3-5 years, plus periodic board replacements, while LP SmartSide only needs repainting every 10-15 years with minimal board replacements.
Is it worth replacing cedar siding that still looks okay?
If your cedar is less than 10 years old and well-maintained, continued maintenance may make sense. However, if your cedar is showing signs of deterioration — cupping, splitting, soft spots, woodpecker damage, or persistent mildew — replacement with a modern alternative will save you money and frustration in the long run.
Does Weatherguard Construction remove and dispose of old cedar siding?
Yes. Our full siding replacement service includes removal of all existing siding materials, disposal of debris, inspection and repair of underlying sheathing, and complete installation of your new siding system. We handle every step of the process so you do not have to worry about any of it.
