Cedar Siding Alternatives That Look Great and Last Longer 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 best cedar-look options can save you thousands in long-term costs while delivering even better curb appeal. Weatherguard Construction has 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 — In Minnesota, cedar typically needs staining or painting every 3–5 years. UV exposure, moisture, and temperature extremes break down finishes rapidly, and neglected cedar quickly deteriorates. The rising cost of labor and materials has also made frequent refinishing more expensive in recent years.
Moisture damage — Despite its natural resistance, cedar absorbs moisture that can cause 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 remain persistent problems in Minnesota. Woodpeckers in particular can cause extensive damage to cedar siding while searching for insects or creating nesting cavities.
Cost escalation — The price of quality cedar has climbed dramatically 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 often 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 Weatherguard most often recommends. Here’s why:
Authentic wood appearance — LP SmartSide features deep cedar-grain textures molded from real wood, creating natural-looking grain patterns, knots, and character that deliver a true cedar look from the curb.
Superior durability — LP’s proprietary SmartGuard treatment protects against moisture, fungal decay, and termites. Unlike cedar, which begins to break down the moment it is exposed to the elements, LP SmartSide is engineered to maintain its structural integrity for decades.
Impact resistance (hail-ready) — LP SmartSide outperforms both cedar and fiber cement in impact resistance testing. In Minnesota’s hail-prone climate, this is a major advantage. Impacts that dent or crack cedar or fiber cement are far less likely to damage LP SmartSide.
Reduced maintenance — LP SmartSide requires far less upkeep than cedar. When painted, most homes see repainting cycles in the 10–15 year range versus 3–5 years for cedar. It also resists splitting, cupping, warping, and rot.
Excellent warranty — LP SmartSide carries a 5/50-Year Limited Warranty that far exceeds what any cedar siding manufacturer offers. Many cedar products carry limited or short-term warranties by comparison.
Cost-effective — LP SmartSide typically costs less than premium cedar to install and dramatically less to maintain over time. Factory-finished LP SmartSide ExpertFinish is also available in a range of colors to reduce on-site painting and speed installation.
Cold-climate installation advantages — LP SmartSide’s lighter weight and longer 16-foot lengths mean fewer seams and a cleaner look than many fiber cement planks. It can be installed in a wider range of temperatures—a practical benefit during Minnesota’s short exterior season.
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, including cedar-look profiles
Factory-applied finishes (ColorPlus) reduce initial painting needs and come with a 15-year finish warranty
30-year transferable manufacturer warranty on most lap and panel products
Impervious to insects and woodpeckers; HZ5 formulations are designed for cold climates
Cons compared to LP SmartSide:
Significantly heavier, often requiring more labor to install and adding stress on scaffolding and handling
Brittle — can crack or chip during installation or from impact (hail, baseballs, debris)
Cutting produces silica dust, requiring specialized tools and strict safety controls during installation
Typically more expensive to install due to material weight and labor requirements
Wood-grain patterns may not replicate cedar as convincingly as engineered wood
Composite and Polymer Siding Options
Newer composite and polymer siding products are entering the market as cedar alternatives:
Composite (poly-ash) siding blends mineral and polymer ingredients for a highly stable, paintable product that resists moisture and insects. Brands like Westlake Royal’s TruExterior offer a wood-like look and excellent dimensional stability in extreme temperature swings.
Polymer shake siding recreates the look of cedar shakes and shingles without any organic material. Products from brands such as CertainTeed Cedar Impressions, The Foundry, and Tando deliver a low-maintenance “cedar shake” aesthetic for gables and accent walls. While visual authenticity varies by product line, top-tier profiles provide convincing shadow lines and a lifetime of easy care.
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 to good (can crack/chip) |
Weight | Light | Light–medium | Heavy |
Cost (installed) | $14–22/sq ft | $10–17/sq ft | $12–20/sq ft |
Warranty | 5–10 years | 5/50 years | 30 years |
Typical 2025 Minnesota ranges; actual pricing varies by home size, design, and finish options.
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 — A new weather-resistant barrier—often a drainable housewrap—plus flashings are installed for improved moisture protection. Many homeowners also add a vented rain screen for extra drying and longevity.
New siding installation — Your chosen alternative material is installed per manufacturer specifications with proper clearances, trim details, and sealants for Minnesota’s climate.
Painting and finishing — LP SmartSide comes primed and ready for paint or can be ordered factory-finished to minimize on-site painting.
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 say 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 right cedar-look siding for your budget and style. As a certified LP SmartSide specialist, Weatherguard has 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. With the right color—whether factory-finished or site-painted in a stain-style or solid color—it is virtually indistinguishable from real cedar at normal viewing distances.
How much will I save on maintenance by switching from cedar?
Over a 30-year period, many Minnesota homeowners save an estimated $18,000–$30,000 (2025 dollars) in maintenance by choosing LP SmartSide over cedar. Cedar typically requires staining or painting every 3–5 years plus periodic board replacements, while LP SmartSide generally needs repainting every 10–15 years with minimal board repairs. Actual savings depend on home size, finish choice, and labor rates.
Is it worth replacing cedar siding that still looks okay?
If your cedar is less than 10 years old and in good condition, continued maintenance can 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 often saves money, time, and frustration over the next decade.
Does Weatherguard Construction remove and dispose of old cedar siding?
Yes. Weatherguard’s full siding replacement service includes removal of existing materials, responsible disposal (and recycling where possible), inspection and repair of underlying sheathing, and complete installation of your new siding system. The team handles every step so you do not have to worry about logistics or coordination.
