How long does cedar siding last vs redwood?

Cedar siding typically lasts 20-30 years while redwood can last 25-40 years with proper maintenance. Both require staining or sealing every 3-5 years to maintain appearance and maximize lifespan.

Is redwood siding worth the extra cost?

If you live on the West Coast where redwood is more available, the extra cost is often justified by its 30-50% longer lifespan and lower maintenance needs. For other regions, cedar offers better value.

Can cedar or redwood siding be painted?

Both can be painted, but most homeowners prefer semi-transparent stains that showcase the natural wood grain. If painting, use a high-quality primer first as both woods contain tannins that can bleed through paint.

How long does cedar siding last vs redwood?

Cedar siding typically lasts 20-30 years while redwood can last 25-40 years with proper maintenance. Both require staining or sealing every 3-5 years to maintain appearance and maximize lifespan.

Is redwood siding worth the extra cost?

If you live on the West Coast where redwood is more available, the extra cost is often justified by its 30-50% longer lifespan and lower maintenance needs. For other regions, cedar offers better value.

Can cedar or redwood siding be painted?

Both can be painted, but most homeowners prefer semi-transparent stains that showcase the natural wood grain. If painting, use a high-quality primer first as both woods contain tannins that can bleed through paint.

building materials

Cedar vs Redwood Siding: Which Is Better for Your Home? (2026)

Reviewed by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated June 7, 2026|Sources & methodology

Cedar and redwood are the top two choices for natural wood siding in North America. Both offer stunning natural beauty and genuine rot resistance that no engineered product can truly replicate. While cedar dominates the market due to availability, redwood offers premium characteristics that justify its higher price for many homeowners.

Cedar

Redwood

Key Takeaways

Cedar and redwood are the top two choices for natural wood siding in North America.
Both offer stunning natural beauty and genuine rot resistance that no engineered product can truly replicate.
While cedar dominates the market due to availability, redwood offers premium characteristics that justify its higher price for many homeowners.
Cedar is the practical choice for most homeowners.
Redwood is the premium choice for those willing to invest more for superior longevity and beauty, especially on the West Coast where it's more readily available.

Property	Cedar	Redwood
	$6-$12	$8-$18
	Very good	Excellent
	Good	Excellent
	Very good - minimal warping	Excellent - very stable
	Warm reddish to light brown	Deep red to reddish-brown
	Widely available	Limited - mostly West Coast
	20-30 years	25-40 years

Cedar

Pros

More affordable, Widely available nationwide, Lightweight and easy to install, Good natural weather resistance

Cons

Less durable than redwood, Can split when nailing, Grays quickly without finish, Sapwood has poor rot resistance

Redwood

Pros

Superior rot and insect resistance, Exceptional dimensional stability, Longer lifespan, Richer natural color

Cons

Significantly more expensive, Limited availability outside West Coast, Environmental concerns about old-growth, Heavier than cedar

Best Use Cases

Choose cedar siding for a beautiful natural look at a reasonable price with wide availability. Choose redwood for the ultimate in natural durability and a deep, rich color that stands the test of time.

Verdict

Cedar is the practical choice for most homeowners. Redwood is the premium choice for those willing to invest more for superior longevity and beauty, especially on the West Coast where it's more readily available.