What Are the Disadvantages of Cedar Siding? 7 Real Problems

Joe's Note: Cedar is beautiful — I won't argue that. But after 20+ years replacing siding in Minnesota, I've torn off more rotted cedar than I can count. Homeowners deserve the full picture before they commit to it. Here are the real disadvantages I've seen firsthand.

Cedar siding has genuine appeal — natural beauty, a warm aesthetic, and decent insulation value. But it comes with significant trade-offs in cost, maintenance, and longevity that many homeowners don't fully understand until they're already committed. In Minnesota's climate especially, cedar demands more attention and investment than most alternatives.

We're a family-owned exterior contractor in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with 20+ years of construction experience. We're BBB A+ rated, NRCA members, and install cedar, LP SmartSide, James Hardie, and vinyl siding. We've replaced enough cedar to know exactly where it fails — and where it still makes sense.

Cedar siding typically costs $8–$14 per square foot installed in Minnesota, compared to $5–$9 for LP SmartSide and $4–$7 for vinyl. For a typical 2,000 sq ft home, that's a difference of $6,000–$14,000 more than engineered wood alternatives — before you factor in the higher long-term maintenance costs.

This is cedar's biggest practical drawback. Cedar siding needs:

• Staining or painting every 3–5 years (vs. 7–15 years for LP SmartSide or James Hardie)
• Annual inspections for cracks, splits, and moisture damage
• Regular cleaning to prevent mildew and algae growth
• Prompt repair of any damaged boards to prevent moisture spread

Over a 30-year period, maintenance costs for cedar can add $15,000–$25,000 beyond the initial installation — more than the siding itself cost.

Despite cedar's natural rot resistance (from its oils), it's not rot-proof — especially in Minnesota. Our freeze-thaw cycles drive moisture deep into wood grain, and when cedar's natural oils deplete over time (typically after 10–15 years), the wood becomes increasingly vulnerable. I've removed 20-year-old cedar that looked fine from 10 feet away but was soft and punky behind the paint.

Most common failure points: Bottom courses near grade, areas behind downspouts, anywhere caulking has failed, and north-facing walls that stay damp longer.

While cedar's natural oils repel insects initially, that protection fades as the wood ages. In Minnesota, the main concerns are:

• Carpenter ants: They don't eat cedar, but they'll nest in softened, moisture-damaged areas
• Woodpeckers: Common in wooded Twin Cities suburbs — they'll drill into cedar siding looking for insects behind it
• Termites: Less common in Minnesota but still a risk, especially in southern suburbs

Cedar is a softwood that moves significantly with moisture changes. In Minnesota, where we go from bone-dry winter air to humid summers, cedar boards can:

• Cup and warp, pulling away from the wall
• Split along the grain, especially at nail points
• Check (develop surface cracks) from UV exposure

Engineered products like LP SmartSide are specifically manufactured to resist these issues because the wood fibers are treated and bonded under pressure, creating dimensional stability that natural cedar can't match.

Not all cedar is created equal. The tight-grained, old-growth western red cedar that built cedar's reputation is increasingly scarce and expensive. Much of what's sold today is faster-grown plantation cedar with wider grain, lower oil content, and reduced durability. Unless you're specifying (and paying for) premium clear-grade cedar, the product you get may not perform like the cedar your neighbor installed 30 years ago.

Harvesting old-growth cedar raises environmental questions. Engineered wood products like LP SmartSide use fast-growth, sustainably harvested wood strands — getting more siding from less timber. For homeowners who factor sustainability into their decisions, this matters.

At Modern Exterior Systems, we install every major siding brand — so we're not pushing one product over another. But after seeing how each performs over 20 Minnesota winters, here's what we steer most homeowners toward when they're considering cedar:

• LP SmartSide — Our top recommendation for homeowners who want real wood texture without cedar's maintenance burden. Engineered wood treated with SmartGuard for rot, termite, and fungal resistance. 50-year substrate warranty. Looks like wood, acts like it was engineered for Minnesota.
• James Hardie Fiber Cement — The gold standard for fire resistance and dimensional stability. ColorPlus factory-applied finish carries a 15-year warranty. Ideal for homeowners who want a clean, modern look with virtually zero rot risk.
• Mastic Vinyl Siding — For budget-conscious homeowners who want zero painting and minimal maintenance. Today's premium vinyl (Mastic by Ply Gem) looks far better than what was installed 20 years ago and carries lifetime warranties.
• Metal Panel & Rain Screen Systems — For contemporary or mixed-material designs. Increasingly popular in the Twin Cities for accent walls and modern exteriors. Zero maintenance and 40+ year lifespan.

Not sure which siding is right for your home? Ask Modern Exterior Systems — we'll bring samples of each product to your home so you can see and feel the difference in person. No pressure, just honest comparisons from a contractor who installs them all.

If you love the cedar shake look on your roof but don't want the maintenance nightmare, there are now premium synthetic and composite options that look virtually identical to real cedar shake — with dramatically better performance and longevity:

• Brava Roof Tile (Composite Cedar Shake) — Made from recycled materials, Brava tiles replicate the look of hand-split cedar shake with Class A fire resistance, Class 4 impact rating (the highest), and a 50-year limited warranty. Zero maintenance. They won't rot, split, curl, or attract insects — all the problems real cedar shake is known for.
• DaVinci Roofscapes (Bellaforté Shake) — Polymer composite shake tiles with incredible color consistency and UV resistance. Available in over 50 colors including multi-width blends that look like a natural cedar roof. Class A fire, Class 4 impact, 50-year warranty. These are one of the most realistic synthetic shakes on the market.
• CeDUR Roofing — Polyurethane synthetic shake designed to look and feel like real cedar. Lightweight (won't require structural reinforcement like some alternatives), Class A fire rated, and rated for sustained winds up to 245 mph. One of the highest-performing synthetic shakes for extreme weather — ideal for Minnesota.
• EDCO Arrowline (Steel Shake) — Coated steel panels that replicate the shake profile. Extremely durable in Minnesota's freeze-thaw conditions, Class 4 impact rated for hail, and virtually maintenance-free. Also available in slate and tile profiles. A great option for homeowners who want steel's longevity with a traditional shake aesthetic.
• United Steel (Stone-Coated Steel) — Stone-coated steel shake panels that combine the durability of steel with a textured, shake-like appearance. Withstands extreme temperature swings, resists hail and high winds, and carries a 50-year warranty. The stone coating provides additional UV protection and authentic texture.

Key advantage of all these options: They eliminate cedar shake's biggest weaknesses — rot, splitting, insect vulnerability, fire risk, and constant maintenance — while preserving the look that drew you to cedar in the first place. Most carry 50-year warranties vs. cedar shake's 20–30 year lifespan (with regular maintenance).

I'm not anti-cedar. There are situations where it's the right choice:

• Historic homes where maintaining original materials matters for character or historical designation
• Accent applications — cedar shakes on a gable end or porch ceiling, combined with lower-maintenance siding elsewhere
• Homeowners who enjoy hands-on maintenance and see regular staining as part of home stewardship
• Budget allows for premium-grade cedar and professional maintenance on a regular schedule

With diligent maintenance (staining every 3–5 years, prompt repairs), cedar siding can last 30–40 years in Minnesota. Without proper maintenance, I've seen it fail in as few as 15 years. The biggest factor is whether moisture gets behind the siding — once it does, deterioration accelerates rapidly.

For most Minnesota homeowners, no. LP SmartSide gives you a similar wood-grain aesthetic at lower upfront cost, with dramatically lower maintenance requirements and better warranty coverage. The 30-year total cost of ownership for cedar is typically 2–3x higher than LP SmartSide.

Individual cedar boards can be replaced, which is one advantage over panel-style siding. However, matching the color and weathering of existing cedar is difficult — new boards will look noticeably different until they weather to match, which can take 1–2 years even with stain matching.

It depends on the market. In upscale Twin Cities neighborhoods where natural materials are expected, well-maintained cedar can add value. But poorly maintained cedar is a red flag for buyers and inspectors — it signals potential hidden moisture damage and upcoming replacement costs.

For homeowners who want the look of real wood without the maintenance burden, LP SmartSide is our top recommendation. It offers authentic wood-grain texture, a 50-year substrate warranty, and requires repainting only every 7–15 years. James Hardie fiber cement is another excellent option if you prefer a smoother finish.

Considering your siding options for your Minnesota home? Schedule a free inspection and consultation with Modern Exterior Systems. We'll show you the real-world differences between cedar, LP SmartSide, Hardie, and vinyl — no pressure, just honest advice. Call (952) 206-6339.