Add authentic character to your Ottawa home with quality wood siding. Professional installation, painting, staining, and restoration. Built to last with proper maintenance.
Authentic Appearance
Nothing replicates the warmth and character of real wood. Wood ages beautifully and develops patina that adds to its charm.
Design Flexibility
Wood comes in numerous profiles, thicknesses, and species. You can create custom looks that are difficult or impossible with other materials.
Sustainability
Wood is a renewable resource when sustainably harvested. It's recyclable and biodegradable at end of life.
Classic Appeal
Wood siding never goes out of style. Historic homes, cottages, farmhouses—wood siding is timeless.
Thermal Performance
Wood provides some insulation value and thermal mass that helps moderate temperature swings.
Repairability
Individual boards can be replaced without replacing entire sections. Damage is often repairable rather than requiring replacement.
Aesthetic Value
Wood siding increases curb appeal and property value for discerning buyers who appreciate authentic materials.
Premium Species
| Species | Characteristics | Durability | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar | Straight grain, beautiful color, naturally decay-resistant | 15-30 years with maintenance | $$$ | Premium homes, coastal areas |
| Redwood | Rich color, fine grain, naturally rot-resistant | 15-30 years with maintenance | $$$ | High-end homes, specialty designs |
| Spruce | Light color, fine grain, needs more maintenance | 15-25 years with paint/stain | $ | Cottage/farmhouse style |
| Pine | Fine grain, works well with paint, most common | 15-20 years with maintenance | $$ | Traditional homes, painted finishes |
| Hemlock | Similar to pine, good paint base | 15-20 years with maintenance | $$ | Traditional designs |
| Oak | Heavy, strong, beautiful grain | 15-25 years with maintenance | $$$ | Specialty applications |
Popular Profiles
| Profile | Style | Application | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clapboard | Overlapping horizontal boards | Traditional, most common | Classic profile for most homes |
| Board & Batten | Vertical boards with battens | Vertical emphasis, barn-style | Modern farmhouse look |
| V-Groove | Boards with V-joint between | Cottage, cabin style | Distinctive weathered appearance |
| Shiplap | Interlocking boards | Rustic, farmhouse | Trending for contemporary designs |
| Shingles | Individual shingles like roofing | Upper story, accent areas | Premium aesthetic effect |
| Channel Siding | Smooth rabbeted edges | Seamless appearance | Modern traditional look |
We inspect existing condition, identify any rot or damage, and plan the installation approach.
Carefully remove existing siding. We inspect substrate for rot, water damage, or structural issues.
Any rot, damaged sheathing, or structural issues are repaired before new wood goes on.
Felt paper or house wrap creates secondary moisture barrier—critical for wood siding performance.
Flashing around windows, doors, and corners prevents water from entering behind siding.
Bottom starter board establishes proper slope and alignment for all subsequent courses.
Courses installed from bottom up with proper overlap. Fastening allows for wood movement as it seasons.
End joints, corners, and transitions sealed to prevent water intrusion.
First coat of quality primer and paint or stain applied at factory or on-site.
Corner boards, trim, and all finishing details installed and sealed.
Second coat applied for proper coverage and protection.
All debris removed. Your home is left clean and ready for years of beauty.
Painting & Staining Schedule
Spring Inspection
Summer Maintenance
Fall Preparation
Winter Protection
Professional Painting/Staining
Painted Wood
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Cost: More expensive per painting cycle
Best for: Homes wanting vibrant colors or where wood grain isn't the feature
Stained Wood
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Cost: Slightly less per restaining cycle
Best for: Homes where wood character and beauty is the design goal
Our Recommendation
Either can work beautifully with proper maintenance. Choose stain for authentic character and wood beauty. Choose paint for color options and potentially longer intervals between applications.
Wood vs. Vinyl
Wood vs. Metal
Wood vs. Fiber Cement
Cedar (Recommended)
Redwood (Premium Choice)
Painted Spruce or Pine (Budget Option)
Avoid for Ottawa:
Bottom Line:
Cedar is the best choice for Ottawa. It's rot-resistant, handles our climate well, and develops beautiful patina. The higher initial cost is justified by longevity and performance.
Winter Challenges
Spring/Fall Challenges
Summer Challenges
Maintenance Intensity
Wood siding is higher maintenance in Ottawa's harsh climate than in milder climates. This isn't a drawback if you're committed to the upkeep—it's just reality.
We've installed and restored wood siding on hundreds of Ottawa homes. We understand the climate challenges and proper maintenance.
We source quality wood and offer various species and profiles to match your design vision.
Correct fastening, water barriers, and flashing ensure wood siding performs for decades.
We offer professional painting and staining services to keep your wood beautiful and protected.
We integrate wood siding with proper drainage systems and flashing to prevent water damage.
We provide guidance on painting schedules and maintenance for long-term performance.
Licensed & Insured
Full insurance coverage and proper licensing protect you and your home.
Contact Burnham Brothers for professional service and expert assessment.