Naturally rot- and insect-resistant, beautiful aging, and unbeatable warmth. Left natural it silvers gracefully; oiled, it keeps its glow. Expect modest maintenance every few years — the price of the best-looking wall in the forest.
Horizontal lines, excellent water shedding, and wide material choice from fibre-cement to engineered wood. Fibre-cement lap is fire-resistant, dimensionally stable and nearly maintenance-free — a strong pick for rental units where durability beats sentiment.
Vertical boards with sealed battens deliver strong shadow lines and a contemporary-rustic character that photographs beautifully — one reason it anchors several of our own exteriors. Vertical orientation also sheds water efficiently.
The best exteriors combine textures — board-and-batten body with cedar accents, or dark lap with a warm timber entry. Whatever the face, what’s behind it matters more: rain-screen assembly, sealed penetrations, and steel framing that never warps the plane.
Originally published on the HomeSmart Living journal · June 2, 2025
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