We are seeing more and more people renovating structures and turning them into tiny houses. Anything from trailers on wheels, bus conversion to old sprinter vans- everything is so unique! Many people start the building process without a lot of construction knowledge and without knowing the best type of wood siding to install on their tiny house. Hopefully this guide is a good resource to help guide you through the process.
Choosing which type of wood siding to use for your tiny house is a big decision. It is one of the first things people see when viewing your new home. Let’s talk about the most common types of wood siding first:
Tiny House Wood Siding
This is the most traditional route to go when deciding on the siding materials for your tiny house. It has been the go-to material for centuries, for good reason. While it is the most traditional and common- there are many options to consider within wood siding.
Channel Wood Siding
Channel siding gives tiny house owners ever changing style options with a consistently rustic look. This profile is most commonly installed horizontally, however, you also can create unique visual effects by installing it vertically, diagonally, or as a combination of all three. You can also count on channel siding to hold up to the elements and last for years and years. Because of its unique profile, channel siding encourages water and snow runoff in wet weather and provides excellent breathability throughout the year.
Bevel Wood Siding
Some people may know this profile by the name of clapboard, which has been protecting and making homes beautiful for centuries. Bevel siding is the most widely-used wood siding on the market. It’s available in clear and knotty grades and has pieces that are thicker on one edge than the other. Bevel wood siding has one face saw textured and the other face of the siding is smooth or saw textured, depending on the grade and customer preference. Bevel siding is typically installed horizontally and withstands the weather in Colorado.
Shiplap Wood Siding
With the overlapping board design of shiplap wood siding, it enables the siding to withstand cooler climates and provides great insulation. If you’re looking to save money on your heating bill, shiplap can help get the job done. Shiplap wood siding is easy to install, long lasting and can be used in a variety of different ways. Any level of builder can install it and you’ll only need a hammer and saw to get the job done. When correctly installed and maintained, shiplap wood siding will last for years to come, so you can count on it for maximum protection against the elements!
Tongue and Groove Wood Siding
Tongue and groove wood siding consists of wood boards together, edge to edge which allows two flat pieces to be joined tightly together, making a single flat surface. It is solid wood, precision milled and reversible- giving you more options for your specific preferences. Installation is also super easy- even a builder without any experience can install it! T&G wood siding can be installed horizontally or vertically. If installing horizontally, start at the bottom and work up with the groove edges facing downwards for the best results.
Log Lap Wood Siding
Log lap wood siding is an excellent option to create to look of a real log home. It is more cost-effective than using real logs, because it is mass produced and milled to be easily installed. And the siding material is easier to install than real logs, so your installation costs will also be lower. Adding log lap wood siding to your tiny home will greatly increase your home’s value, help with insulation and save your money on energy costs. Because log lap wood siding is made from real wood, you do not have to paint or stain the siding, unless your want to.
Hopefully, Wood Siding Options for your Tiny Home Part One has been helpful in determining which profile of wood siding is best for your tiny home. Stay tuned for Part Two, where we discuss the different species of wood siding available, as well as touch on some common non wood siding options in Part Three of the series!
