Fiber Cement vs Cedar vs Vinyl: Siding Options for PNW Climate

Choosing the right siding material for your Pacific Northwest home involves balancing cost, aesthetics, maintenance requirements, and most importantly, performance in our uniquely challenging climate. With 150-200 days of measurable precipitation annually in many areas, moisture resistance is not optional but essential. This guide compares the three most popular siding options for PNW homes: fiber cement, cedar, and vinyl.

Fiber Cement Siding: The Performance Leader

Fiber cement siding has become the gold standard for Pacific Northwest homes, and for good reason. Made from Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, this material offers exceptional durability in wet conditions.

Pros: Fiber cement is virtually impervious to moisture damage, rot, and insect infestation. It holds paint exceptionally well, typically requiring repainting only every 12-15 years. The material is non-combustible, offering superior fire resistance. Available in a wide range of styles, it can mimic wood grain, smooth lap siding, or shingle patterns.

Cons: Fiber cement is heavy, requiring skilled installation and potentially additional structural support. It costs more than vinyl both in materials and labor. The material can crack if improperly installed or if subjected to significant impact. Installation requires cutting with special blades that generate silica dust, necessitating proper safety equipment.

Cost: Expect to pay $8-$14 per square foot installed, or $12,000-$21,000 for an average-sized home. Premium brands like James Hardie command the higher end of this range but offer 30-year warranties and proven performance.

Longevity: 40-50 years with proper installation and maintenance. Some fiber cement installations from the 1980s remain in excellent condition today.

Western Red Cedar: Natural Beauty with Natural Requirements

Cedar siding has a long history in the Pacific Northwest, where Western Red Cedar grows abundantly. Its natural beauty and organic aesthetic appeal to many homeowners.

Pros: Cedar contains natural oils that resist rot and insects, making it well-suited to our damp climate when properly maintained. The wood offers excellent insulation value and a distinctive, warm appearance that ages gracefully to silver-gray if left untreated. Cedar is environmentally sustainable when sourced from certified forests and is fully biodegradable at end of life.

Cons: Cedar requires consistent maintenance to preserve its appearance and longevity. Without regular staining or sealing, the wood becomes vulnerable to moisture penetration, especially on north-facing walls. Paint does not adhere as well to cedar as to fiber cement, often requiring more frequent recoating. The material is combustible and may not meet fire codes in some wildfire-prone areas.

Cost: Quality cedar siding runs $9-$16 per square foot installed, comparable to or slightly higher than fiber cement. However, ongoing maintenance costs over the siding’s lifespan often exceed the initial savings compared to lower-maintenance alternatives.

Longevity: 20-40 years depending heavily on maintenance. Poorly maintained cedar can fail in as few as 15 years in the PNW climate.

Vinyl Siding: The Budget-Friendly Option

Vinyl siding remains popular for its low cost and minimal maintenance requirements. Modern vinyl products have improved significantly from earlier generations.

Pros: Vinyl is the most affordable siding option, both in materials and installation. It never needs painting and cleans easily with a garden hose. The material is completely moisture-resistant and will not rot or support insect infestation. Modern vinyl comes in numerous colors and profiles, including convincing wood-grain textures.

Cons: Vinyl can become brittle and crack in cold temperatures, a consideration for homes in the Cascade foothills or eastern Washington. The material melts when exposed to heat sources like grills placed too close to the house. Color is integral to the material, meaning faded vinyl cannot be painted easily. Vinyl expands and contracts significantly with temperature changes, requiring careful installation techniques. Some homeowners find it looks less premium than other options.

Cost: Vinyl siding costs $4-$8 per square foot installed, making it roughly half the cost of fiber cement or cedar. For a typical home, expect to pay $6,000-$12,000 for complete residing.

Longevity: 20-30 years for quality vinyl products. Premium insulated vinyl siding may last longer.

Moisture and Rot Resistance Comparison

In the perpetually damp Pacific Northwest, moisture resistance separates successful siding installations from failures. Fiber cement leads here, as it cannot absorb water or rot under any circumstances. Vinyl shares this complete moisture immunity. Cedar occupies a middle ground, offering good resistance when maintained but vulnerability when protection lapses.

All three materials require proper installation with adequate water management behind the siding. House wrap, flashing at windows and doors, and proper caulking matter regardless of siding choice.

Aesthetic Options

Fiber cement offers the widest range of looks, from traditional lap siding to board-and-batten, shingles, and modern panel profiles. Factory finishes provide consistent color and excellent durability. Cedar provides unmatched natural warmth and can be stained any color or left to weather naturally. Vinyl has improved dramatically, with premium products offering convincing wood-grain textures, though close inspection reveals its synthetic nature.

Environmental Considerations

Cedar is the most environmentally friendly option when sustainably sourced, as it is renewable, biodegradable, and requires minimal processing. Fiber cement uses abundant natural materials but involves energy-intensive manufacturing. Vinyl is petroleum-based and not recyclable through standard channels, though it is extremely durable and long-lasting.

Installation Complexity

Vinyl is the easiest material to install, suitable for skilled DIY homeowners. Fiber cement requires professional installation due to its weight, cutting requirements, and the need for proper flashing and sealing at every joint. Cedar falls between, with installation accessible to experienced DIYers but benefiting from professional expertise.

Making Your Decision

For most Pacific Northwest homeowners, fiber cement siding offers the best combination of durability, aesthetics, and long-term value. Those with limited budgets may find vinyl a practical choice, especially on secondary structures or rental properties. Cedar remains ideal for homeowners who appreciate natural materials and commit to the maintenance required to preserve their investment.

Consider your home’s exposure to weather, your maintenance preferences, your budget both upfront and long-term, and the look that best complements your home’s architecture. A qualified siding contractor familiar with PNW conditions can provide specific recommendations based on your situation.