Is Cedar or Redwood Better For Colorado Home Siding?
When it comes to choosing wood siding for your Colorado home, two standout options are cedar and redwood. Both are beautiful, durable, and naturally resistant to decay—but how do you decide which one is right for your project?
At Front Range Lumber, we sell premium cedar and redwood siding. We help homeowners, builders, and contractors choose the siding that is right for their needs and budget.
Below we’ll compare the two species across key categories: durability, appearance, maintenance, cost, and regional suitability.
Siding Durability in Colorado’s Climate.
Colorado’s weather is tough on exterior materials—dry summers, heavy snowfall, high UV exposure, and fluctuating temperatures.
- Cedar is known for its excellent dimensional stability and resistance to rot, especially western red cedar. It performs well in Colorado's arid conditions and resists warping or cracking.
- Redwood is equally durable, with higher natural tannins that offer added protection against insects and decay. Its superior resistance to moisture makes it a good choice in wetter mountain regions.
Bottom line: Both woods hold up well in Colorado, but redwood edges out slightly in pest and moisture resistance, while cedar is more widely used in drier zones like the Front Range.
Siding Appearance and Grain.
Both species offer warm, natural aesthetics that improve with age.
- Cedar comes in a range of tones from light amber to reddish brown, often with more pronounced knots depending on the grade. It pairs beautifully with rustic, mountain-style homes.
- Redwood tends to have a richer, deeper red tone with a more uniform grain. It’s favored for modern designs and homes looking for a high-end natural finish.
Bottom line: Choose cedar for more rustic character or redwood for sleek, refined visual appeal.
Siding Maintenance.
To maintain the beauty and longevity of any wood siding, proper care is essential.
- Cedar should be sealed or stained every few years, especially if exposed to direct sunlight.
- Redwood requires similar maintenance, though its denser grain and tannins can slow weathering slightly.
Both species benefit from UV-blocking finishes and regular inspections for mold or mildew.
Bottom line: Maintenance needs are similar. The key is using high-quality finishes and reapplying them as needed.
Cost and Availability.
- Cedar is generally more affordable and readily available in Colorado. Front Range Lumber stocks a wide range of cedar profiles and grades, making it an easy choice for budget-conscious projects.
- Redwood is less common and tends to be more expensive due to limited regional availability. However, for homeowners looking for standout curb appeal, the extra cost may be worth it.
Bottom line: Cedar offers a better value for most Denver area homes, but redwood delivers unmatched elegance if your budget allows.
Siding Styles.
Use cedar for cabin-style homes, mountain retreats, or traditional architecture.
Use redwood to elevate contemporary or upscale residential exteriors.
All wood siding comes in a wide variety of sizes, patterns, wood types, grades, and lengths. Front Range Lumber can get any wood siding milled to match your existing siding.
House Siding Tips and Recommendations.
Learn more about our wood siding options here. Refer to this page for helpful tips and recommendations when planning your project.
Which Home Siding Should You Choose?
If you're looking for cost-effective, durable, and attractive wood that works well in most Colorado environments, cedar is your best bet. But if you want a premium material with striking color and exceptional longevity, redwood is a standout.
At Front Range Lumber, we’re here to help you explore your options. We offer a full selection of cedar and redwood, from shiplap and tongue-and-groove to lap siding and more.
Whether you’re remodeling or building new, we’ll help you choose the right wood siding for your vision and budget!
Want to know more about cedar and redwood lumber?
Find out more about Redwood Lumber.
Find out more about Cedar Lumber.
Why Choose Front Range Lumber Company?
With two convenient locations in Lakewood and Fort Lupton, Front Range Lumber is the Front Range's trusted source for quality building materials for over 60 years!
Our knowledgeable staff can help you select the best product for your home project, offer expert advice, and provide delivery right to your home or job site.
Have questions?
Contact us online, or stop by one of our locations for expert advice. You can also give one of our locations a call:
LAKEWOOD: 1741 S. Wadsworth Blvd.📞 303-988-5980
FORT LUPTON: 805 14th Street 📞 720-683-7162
Build Smarter, Build Stronger with Front Range Lumber.
We Supply Home Siding For These Areas: Arvada, Aurora, Bailey, Castle Rock, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Denver, Englewood, Golden, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, Morrison, Pine, Roxborough, and Sedalia from our Lakewood lumberyard.
We Supply Home Siding For These Areas: Bennett, Berthoud, Boulder, Brighton, Broomfield, Commerce City, Dacono, Firestone, Fort Lupton, Frederick, Greeley, Hudson, Johnstown, Keenesberg, LaSalle, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville, Loveland, Platteville, Superior, Watkins, and Westminster from our Fort Lupton lumberyard.
