Wood siding is very versatile in style and can be used on a wide variety of building structures. Wood siding can also be painted or stained in any color. Wood siding installation and repair is relatively simple, however wood siding requires much more maintenance than other popular solutions, and requires treatment every four to nine years depending on the climate and the intensity of the elements it was exposed to.
Ants and termites are also a threat to many types of wood siding, and so the cost for treatment and maintenance can significantly increase in pest-infested areas. Wood is a moderately renewable resource though and is even biodegradable. Unfortunately, most paints and stains used to treat wood can be toxic and harm the environment. Wood siding can provide some minor insulation and structural properties compared to thinner cladding materials.