Cedar remains one of the most requested cladding materials in residential construction because it blends natural beauty with impressive performance. When installed correctly, cedar resists moisture, insects and harsh weather while creating an unmistakable curb-appeal boost. At CountBricks, our estimating engine sees a steady rise in queries for cedar siding packages, and our field crews complete dozens of installs every quarter. In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through how to hang cedar siding the CountBricks way—from digital takeoff to final punch-list—so you can deliver flawless results on every project.
• Upload your architectural drawings to CountBricks.com/services
• Our AI instantly detects wall dimensions, window openings and corner details
• Receive a material breakdown that factors in board width, reveal, waste and starter strips
This process replaces hours of manual measurement and eliminates the guesswork that often leads to costly overruns.
1. Open the CountBricks Voice Console
2. Describe the project scope in natural language
3. Review real-time pricing for labor, fasteners, flashing and finishes
The system updates line items as you speak, so clients see a transparent cost structure before the first board ships.
• Kiln-dried cedar siding (bevel, channel or tongue-and-groove depending on design)
• Stainless-steel ring-shank nails or self-tapping screws
• Weather-resistive barrier and vapor-permeable house wrap
• 1x3 or 1x4 vertical furring strips for rainscreen spacing
• Flashing tape for window and door openings
• Corrosion-resistant starter strip
CountBricks sourcing specialists secure volume pricing on these SKUs and sync the exact quantities to your project timeline.
• Inspect sheathing for flatness and fasten loose panels
• Install house wrap horizontally, shingling layers to shed water
• Seal penetrations with flashing tape
• Attach furring strips vertically at 16-inch centers
• Leave a ¾-inch gap at the bottom for air intake, protected by bug screen
• This cavity boosts drying potential and prolongs coating life
1. Snap a level chalk line six inches from grade or as specified
2. Fasten the metal or cedar starter strip along the line
3. Confirm level accuracy—any error compounds over the next rows
• Position the first board with the thick edge down for bevel siding
• Face-nail near the top of the board so the next course hides fasteners
• Maintain consistent reveal; CountBricks laser spacers speed this step
• Stagger joints a minimum of 24 inches
• Slip metal Z-flashing above window and door casings
• Back-prime end cuts and butt joints with a quality sealant
1. Apply penetrating oil stain or solid color acrylic within two weeks of install
2. Back-brush to saturate end grain
3. Log coating data in the CountBricks maintenance tracker for future touch-ups
• Nailing too tight: Cedar likes to move; leave a hairline gap between nail head and board
• Skipping rainscreen: Direct fastening traps moisture and accelerates decay
• Uneven reveals: Use CountBricks reveal gauges to maintain flawless lines
• Ignoring acclimation: Store boards on site for 5-7 days under cover before installation
Our crews perform a 24-point inspection that includes moisture readings, fastener spacing audits and coating thickness verification. The results sync automatically to your CountBricks project dashboard, creating a digital record for warranty and homeowner education.
If your project involves curved walls, extreme coastal exposure or custom stain recipes, schedule a consultation at CountBricks.com/consultation. Our team can fabricate specialty corner boards, source graded Select Tight Knot cedar or pre-finish boards off-site to compress the schedule.
Knowing how to hang cedar siding is equal parts craftsmanship and preparation. With CountBricks’ AI-powered estimating, on-site QA protocols and seasoned installation crews, you can guarantee every cedar facade stands the test of time while elevating property value. Ready to start? Visit CountBricks.com/services and let’s build something remarkable together.
CountBricks recently partnered with a homeowner in Brooklyn who wanted to replace aging vinyl cladding with sustainably harvested western red cedar. Using our AI takeoff engine, we generated a material list accurate to within 1.8 %—well below the industry’s typical 10 % variance. The client approved the voice-generated estimate in real time, and we secured lumber delivery in 48 hours.
• Rainscreen depth increased by ¼-inch after moisture simulation predicted high vapor loads
• Custom-milled 1x6 bevel boards pre-finished off-site, shortening install time by 30 %
• Integrated smart flashing sensors tied to the CountBricks dashboard for ongoing humidity monitoring
1. Air leakage reduced by 18 % verified through blower-door testing
2. Exterior maintenance cycle extended from 4 to 7 years thanks to optimal coating thickness
3. Property appraisal rose by $42,000 upon project completion
• Trust the data: Accurate takeoffs prevent over-ordering premium cedar
• Ventilate generously: A robust rainscreen is insurance against hidden moisture
• Document everything: CountBricks’ digital QA records protect both contractor and homeowner
If you’re tackling a similar transformation, reach out at CountBricks.com/consultation. Our team can replicate these successes on your next residential build or remodel.
