Materials Matter: Evaluating wood-look options.

Fiber Cement

Considered to be durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance, fiber cement siding is a composite material made mostly of recycled wood fibers and cement. As a widely available option, fiber cement is the most commonly used product in residential and commercial construction. Its quality assurance and ability to be pre-finished and painted before installation makes fiber cement popular when limiting steps in the construction process. The standard product comes with a smooth or cedar mill finish that is painted, however, there are options that take the material further to give it a faux wood appearance. Woodtone and Nichiha are two popular examples.

Woodtone

One of the most economical options, Woodtone is fiber cement siding and panels.

Pros

• It is good for large exterior coverage areas.
• It comes in a wide variety of colors.

Cons

• It doesn’t offer the best aesthetic or texture for close-up interactions.
• The two-tone appearance doesn’t mimic real wood tones and grain well.

Nichiha

A tier above Woodtone, it is typically used for fiber cement panels. It has a more homogenous and recessed texture and comes in panels with breakpoints.

Pros

• It is good for large coverage areas.
• It offers an acceptable texture for closer viewing or touching.

Cons

• The panel break lines limit the aesthetic opportunities.
• There is a limited wood tone variety.

Wood-Look Aluminum Siding

As a more contemporary choice, aluminum products have recently expanded to include faux wood finishes and minor textures. These products offer a sleek but long-lasting option for projects that want to stand out. It can also be used as an alternative to fiber cement when required by local design boards. Most products come in panels or planks and produce an attractive straight-lined, grid aesthetic.

Longboard and FastPlank

Architectural metal panels with printed wood surface.

Pros

• It is good for large coverage areas.
• Durable in any weather condition.
• Has a smoother face and a reflective look.
• Available in planks or panels.
• Offers a wide variety of wood-look finishes.

Cons

• Panel break lines limit the aesthetic opportunities.
• Wood grain finishes are repeated after maximum increments are achieved.
• Higher initial cost than fiber cement.
• Never achieves the same depth, shadow, and texture as real wood.

Thermally modified wood

This option uses heat (around 215-350 degrees) and steam in a kiln to remove organic compounds. The modern version started in Finland in the 1990s. The origin story possibly dates to fire-treated wood used by the Vikings for rot resistance. Ash (chocolate color) and pine (honey color) are the most common species. The wood will stay gray when exposed to sunlight over time.

Pros

• The process makes the wood water, pest, and rot-resistant.
• Wood becomes more rigid due to the process, so it won’t warp as easily over time (50-90% less than regular wood).
• The product isn’t impacted by fluctuations in humidity.
• It offers a palette of rich brown tones and retains the grain of a variety of wood species.

Cons

• The process decreases the strength by 30%.
• The process browns the woods, so many of the species end up looking similar.
• Susceptible to splitting and flaking.
• Burns easier than regular wood from lack of moisture.

Acetylated Wood

First patented in 1930, the process soaks wood in acetate to remove all living cellulose and leaves behind the lignin. The chemicals used are non-toxic and are not present in the wood after processing.

Pros

• Water, pest, and rot resistant.
• Dimensionally stable.
• Since heat is not used during the process, it does not check or split.
• Finishes and stains can be applied over the top.
• Longer paint life.
• More favorable in extreme weather conditions compared to thermally modified products.
• Retains similar color and grain to the virgin wood.

Cons

• Easier to damage and scratch than fiber cement products.
• It is the most expensive of the modified wood products.
• There is some purchase hesitancy due to the use of chemicals in the production process.

Carbonized (yakisugi or shou sugi ban)

This process was started in Japan during the 18th century. The wood is charred to burn off the living cellulose and leave behind the lignin of the wood. The original process is called yakisugi. Shou sugi ban is a mispronunciation and is used in the West as the product name for any wood that has been charred to improve its function or aesthetic. It is traditionally used with cedar or cypress species. The wood is oiled or sealed to maintain a charred look. If allowed to naturally decay, the charring will weather over time to expose the wood.

Pros

• Fire resistant.
• Water, pest, and rot resistant.
• Accentuates wood color and grain on burned or brushed products.
• There is added texture when charring is left on the wood. Can look like alligator scales.
• Different gradients of the burn-look range from slightly darker grain to completely black and charred.
• Can be applied to virgin, thermally modified, and acetylated wood products.

Cons

• Charring can be easily scratched off with sharp objects.
• Requires oiling or additional sealant if the user wants to keep the charred layer (every 10-15 years).
• Requires more care during installation to limit product damage.

HiKara Timber (yakisugi)

This product was created by AG’s Mitch Lampe and is an innovation to the traditional Japanese yakisugi process. Wood is burned with prescribed patterns to improve both the longevity and aesthetic qualities of the boards. Instead of using solely a radiant burn, heat is embossed into the wood conductively and exacerbates the water, rot, pest, and fire-resistant properties.

Pros

• Fire resistant.
• Water, pest, and rot resistant.
• Accentuates wood color and grain on burned or brushed products.
• Customized patterns can be added to give the wood more texture, sound absorption, and originality.
• Different gradients of the burn-look range from slightly darker grain to completely black and charred.
• Can be applied to virgin, thermally modified, and acetylated wood products.
• Boards can be entirely burned with the pattern or accentuated with just the black pattern itself.

Cons

• Charring can be easily scratched off with sharp objects.
• Requires oiling or additional sealant if the user wants to keep the charred layer (every 10-15 years).
• Requires more care during installation to limit product damage.
• Possible dust collection in deeper patterns.