If you're looking to give your house a renovation, choosing 1x8 tongue and groove exterior siding is definitely one of the smartest moves a person can make. There's just something regarding the way individuals long, clean outlines click together that will makes a house look finished and high-end. Whether you're opting for that cozy mountain cabin vibe or perhaps a sleek, contemporary farmhouse look, this particular specific kind of siding is a bit of a chameleon—it matches in just about anyplace.
One of the biggest reasons individuals gravitate toward the particular 1x8 profile is definitely the scale. The 1x6 can sometimes look a small too busy since there are more joints to check out, while a 1x10 or 1x12 can occasionally feel overwhelming on a smaller home. The 1x8 hits that will "just right" special spot. It offers an extensive enough face to exhibit off the natural grain of the wood but keeps things small enough to look structured.
Exactly what exactly are you getting with the 1x8?
Just before you start ordering stacks of wood, it's worth observing that "1x8" is really a nominal size. In case you've done any DIY work before, you know the particular drill: a 2x4 isn't actually two inches by 4 inches. In the world of 1x8 tongue and groove exterior siding , your own boards are generally about 3/4 of an inch heavy. The width is how it gets a little tricky. While the board might become roughly 7 in order to 7-1/4 inches wide, you have to account for the "tongue" that slides into the next board's "groove. "
What you're really interested in is the "reveal"—that's fault the particular board you actually notice once it's installed. Typically, having a 1x8, you're looking at a visible face of about 6-1/2 to 6-3/4 inches. Keep that in mind when you're calculating just how much square footage you need to cover, or you'll end up a few boards short right at the finish line, which is usually never a fun Saturday afternoon.
Why the tongue and groove style works so properly
The actual magic is in the joint itself. In contrast to ship-lap, where the particular boards just overlap, or board-and-batten, where you need to include the gaps along with strips, tongue and groove (often known as T& G) hair together. This generates a very steady surface. Because the particular boards are interlocked, they're less likely to cup or warp with time in comparison to simpler styles.
Another massive plus? Blind nailing. Because associated with the way the pieces match together, it is possible to drive your nails via the "tongue" just before sliding the next board's "groove" over it. This hides the nail mind completely. You get this beautiful, fastener-free appearance that makes the whole wall look like one seamless piece of craftsmanship. It's a small detail, but it's one of all those things that really isolates a professional-looking job from a rushed one particular.
Choosing the right material for the climate
You've got options when it comes to the "stuff" your own siding is made of. A lot of people go for wood, yet even then, there's a big distinction between species.
Western Red Cedar is pretty very much the gold standard for 1x8 tongue and groove exterior siding . It's naturally resistant to decay and bugs, which is a big deal when it's sitting away in the rainfall and sun almost all year. Plus, this smells amazing and takes stain like a dream. If you would like that classic wood look that'll final for decades, planks is usually the way to go, though it'll definitely set you back a little bit more upfront.
Pine or even Spruce are the more budget-friendly cousins. They will look wonderful, but they will don't have the natural oils that cedar has to fight off decay. In the event that you go this particular route, you have got to be spiritual about sealing or even painting it. In the event that you're planning on painting your siding a great color anyway, a high-quality handled pine can save you some serious cash without sacrificing the appearance.
Then you will find the composites and thermally modified woods . These are getting really popular lately because they're almost "set it and forget it. " They don't expand and contract as much since raw wood will, which means your color or stain lasts longer. They're the bit more associated with an investment, yet if you detest the idea of climbing a step ladder to restain your own house every five years, they're worth a look.
Horizontal or top to bottom? The best debate
This is how you obtain to be the architect. Most people install 1x8 tongue and groove exterior siding flat. It's a vintage appearance that makes a home feel wider and more grounded. It's also generally simpler to shed water by doing this, as the grooves point downward.
But lately, I've been seeing even more people flipping it 90 degrees and going vertical. Installing it vertically can make an one-story home feel very much taller and even more modern. It's a best selling choice for gables or accent walls. Just a heads-up: in case you go up and down, you'll need in order to make sure your "blocking" (the horizontal framing behind the particular siding) is solid so you have something to nail in to.
Installation ideas I've learned the particular hard way
If you're tackling this like a DIY project, or even in case you're just keeping an eye on your contractor, there are a several things that could make or break the job.
First, back-priming is definitely non-negotiable . We can't stress this particular enough. If you only paint or even stain the front side of the boards, moisture will ultimately get into the back and trigger the wood in order to swell or maybe the surface finish to peel. It's a pain within the neck in order to paint the back again of every single table before they move up, but you'll thank yourself within ten years.
Second, don't jam the boards together too tightly. Wooden is a residing material—it breathes. It's likely to expand when it's humid and shrink when it's dry. If you hammer them jointly as tight because they'll go during a dry spell, they'll buckle and pop when the particular first big rainstorm hits. Leave just a tiny bit of breathing in room in the joint.
Finally, pay attention to your "v-joint. " Most 1x8 tongue and groove exterior siding functions a "V" form where the boards meet. This helps hide the inevitable movement of the particular wood and adds a nice darkness line that provides the wall some texture. Make sure those lines stay level as you move up the walls. A laser degree is your greatest friend here; normally, you might discover your lines are usually an inch higher on one side of the house than the various other by the period you reach the particular eaves.
Keeping it looking clean
Your greatest siding needs a small love. If you proceeded to go with a natural stain, you're most likely looking at a refresh every several to 5 years depending on how much sun hits that side associated with the house. Painted siding can proceed much longer, frequently 10 to 15 years in case you used a high-quality item.
The best thing you can do for your 1x8 tongue and groove exterior siding will be to keep this dry. Make certain your gutters are usually clean and that your sprinklers aren't blasting the bottom of the house every morning. If you notice any mould or mildew, a gentle wash along with a soft clean and some slight soap usually clears it right upward. Just avoid the temptation to shot it having a high-pressure power washer, as that can push water deep in to the wood fibers and do more harm than good.
Is it worthy of the investment?
All in all, siding is one of the particular biggest visual parts of your home. It's the first thing people see whenever they pull in to the driveway. Whilst 1x8 tongue and groove exterior siding might be more expensive than simple vinyl or T1-11 sheets, the value it adds to your home's curb appeal—and its resale value—is huge.
There's a timeless high quality to it. It doesn't feel like a "trend" that's likely to look went out with in five years. It's sturdy, it's beautiful, and this gives a house the sense of permanence. If you're prepared to do the preparation work and keep up with the particular maintenance, it's a choice you're heading to be delighted with for any lengthy, long time.