I have a 1970s house with cedar siding that has seen better days. Over the years, birds have really done a number on it. They've created some gaps at the corners, made large holes all the way through to the insulation, and left small holes scattered around. I've patched some of the larger holes, but I couldn't match the stain perfectly, leading to some uneven coloring. There are still many small holes that need attention. My question is, should I try to repair everything myself, hire a professional for the job, or just bite the bullet and replace all the siding? I'm concerned because we plan to sell the house eventually, and our market expects high-quality finishes.
2 Answers
I'd recommend going for a solid opaque stain to help cover up the mismatched colors. It really gives it a fresh look! But what about all those small holes? Wood filler could work for those. Just patch them up before staining to ensure everything blends nicely.
I feel you! I'm in the same situation with my cedar shakes and clapboard. When I got my house, it had some serious woodpecker damage, but I managed to patch the holes using WoodEpox and Minwax Wood Filler. To save costs, I hired a local contractor for the parts that needed actual replacement, and it ended up saving me a ton—almost $40,000! Replacing everything was just way too much. Everything looks great now, and you can’t even tell where the repairs were after painting. Just stick with a solid stain, and you should have a fantastic outcome, too!
Thank you, this is really helpful!