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My name is Tom Lopatosky. I'm the President of LOPCO Contracting (www.LopcoContracting.com) and I'm honored to have the opportunity to talk to you about home improvement on a monthly basis. I love answering your questions! Please send them to tom@LopcoContracting.com or call 401-270-2664. Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this column!

What Is The Best Material For Exterior Trim To Be Made Out Of?

We replace A LOT of trim on the exterior of people’s homes, most often due to wood that has rotted out.

One of the most common questions we get asked in working through this process is: “What is the best material to replace the rotted trim with to best prevent future rot?”

My answer to this is either red cedar (wood) or composite – two very different types of building materials!

When deciding between red cedar and composite for exterior trim, it’s important to consider factors like durability, appearance, maintenance, and cost. Each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at red cedar and composite and ideas that help generate the most informed approach.

Red Cedar

Red cedar is a type of wood known for its natural beauty and durability. It has been used in construction for many years and is definitely popular for exterior trim.

Advantages

• Appearance: Red cedar has a warm, natural look with beautiful grain patterns. It can be painted or stained to match your home’s style.
• Natural Resistance: Red cedar is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects. This makes it a good choice for outdoor use.
• Environmentally Friendly: Red cedar is a renewable resource and biodegradable, making it a green choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.

Disadvantages:

• Maintenance: Red cedar requires regular maintenance. You need to paint or stain it every few years to protect it from the weather.
• Cost: Red cedar can be more expensive than some other types of wood.
• Weathering: Over time, red cedar can weather and change color if not properly maintained. It can also change shape to some degree if exposed to extreme weather conditions.

Composite

Composite trim is made from a mix of wood fibers and plastic. It’s designed to look like wood but with added durability.

Advantages:

• Durability: Composite is highly resistant to rot, insects, and weather damage. It doesn’t warp, crack, or split as easily as wood.
• Low Maintenance: Composite doesn’t need to be painted or stained, although you can if you want to change its color (and it typically holds paints and stains better than most wood does!). It keeps its appearance for a long time with minimal upkeep.
• Consistency: Composite trim pieces are uniform in appearance, without the natural variations found in wood. This can be beneficial for achieving a consistent look.

Disadvantages:

• Appearance: While composite is designed to look like wood, some people feel it doesn’t have the same natural beauty or warmth as real wood.
• Cost: Composite trim can be more expensive initially than wood, but it may save money in the long run due to lower maintenance costs.
• Environmental Impact: Composite materials are often made from a mix of recycled and new materials. While some composites are environmentally friendly, others may not be as green as cedar.

Comparing Red Cedar and Composite:

When choosing between cedar and composite for exterior trim, consider the following factors:

• Durability:
  • Red Cedar: Naturally durable and resistant to insects and decay, but can still be affected by extreme weather.
  • Composite: Extremely durable, resists rot, insects, and weathering better than red cedar.

• Maintenance:
  • Red Cedar: Requires painting or staining every so often to maintain its appearance and protect it from the elements.
  • Composite: Low maintenance, usually just needs occasional cleaning to keep it looking good.

• Appearance:
  • Red Cedar: Offers a natural, warm look with unique grain patterns. Can be painted or stained for a custom look.
  • Composite: Designed to look like wood, but may not have the same natural beauty. Available in a variety of colors and finishes.

• Cost:
  • Red Cedar & Composite, particularly the more optimum brands, these days are very often comparable from a pricing perspective (though this has not always been true!)

• Environmental Impact:
  • Red Cedar: A renewable, biodegradable resource that’s environmentally friendly.
  • Composite: Made from a mix of materials; some brands use recycled content, but not all are equally green.

Choosing between red cedar and composite for exterior trim depends on what you value most. If you love the natural beauty of wood and are willing to do maintenance as the need arises, cedar might be the best choice for you. It offers a classic, warm appearance and is environmentally friendly.

On the other hand, if you prefer a lower-maintenance option that’s highly durable and weather-resistant, composite might be the better choice.

While you truly cannot go wrong either way, this decision will ultimately come down to personal preference when considering these different variables.

About Tom Lopatosky
Tom Lopatosky has run his own RI-based painting and repair business since 1995; LOPCO Contracting – the "Personable, Particular Professionals" – specializes in exterior & interior painting and carpentry. Recently LOPCO Contracting was named ‘RI's Finest Painting Contracting Company’ by ShopInRI Magazine. In 2013, Tom was named “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) and a “40 Under 40” award winner by Providence Business News. He is a member of both PCA (Painting Contractors Association) and RIBA (Rhode Island Builders Association). Tom has often had weekly ‘Home Improvement Tips’ that have aired on the radio on 630 WPRO AM and on television on WPRI 12. You can catch Tom LIVE on the radio EVERY Saturday, 2pm-3pm, on 630 WPRO AM (99.7 FM) during his weekly ProTalk Home Improvement Radio Show!