Western Red Cedar channel siding is a popular type of lap siding that provides excellent weather protection, especially in areas where the moisture levels change with the season. The profile of each piece of channel siding overlaps the next piece partially, thus creating a deep, recessed channel effect.
Channel siding is readily available in knotty grades of Western Red Cedar with a rough sawn, textured face in the following dimensions
- 1×6” unseasoned or kiln-dried
- 1×8” unseasoned or kiln-dried
- 1×10” unseasoned
*Please note-the dimension described is not the finished or “dressed” size after the channel is milled, but refers to the size of board that the piece of channel is used to create the pattern*
This diagram provided courtesy of the WRCLA
Other dimensions of Channel Cladding, as well as clear cedar grades or other species of wood, are available by special order. In these next two photos, we worked with a specialty mill to have a true 1″ thick channel siding pattern created out of knotty Western Red Cedar for a customer in North Carolina.
Here is a beautiful example of custom milled, clear-grade Alaska Yellow Cedar Channel Siding we recently supplied a customer in the Seattle area.
Channel siding can be installed horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Be sure to allow a 1/8” expansion gap between the pieces and do not nail through the overlaps. One nail through the face is sufficient for channel siding that is 6” or less. For profiles over 6”, two nails should be installed through the face, keeping nails 2-1/2” to 3” apart to allow for movement without splitting.
This diagram is provided courtesy of the WRCLA.
When installing channel siding horizontally, start at the bottom and work up. For vertical or diagonal applications, the siding should be nailed to blocking or furring strips as needed to ensure that the nail penetrates solid wood. Stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant ring shank nails are recommended to hold the siding in place.
To learn more about other popular wood siding profiles, please visit our blog on that subject by clicking HERE, and before your next project, be sure to visit us! We ship nationwide!
360.757.6343
950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA