A homeowner asked Reddit whether to repair 60-plus-year-old cedar siding or cover it with vinyl; boards have pulled away, holes are present, and the siding has not been re-stained in about 25 years. Most commenters favored keeping the wood after assessing what can be saved.
Commenters argued that original cedar may help preserve an older home's character and resale appeal. One estimated the switch would replace $20,000 worth of cedar with $5,000 worth of vinyl; others said vinyl fades in sunlight and can become brittle.
Commenters urged the homeowner to first have a handyman or carpenter assess how much siding can be saved. If some sections are beyond repair, they also suggested fiber-cement products, including Hardiboard, as an alternative to vinyl.
