Wood Composite Siding in Kent, WA

The look of natural wood with significantly less upkeep. We install wood composite siding in Kent built to handle Pacific Northwest moisture without the maintenance demands of real cedar.

Free Estimate

Modern Siding with the Look of Natural Wood

male-worker-building-house-construction-site_386167-15182

Wood composite siding exists for a specific type of homeowner: one who wants the warmth and visual character of natural wood on their home’s exterior, but does not want to commit to the maintenance schedule that real cedar demands. In Kent, that is a meaningful distinction. Cedar siding in this climate needs to be sealed or restained every five to seven years. Missing a maintenance cycle — or buying a home where the previous owner missed one — means dealing with surface checking, mold growth, and rot at vulnerable points before the siding reaches the end of its expected lifespan. For homeowners who prioritize the wood aesthetic but not the ongoing upkeep, composite siding closes that gap. Wood composite siding is manufactured from wood fibers and resins compressed into boards and finished with a surface layer that replicates the grain and texture of natural wood. It is lighter than fiber cement, installs with the same tools used for real wood, and requires significantly less finish maintenance than cedar because the surface is factory-engineered to resist moisture absorption, paint peeling, and the surface degradation that natural wood develops in wet climates. It is not the lowest-maintenance option available — James Hardie fiber cement carries that distinction. And it is not the premium natural material — cedar is. Wood composite siding is the honest middle-ground: it sits between those two options in cost, performance, and maintenance requirement. For the right homeowner, it is the right answer.

Free Estimate

Benefits of Wood Composite Siding

Composite siding is engineered to resist common issues like warping, cracking, and rot. It holds paint and finishes well, helping maintain a consistent appearance over time. Many homeowners choose this option for its combination of strength, stability, and the ability to achieve a wood-inspired exterior without the upkeep associated with traditional materials.

Moisture Resistance by Design
Engineered wood fibers, resin binders, and a factory-treated surface resist moisture far better than natural wood. That limits the swelling, checking, and finish failure cedar develops through wet-dry cycles in Kent's climate.
Lower Long-Term Upkeep
Cedar's carrying cost includes regular restain or repaint cycles, each adding labor and materials. Composite's factory-treated surface holds a finish longer than raw cedar, so full recoats are needed less often over its life.
Consistent, Uniform Boards
Manufactured boards come in long, uniform lengths that reduce butt joints across a wall, which means fewer sealing points and a cleaner look. There are no knots, grain flaws, or density swings like natural cedar can have.
Lighter Than Fiber Cement
Wood composite is much lighter than fiber cement, which makes handling and installation easier and reduces the load on the wall assembly. That can be an advantage on older homes where heavier cladding needs more review.
Authentic Wood Profiles
Composite comes in lap, board-and-batten, and shingle profiles, with surface textures that closely mimic cedar grain. It gives homeowners the visual warmth of wood on homes where real cedar is not the right fit for the project.

Free Estimate

Wood Composite vs. Cedar vs. Fiber Cement: What Kent Homeowners Should Know

Choosing siding for a Pacific Northwest home means understanding the real differences between the main options. Here is how wood composite siding positions against the two materials it is most often compared to:

Comparison of cedar, wood composite, and James Hardie fiber cement siding
CompareSiding Materials	Cedar Wood Siding	Wood Composite Siding	James Hardie Fiber Cement
Appearance	AuthenticNatural grain and texture, the real thing	Close matchReplicates wood grain closely	AccurateReplicates wood profiles accurately
Moisture resistance	ModerateNatural oils help, but real wood absorbs moisture	GoodEngineered surface resists moisture better than cedar	ExcellentResists moisture absorption, rot, and swelling
Maintenance	HighRestain or repaint every 5 to 7 years	ModerateRecoats needed less often than cedar	LowLongest interval between repaints
Fire resistance	LowNatural wood is combustible	Low to moderateDepends on product treatment	HighNoncombustible
Product warranty	NonePerformance depends on installation and upkeep	VariesDepends on the manufacturer	30-yearNon-prorated product warranty
Installed cost	Mid-rangeVaries with profile and grade	Mid-rangeComparable to cedar	Mid to upperHigher upfront, lower upkeep
Best for	Homeowners committed to real wood and its upkeep	Homeowners who want a wood look with less maintenance	Homeowners prioritizing the lowest long-term maintenance

Free Estimate

Professional Installation for Reliable Results

Wood composite siding performs well when installed correctly and underperforms when it does not. The early generations of composite siding products — before the category was reformulated in the early 2000s — failed frequently due to moisture intrusion at installation errors: overdriven fasteners that broke the surface treatment, insufficient clearance from grade, and joints that were not properly sealed. Modern composite siding has addressed many of those formulation issues, but installation quality remains the primary variable that determines how the product performs over its lifespan.At Smith Exteriors LLC, we install wood composite siding in Kent, WA following the same installation discipline we apply to every cladding material we work with.

wooden-coffee-shop-spring-summer-season_11787-4989

The installation details that matter most for composite siding in this climate:

Grade and Surface Clearance
Composite siding needs proper clearance from grade, decking, and horizontal surfaces. Ground contact or standing water at the base keeps the bottom edge wet for long periods, exposing the most vulnerable point of any panel installation.
Correct Fastener Placement
Composite siding requires the correct fastener type, placement, and drive depth. Overdriven nails can break the surface treatment at the attachment point, opening a moisture path that the factory finish was designed to prevent.
Sealed Joints and Transitions
We seal every butt joint, penetration, and trim transition to manufacturer specifications. Unsealed joints can let water wick into the wall system at those points, no matter how moisture-resistant the panel surface itself is.
Starter Strip and Flashing
A correctly installed starter strip at the base course and flashing at every window and door opening decide whether the whole system drains properly when water gets behind the cladding surface during long wet seasons.

Planning a composite siding project? Get a clear, itemized quote from a local Kent crew.

Free Estimate

Benefits of Wood Composite Siding

Comparable to cedar
Installed Cost
Wood composite siding in the Kent and greater Seattle area is typically comparable to mid-grade cedar per square foot. Full re-side costs vary with home size, profile, product, and any damage found when old siding comes off. Our free, itemized estimates give you a clear number upfront.
Fewer recoats
Maintenance Over Time
Composite's real cost advantage over cedar is the recoating cycle. Cedar in Kent's climate typically needs restaining or repainting every 5 to 7 years, while composite's engineered surface holds its finish longer. Over 15 to 20 years, fewer recoats lower your total cost of ownership.
5 – 8 days
Project Timeline
Most full re-sides with wood composite siding on a standard Kent-area home are completed in 5 to 8 days, depending on home size and the condition of the existing wall. We confirm your full timeline at the estimate stage, so you know exactly when work starts and when it finishes.

Free Estimate

Serving Kent, WA with Trusted Siding Expertise

Smith Exteriors LLC provides wood composite siding installation throughout Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Bellevue, and surrounding King County communities. Composite siding is one of the materials we work with regularly on exterior projects in this area, alongside cedar, James Hardie fiber cement, and vinyl. If you are weighing composite against other siding options and want a straightforward comparison based on your specific home, your budget, and your maintenance preferences, a free estimate from Smith Exteriors LLC starts with that conversation. We assess the existing exterior, discuss what each material would realistically involve for your situation, and give you a recommendation based on what we see — not just what is easiest to sell.

Free Estimate

Reviews

      
   Smith Exteriors
   32 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Brandi Rose Alkire 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jay was wonderful to work with on our recent siding project! We received a few quotes, and his was by far the most reasonable. From the beginning, we also got a great feeling about working with him—he was easygoing, communicative, and incredibly accommodating throughout the entire project.

We ended up adding a few things and making some last-minute changes (replacing a window, a door, and even framing a new shed) along the way, and Jay was always happy to work with us. He never made us feel like we were being difficult or asking for too much, which we really appreciated.

His crew was equally wonderful—courteous, professional, and incredibly detail-oriented. Our 1950's rambler had some quirks to work through, including multiple layers of old siding and some questionable work from over the years, and they handled everything beautifully. The attention to detail really shows, and our house looks brand new!

We had such a great experience working with Jay and his team and couldn’t recommend them enough.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Glenn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. For a high quality and reasonably priced paint and siding job I couldn’t have been happier selecting Smith Exteriors to handle my project.  Jay and his crew did an awesome job making my almost 70 year old home look great again. It involved plenty of meticulous prep work that involved sanding and caulking. Jay is an absolute pleasure to work with and his crew are highly skilled and professional.  Don’t hesitate to call Jay if you are in need of exterior siding and paint services.  You will not be disappointed.  Thanks again for a great job Jay!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christopher Walker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went with Smith Exteriors to have the house siding replaced and to have the house repainted. We were very happy with the results. Jay the owner was easy to work with and they were able to get our project done promptly. The work crew was great and went the extra mile when they didn't have to.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Charlie Arc 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Replaced siding which has been behind  deck we removed. Did a great job - Jay showed me everything after they removed the old failed siding- shows me that the plywood behind it had not failed. Jay is a great, patient communicator.

After replacing some siding, they did an entire exterior painting for us starting with prep like scraping/removing bad caulk, re-caulking and power washing to remove grime, etc.

End result for us is peace of mind and a great looking house.

Thank you, Smith Exteriors!
Charlie and Jen
Kent, WA
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Doug Adams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We've used Jay Smith and Smith Exteriors for two major projects on our home, and he's delivered on both.
The first was our rooftop deck — the old decking had warped badly and needed a full replacement. Jay came in and replaced it properly, giving us a solid, level surface we should have had all along.
The second job was our exterior siding, and what he found when he opened up the walls was alarming — the previous contractor had installed new building paper directly over the original without ever inspecting the plywood underneath. There was extensive water damage and wood rot hidden for years. Jay's crew repaired all of it: new plywood, Tyvek housewrap, re-flashing every window and door, new primed James Hardie lap siding, two coats of Sherwin Williams Super Paint, and sealing of the coping metal around the roof. When it was done, the framing lumber that had been wet for who knows how long had finally dried out — proof that the house is now truly watertight.
Jay communicated clearly throughout both projects and provided completion photos and a detailed written summary of everything done. If you want someone who does the job right — and catches what the last guy missed — Jay is your contractor.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Monika C 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Smith Exteriors and Jay's team. They recently replaced a couple of windows in my home and painted the exterior, and I couldn't be happier with the results.
When they removed the old windows, they discovered that a previous installation had been done incorrectly, with no flashing and no exterior trim around the windows. Jay took the time to explain the problem and made sure everything was corrected and installed properly. The attention to detail and quality of workmanship were outstanding.
Jay and his crew were punctual, professional, and meticulous throughout the entire project. They kept the work area clean, cleaned up thoroughly at the end of each day, and even wore booties inside the house so they wouldn't track dirt onto my floors.
The house looks fantastic, the new windows are properly installed, and I have peace of mind knowing the underlying issues were fixed correctly. If you're looking for a contractor who takes pride in doing the job right, I would not hesitate to recommend Smith Exteriors.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Josh Landry 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We just finished a full siding replacement from Smith Exteriors and couldn’t be happier! We had the old recalled LP siding from 30 years ago+ and they replaced it with James Hardie siding. They also managed the full house and trim painting (including door) and gutter replacement. The quality of their work was fantastic, and Jay was there every step of the way. Extremely flexible and the follow-through was spot on. I had a few bids from some other “larger” companies, but Smith was very competitively priced. His crews were also hard working all the way through, showed up on time and worked late if they needed to catch up. We have zero regrets and you won’t either.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lency Lu 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working with Smith Exteriors has been an absolute pleasure. Jay and his crew installed a new sliding door for our master bedroom, and the entire experience was outstanding from start to finish. Their pricing was very reasonable, coming in lower than most other companies we considered - while still delivering top notch service and quality workmanship. Extremely happy with the final result and will definitely be using them again for all our future exterior projects. Thank you, Jay!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jake Reeves 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We used Smith Exteriors for a siding replacement and paint, as well as gutter replacement. Jay and his crew were very efficient, communicative, and punctual. The price was as good or better than the other quotes I received and we couldn't be happier with the end result! Highly recommend them and will use them again for any exterior work we need in the future.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jodie Shreve 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ALL THE STARS: Working with Smith Exteriors has been outstanding! The team replaced siding and windows for our home. From the beginning of the project, it was obvious why they have all these 5-star reviews. Jay is the very best and an absolute pleasure to work with. From start to finish, Jay was always prompt with communication and so helpful. Everyone was very kind and so hard working. Our neighbors could not believe how quickly the project was completed and everything looks amazing. I highly recommend Smith Exteriors and am so thankful we chose them for our project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to the siding questions Kent homeowners ask us most, from cost and maintenance to how composite compares with cedar and fiber cement.

What is wood composite siding made of?

Wood composite siding is manufactured from wood fibers — often recycled or reclaimed wood material — combined with resins and borate compounds that resist rot, insects, and fungal growth. The mixture is compressed into boards and finished with a surface layer that replicates the texture and grain of natural cedar. Modern composite siding products are significantly more moisture-resistant than the early-generation products that had widespread issues in the 1990s.

How does wood composite siding hold up in the Pacific Northwest climate?

Modern wood composite siding is engineered to perform better in high-moisture climates than natural wood. Its factory-treated surface resists moisture absorption more effectively than raw cedar, reducing the swelling, checking, and paint adhesion failure that real wood develops through repeated wet and dry cycles. However, installation quality is critical — composite siding that is installed with incorrect clearances or unsealed joints will take on moisture at those vulnerable points regardless of the surface treatment.

Is wood composite siding better than cedar?

It depends on your priorities. Wood composite siding requires less maintenance than cedar and holds its surface finish longer in wet climates. Natural cedar offers authentic wood grain and character that composite approximates but cannot fully replicate, and it has a long proven track record in Pacific Northwest applications when properly maintained. If you want the wood look with less upkeep, composite is the stronger choice. If authenticity and a natural material matter more to you than maintenance reduction, cedar is worth the commitment.

How does wood composite compare to James Hardie fiber cement?

James Hardie fiber cement offers better moisture resistance, a longer product warranty, and lower long-term maintenance requirements than wood composite siding. Composite siding is lighter, installs more like natural wood, and offers a closer visual approximation of wood grain texture. Fiber cement is the stronger performer in Kent’s wet climate on a straight performance comparison. Composite siding makes the most sense for homeowners where the wood aesthetic is important and fiber cement’s heavier weight or cost profile does not fit the project.

How long does wood composite siding last?

Modern wood composite siding typically carries manufacturer warranties ranging from 15 to 50 years depending on the product and tier. Real-world performance in Pacific Northwest climates depends significantly on installation quality and maintenance. Properly installed composite siding with regular inspection and touch-up of any failed sealant or finish damage will perform at the higher end of its rated lifespan. Neglected or improperly installed composite siding will fail significantly earlier.

Does wood composite siding need to be painted?

Yes. Wood composite siding requires paint or a compatible exterior finish for protection and appearance. The factory surface treatment provides a primed or pre-finished base, but a quality exterior topcoat is needed after installation. The advantage over cedar is that composite siding holds paint longer and requires less frequent recoating because the surface does not absorb moisture and release it the way natural wood does.

Can wood composite siding be used alongside other siding materials?

Yes. Composite siding is often used in combination with other materials — for example, composite lap siding on the main body of the home with HardieShingle fiber cement accents on gable ends or dormers. Mixed-material exteriors are common in Kent-area homes and allow homeowners to balance the cost, appearance, and performance characteristics of different products across different areas of the exterior.

Are you licensed and insured for composite siding installation in Washington State?

Yes. Smith Exteriors LLC is a licensed, bonded, and insured Washington State contractor. Our registration number is SMITHEL789PE, verifiable through the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries contractor lookup tool.

Ready to Protect Your Kent Home’s with Wood Composite Siding? Get a Free Estimate Today

Whether you’re planning a full re-side, replacing damaged siding, or comparing composite with cedar and fiber cement, Smith Exteriors LLC is ready to help. Get a free, no-obligation wood composite siding estimate from a licensed, bonded, and insured local Kent crew, with no pressure and no hidden fees. We’ll give you an honest recommendation on the right material for your home, and we respond to every inquiry within one business day.

Get My Free Estimate

Call 206-660-3896

Wood Composite Siding in Kent, WA

Modern Siding with the Look of Natural Wood

Benefits of Wood Composite Siding

Moisture Resistance by Design

Lower Long-Term Upkeep

Consistent, Uniform Boards

Lighter Than Fiber Cement

Authentic Wood Profiles

Wood Composite vs. Cedar vs. Fiber Cement: What Kent Homeowners Should Know

Professional Installation for Reliable Results

Grade and Surface Clearance

Correct Fastener Placement

Sealed Joints and Transitions

Starter Strip and Flashing

Benefits of Wood Composite Siding

Installed Cost

Maintenance Over Time

Project Timeline

Serving Kent, WA with Trusted Siding Expertise

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What is wood composite siding made of?

How does wood composite siding hold up in the Pacific Northwest climate?

Is wood composite siding better than cedar?

How does wood composite compare to James Hardie fiber cement?

How long does wood composite siding last?

Does wood composite siding need to be painted?

Can wood composite siding be used alongside other siding materials?

Are you licensed and insured for composite siding installation in Washington State?

Ready to Protect Your Kent Home’s with Wood Composite Siding? Get a Free Estimate Today