Wood & Cedar Siding - Cost

Solid wood siding, though its installed cost is competitive with most other siding products, must be painted or stained. This can add several thousand dollars to the cost of the job and to maintenance expenses in the future. Wood shingles, for example, will cost between $3 and $4 per square foot, before staining or painting. If solid wood isn't for you, there are other good siding choices.

— Joe Provey, "How to change the skin — and appearance — on your home," Popular Mechanics.