In terms of wood pine plank siding is the least costly.
Pine siding vs cedar siding.
While numerous products are lower maintenance if you have the skill not too much required and time to keep it up a good bit required it should be fine.
Pine has been the traditional siding in the northeastern us for several hundred years along with cedar shingles.
Cedar is a softwood like pine but is tougher and more resistant overall able to withstand the outdoor elements without requiring treatment.
White cedar is usually quite knotty and decay resistance is ok but not amazing better than pine and spruce but not as good as red cedar.
Cedar on the other hand is a very stable long lasting siding product.
While it s absolutely true that pine log siding costs less than cedar calling it a budget material wouldn t be absolutely fair.
Cedar siding is naturally more moisture and insect resistant than pine but it must be treated and maintained to retain these qualities.
It lures woodpeckers and requires somewhat frequent repair and refinishing.
Lap shiplap channel cedar siding.
Cedar is naturally attractive but it is high maintenance.
Same goes for better cheaper faster if you want a natural wood siding pine or cedar with a clear finish to stay looking like new wood forever then it will take regular maintainance stain would probably be longer lasting between coats than clear finishes but will still require periodic recoats steve.
Like other woods cedar must also be sealed and stained or painted to resist moisture damage and decay.
Modern pine log siding is more affordable because pine is more abundant pine forests grow faster and raw pine is easier to work with.
Cedar also has many indoor uses for items like wardrobes chests and musical instruments and is popular for its red look and unique grain.
Painting is the standard protection.
Each type of wood is available in a range of grades too such as clear or heart top grade select a b c rustic and more.
Each type has a slightly different grading system.
On the other hand vinyl is intrinsically cheaper.
It can be installed vertically horizontally or even diagonally.
Redwood siding costs the most.
Cedar t g exterior siding pine exterior siding will check warp crack twist no matter what you do to it.
Any wood clapboards will last longer with a solid paint or stain and backprimed as aj said and ideally installed using a rain screen detail.
Cedar is most popular and in the middle of the cost range.