Engineered Wood Siding
About Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood and fiber cement siding deliver what natural cedar promises but rarely sustains long-term: authentic wood texture, deep colour, and dimensional stability - without rot, splitting, insect damage, or the lifetime repainting that makes real wood expensive to own. Pro Materials supplies CanExel prefinished wood-fibre siding, LP SmartSide engineered wood panels, Allura fiber cement, and Kaycan wood-look profiles: products used on custom homes, multi-family buildings, and commercial facades where material quality and architectural character are non-negotiable. CanExel arrives factory-prefinished - no field painting required on initial installation. LP SmartSide carries a 5/50-year warranty and is engineered to resist fungal decay and termite damage. All products are built for freeze-thaw conditions and designed to outlast natural wood by decades. We supply contractors and builders across York Region and the GTA at wholesale pricing.
Engineered Wood Siding: At a Glance
14
Products
in this category
3
Brands
Pro Materials, Mitten, Kaycan
Up to 25
Colour Options
per product line
Quote
Pricing
request for trade pricing
Max colour range per brand
Mitten
25
Kaycan
8
Pro Materials
7
Showing maximum colour count across products per brand. Actual available colours may vary by profile and current stock.
Engineered Wood Siding Buying Guide
Key factors to evaluate when specifying engineered wood siding for your project.
Engineered Wood vs. Fiber Cement: Which Is Right?
The two materials serve similar markets but have real differences worth understanding before you commit to a specification.
Engineered wood siding
(LP SmartSide, CanExel, Kaycan Cedr-Vue) bonds real wood fibres into panels using exterior-grade resin binders. It's lighter than fiber cement (approx. 1.4 lb/sq ft vs. 2.5-3 lb/sq ft), easier to cut with standard carbide tools, and holds fasteners reliably. CanExel is factory-prefinished with a textured acrylic finish that eliminates on-site painting. LP SmartSide carries a 5/50-year limited warranty and is engineered to resist fungal decay and termite damage.
Fiber cement siding
(Allura) offers superior fire resistance (Class A), impact resistance, and dimensional stability. It doesn't dent, and doesn't support fungal growth. It's heavier to install, requires carbide or diamond blades, and must be painted in the field or specified factory-primed for faster finishing.
Prefinished vs. primed/paintable
CanExel's prefinished system is the biggest time-saver on site: no field painting required on initial installation, and the acrylic finish holds colour well for 15+ years. Factory-primed products (LP SmartSide, Allura) require on-site topcoat painting but give more colour flexibility.
Profile selection
Lap siding (3.5"-8.5" exposure) suits most residential applications. Wide-plank board profiles (12"-16" wide) are trending strongly for modern, farmhouse, and transitional homes. Panel siding (4x8 or 4x9 sheets) is fast to install for large commercial facades.
Maintenance
Engineered wood and fiber cement require painting or re-coating every 8-15 years depending on sun exposure and finish type. Significantly lower maintenance than real cedar, but more than vinyl. Factor refinishing into your long-term cost comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between engineered wood and fiber cement siding?
Engineered wood siding is made from real wood fibres bonded with exterior-grade resins. It's lighter and easier to work with, and performs well in Canadian climates when properly installed with appropriate flashing. Fiber cement is a mix of Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibre - heavier, harder to cut, but Class A fire rated and highly resistant to impact, rot, and insects. Both are superior to real cedar for durability; the choice depends on fire requirements, budget, and installation preferences.
Does CanExel siding need to be painted?
No - CanExel is factory-prefinished and does not require painting on initial installation. The factory finish holds colour well for 15+ years in most Canadian exposures. Cut ends and any site damage must be field-painted with matching CanExel touch-up paint at the time of installation.
Is engineered wood siding suitable for Canadian winters?
Yes. LP SmartSide and CanExel use resin-bonded wood fibres that don't absorb water the way natural wood does. Proper installation - including maintaining a drainage plane, flashing all openings, and sealing all cut ends - is critical for long-term performance, particularly in high-moisture environments like coastal BC and the Great Lakes region.
How does fiber cement siding compare to vinyl siding for cost?
Fiber cement costs 30-60% more than vinyl in material cost and typically 20-40% more to install due to the heavier panels and blade wear. However, it commands higher home values, has superior fire resistance, and is more accepted in upscale markets and some HOA communities that restrict vinyl. For high-end residential and commercial projects where premium finish matters, the cost premium is often justified.