Engineered Wood Siding vs. Composite Siding

When deciding to re-side your home, it can be difficult to get a handle on all the terminology. For example, the terms “composite siding” and “engineered wood siding” are often used interchangeably—though they are not exactly the same. And while understanding the substrate specifics can be a daunting task, we’re here to help you make sense of it.

How Composite Siding and Engineered Wood Siding Differ

Before you consider which of the two materials is the better option for your home, let’s discuss some key differences between composite siding vs. engineered wood siding.

What Is Composite Siding?

Traditionally, composite siding is made up of fibrous wood pieces as a base that is bonded with additional materials. However, there are also composite siding options that do not use wood as the base (for example, using cement instead).

What Is Engineered Wood Siding?

Technically, engineered wood siding is a subset of composite siding. It’s typically made of wood that includes minimal extractives or tannins that could stain and bleed through, which helps improve appearance. During the manufacturing process, the product is cut and sliced into strands.