We have an older cedar-sided home in North Vancouver and the wood is starting to look grey and weathered. Should we stain or paint it, and what's involved in prepping cedar that's been neglected for years?

For weathered cedar siding in North Vancouver, both stain and paint are viable options, but the choice depends on the condition of the wood and the look you want. Semi-transparent stain lets the natural cedar grain show through and is easier to maintain long-term since it wears gradually rather than peeling. Paint offers more colour options and stronger protection but requires more thorough prep and will eventually peel if moisture gets behind it — a real concern given our coastal climate.

Prepping neglected cedar involves several steps. First, the siding needs power washing at a controlled pressure (around 1,500 PSI maximum) to remove the grey oxidized layer without damaging the soft wood fibres. Any areas with mildew or algae need treatment with a wood-safe fungicidal wash. After drying for at least 48 hours, the surface should be hand-sanded to open up the grain for better absorption. Loose or cracked boards need renailing or replacing before any coating goes on.

For a typical North Vancouver home with 1,500 to 2,000 square feet of cedar siding, expect to pay between $8,000 and $14,000 for professional prep and two coats of a high-quality acrylic stain, or $10,000 to $18,000 for a full paint system with primer and two topcoats. The price varies based on the height of the home and how much prep work the cedar needs.

As a next step, have a painter inspect your siding in person to assess how much wood replacement might be needed — that's usually what drives the final cost up or down.

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