Making the case for pre-stained wood siding

DRE-FIMSHED natural wood sidf ing has been around since the 1950s, touting a casebook full of benefits and advantages over unfinished materials. But it seems that the jury is still out. Today, only an estimated I 1 7o of wnod, plywood and hardboard products are sold pre-finished.

Stumbling blocks have been higher initial price, past shortcomings in quality, lack of visibility for the product and lack of availability from retailers. But improved quality and aggressive marketing are working to change that, presenting retailers, remodelers, builders and architects with a shonger case for selecting prefinished materials.

EXIIIBIT A: PRICE.

Since pre-finishing siding necessitates additional labor and materials for the manufacturer, it will naturally reflect these costs in the selling price. In the long run, though, pre-finished materials can actually cost less. To accurately comparc pricing to site-finished products, buyers must consider the later costs associated with site-finished siding: on-site painting materials, on-site labor costs, scaffolding costs, scheduling, call-backs, spoilage, shrink lines, lap marks, streaking, overspray and clean-up costs.

EXHIBIT B: QUALITY.

Research, technicd advancements and state-of-the-art equipment have improved the quality of pre-finished products so they are actually better than site-finished products. Unlike finishing at the job site, pre-staining and pre-priming typically covers the entire wood surface, front and back. Mechanical application provides a more uniform coat, improving consistency and eliminating maintenance. Factory finishing also guards against weathering and photodegradation, increasing the longevity of the coating and the material. And quality control is typically easier and more thorough at the production site tlan at the job site.

EXHIBIT C: CONVENIENCE.

Pre-finishing means one less project for the builder or remodeler to worry about. And one less to flrange, perfonn and pay for.

EXIIIBIT D: SELECTION.

Operators can finish a wide variety of materials, including lumber, plywood, siding, fencing, decking, trim and soffit, in a full range of widths and thiclnesses. Even the nails can be color matched and coated. An extensive selection of seni-transparent and contemponry solid colors are also available.

Story at a Glance

The verdict is out on preprimed and pre-f inished wood siding ... manufacturers expect increased appeal due to high quality, cost and time savings, guarantees.

EXIIIBITE: WARRANTY.

Extended warranties that range from 10 to 25 years, depending on the level of Oe coating, are offered on pre-finished products. For consumers, a warranty is an insurance plan. For manufacturers, it's a sEong statement of confidence in their products. For retailers, it's a wonderful selling poinr

Manufacturers are aggressively working to make their case and retailers can earn higher profits by selling such value-added products. You be thejudge.