When it comes to choosing siding for your Minnesota home, durability and weather resistance are essential. With heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and summer humidity, your siding must withstand extreme conditions while maintaining its beauty for years. Two of the most popular wood-look siding options available today are LP SmartSide and Traditional Wood Siding.
Both materials offer beautiful curb appeal, but each also comes with its own list of strengths and weaknesses. In this extended guide, we break down LP SmartSide vs wood siding in detail to help Minnesota homeowners choose the best option for long-term value, durability, and appearance.
What Is LP SmartSide? (A Deep Look)
LP SmartSide is a type of engineered wood siding designed specifically to combat the problems that natural wood struggles with. It is created by combining:
- Wood strands
- Adhesive resins
- Wax for moisture resistance
- Zinc borate for pest/rot protection
These materials are fused through a high-heat, high-pressure process and treated using SmartGuard®, which protects the siding from mold, rot, termites, and moisture.
Why LP SmartSide Is Popular in MN
Minnesota’s freeze–thaw cycles can cause natural wood to crack, warp, and absorb moisture. LP SmartSide resists:
- Ice damage
- Water penetration
- Expansion and contraction
- Termite and carpenter ant issues
Its design specifically makes it ideal for the Midwest.
What Is Traditional Wood Siding? (A Classic Choice)
Traditional wood siding includes species such as:
- Cedar
- Redwood
- Pine
- Douglas Fir
These woods are milled into clapboards, shakes, or shingles to provide the authentic look that many homeowners desire.
Why Homeowners Choose Real Wood
- Rich, natural texture
- Warm, organic appearance
- Unique grain patterns
- Flexible staining and painting options
- Adds a premium, rustic aesthetic
Wood siding delivers unbeatable natural beauty—but requires more care.
⚖️ LP SmartSide vs Wood: The Most Complete Side-by-Side Comparison
1. Durability & Weather Resistance
LP SmartSide
Engineered for harsh climates. Resistant to:
- Snow and ice
- Moisture
- Warping
- Fungus
- Rot
- Termites
Because of Minnesota’s extreme weather, LP SmartSide performs consistently well year-round.
Traditional Wood
Natural wood is strong but vulnerable to:
- Water absorption
- Mold growth
- Woodpecker damage
- Termites
- Splitting from freeze–thaw cycles
Verdict: LP SmartSide wins by a large margin in durability, especially in Minnesota.
2. Appearance and Wood-Look Siding Quality
LP SmartSide
- Mimics the grain of cedar
- Consistent texture on all boards
- Wide range of profiles (lap, panel, shake, trim)
- Can be painted any color
Traditional Wood
- Offers unmatched natural beauty
- Every board is unique
- Ages into a classic weathered look (if not maintained)
- Can be stained in rich, natural tones
Verdict:
✔ For natural beauty → Traditional Wood
✔ For consistent, clean wood-look → LP SmartSide
3. Maintenance Requirements (Major Difference)
LP SmartSide
- Repaint every 8–10 years
- Minimal long-term care
- No sealing required
- Resistant to pests and moisture
Traditional Wood
- Must be stained or painted every 3–5 years
- Needs sealing to prevent rot
- Vulnerable to carpenter ants and termites
- Needs inspections for mold and water damage
Verdict: LP SmartSide is the clear winner for low maintenance.
4. Pest Resistance
LP SmartSide
SmartGuard® treatment includes zinc borate, which termites avoid. Engineered wood also prevents woodpeckers from causing damage.
Traditional Wood
Natural wood attracts:
- Termites
- Carpenter ants
- Woodpeckers
- Boring insects
Verdict: LP SmartSide provides superior pest protection.
5. Environmental Impact
LP SmartSide
- Made from renewable fast-growing wood
- Uses sustainable manufacturing practices
- Less waste due to engineered consistency
Traditional Wood
- 100% natural and biodegradable
- Sourced from trees (some species may be limited supply)
- Stains and paints can reduce eco-friendliness
Verdict: Both are environmentally friendly, but LP SmartSide uses fewer resources.
Also Read: Metal Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles: Which Lasts Longer?
6. Installation Differences
LP SmartSide
- Lightweight
- Installs faster
- Fewer seams
- Ideal for larger projects
Traditional Wood
- Heavier boards
- Requires careful cutting
- Takes longer to install
- Needs an experienced carpenter
Verdict: LP SmartSide is faster and more cost-effective to install.
7. Siding Cost in MN (2025 Pricing Breakdown)
(Prices vary by contractor, finish, and home size.)
LP SmartSide Cost Minnesota
- Materials: $3 – $5 per sq ft
- Installation: $8 – $10 per sq ft
- Total Installed: $11 – $15 per sq ft
Traditional Wood Siding Cost Minnesota
- Materials:
- Pine: $2 – $4 per sq ft
- Cedar: $5 – $8 per sq ft
- Redwood: $7 – $10 per sq ft
- Installation: $7 – $12 per sq ft
- Total Installed: $12 – $20+ per sq ft
Verdict: LP SmartSide is more affordable for most Minnesota homeowners.
8. Longevity & Warranty
LP SmartSide
- Lifespan: 20–50 years
- Warranty: up to 50 years depending on product
- Consistency ensures long-lasting performance
Traditional Wood
- Lifespan: 20–40 years with excellent maintenance
- Warranty varies widely (often shorter)
Verdict: LP SmartSide offers better warranties and longer, more predictable performance.
Which Is Best for Minnesota Homeowners? (Expert Opinion)
Choose LP SmartSide If You Want:
✔ Strong durability in Minnesota winters
✔ Low maintenance
✔ A wood-look siding that lasts
✔ Excellent value for money
✔ Faster installation
✔ Protection from pests and moisture
Choose Traditional Wood Siding If You Want:
✔ 100% authentic natural beauty
✔ Premium rustic or historic home appearance
✔ The ability to customize stains and finishes
✔ A traditional, craftsman-style exterior
Overall Winner: LP SmartSide
For Minnesota’s climate, engineered wood siding is usually the best long-term investment due to durability, cost, and low maintenance.
Conclusion
When comparing LP SmartSide vs wood, the right choice depends on your priorities. If you value long-term durability, low upkeep, and affordability, LP SmartSide is an outstanding option—especially for Minnesota homeowners facing harsh weather conditions. If natural beauty and authenticity are your top priorities, traditional wood siding still offers an unmatched aesthetic.
Either way, choosing a high-quality installer is essential to ensuring your siding performs as expected.