Choose the Right Siding

Need to fix a mistake? Check this out: • You need a Burke Bar
Enjoy EC? Join Essential Craftsman Academy!
essentialcraftsman.com/academy
This is the best way to support Essential Craftsman and you get a LOT of perks as a bonus!
Free Starter Blacksmithing Tool List bit.ly/blacksmithingtools
Free Guide - 100 Tools Every Craftsman Must Have bit.ly/EC100tools
Did you know we have a podcast?
Spotify spoti.fi/39ezy3d
Apple apple.co/33dbrJQ
Stitcher bit.ly/3NWy8sY
KZbin bit.ly/2n4HCLG
Buy a knife from Cy Swan here: greenvalleyforge.com/
Second Channel (Podcast video, family, misc content) bit.ly/2n4HCLG
If you are going to hire a contractor for a big project PLEASE read our ebook first!
amzn.to/2v6qZ6j
T Shirts, Hoodies, and other Merch: bit.ly/2C7JFRv
Instagram / essentialcr. .
Twitter / ecnatwad
Facebook / essentialcra. .
Like the music? Spotify Playlist Here spoti.fi/3NzAnTg
Amazon Affiliate Links:
Amazon Store amzn.to/2pcUk8G
Makita 18v Impact amzn.to/2R9uamN
4 ft level amzn.to/389qsQa
Utility Knife amzn.to/2RjVRJL
Palm Nailer amzn.to/2LhvTTd
Spencer Tape amzn.to/2EQWxPy
Carpenter Bags amzn.to/2XeBaC1
Belt bit.ly/3MsdijV
Hammer amzn.to/31y4q66
Tape Measure amzn.to/2WYg23Q
Skil Saw amzn.to/2UcQyLi
Video Equipment and Misc.
Main Camera amzn.to/2WG9qSC
Secondary Camera amzn.to/32tS2Vx
Microphone (for narration from office) amzn.to/2WquPnM
Wireless Microphone amzn.to/2IGpNto
Other Wireless Microphone amzn.to/397VmxJ
Tripod amzn.to/2XOJcOd
GoPro amzn.to/3znHgTA
GoPro Tripod amzn.to/3aL8pFH
Battery Bucket amzn.to/3GVR9cV
ActionPacker amzn.to/2l7Msqv
Learn more about Essential Craftsman
essentialcraftsman.com/
Thank you, be safe, and be grateful.

[@larryjones2237]

Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone received such complete documentation on their house. What a gift. It will make any future repairs, additions, remodels so much easier. No surprises.

[@evanguarr9678]

My biggest takeaway from this vid wasn't anything about the house or the cordless saw... but that EC plays the trombone! Good choice.

[@jobaecker9752]

As an old trombonist myself, I noticed it right away...

[@zackfishle1009]

He needs to share his musical talent. I am looking forward to it.

[@kevinhornbuckle]

My son is an excellent jazz trombonist. I mentioned to him just yesterday that we should watch some EC videos together. I am teaching him MIG welding while his music career is delayed for a bit. There are useful parallels between trombone and welding.

[@simply_based]

ooga booga trumpet better

[@bobbailey4954]

My two sons and I built a mountain cabin it was a labor of love. At first they thought I was crazy. I think it was when I told them we had to put 15 Pillars on footings 40” in the ground. Two months later and many hours with a jack hammer the pillars were in and we were off and running with the framing. 3 years later and the job was done they couldn’t be prouder. They have invited all there friends up to see what they built. I’m glad I was still young enough to show them the way houses are built and they are glad to have learned and of course enjoyed the rewards of there hard work.

[@pedalman4595]

Watching you is simply the best thing there is. Your demeanor the way you articulate and explain for us is wonderful. Your inspiring, a Man's Man ( if you will ) a good old fashioned go to work and get it done right kind a guy. THANK YOU AND BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jayyambrovich3740]

Scott, your choice for siding the house is a good one. The eventual owners will be rewarded with a great looking home for decades to come. In the wet Oregon climate, fiber cement panels will last and last with a minimum of required maintenance. Keep up the good work! P.S. You and I share a broad spectrum of similar experiences and I just found out that being a musician (and a trombone player!!) is another of those. Blessings to you and the family

[@handsonlatham7802]

Pretty sure he gets credit because Scott is such an awesome dad and grandad, but shout-out to Nate! I know there are many more men out there like our essential craftsman Scott, but not too many have a son like nate who can make this channel all that it is. I'm 29 and hope to be like Scott when I get older, both in my work life and my family life. Thank you to you and your family for your channel and the knowledge, honesty and common sense that can sometimes seem to be lacking in our daily lives plagued with bad news spun to serve the brocaster/publisher. It's very encouraging and refreshing!

[@petergriffen6008]

Your humility is exemplary!!! What a stud!

[@brentderksen]

Love the family time clips at the beginning.

[@psidvicious]

Yea, Nate did a great job putting that together!

[@Soleya9]

Same. 0:29 reminds me of my teen years, after a long, cold morning of hunting, coming back to my grandfathers garage and everyone hanging out by the wood stove to warm up.

[@norencenelson8111]

Just added Hardie Siding on our condo. We couldn't be happier. When we bought the unit two years ago it looked like the proverbial red headed step child. When I found out that they were scheduled to put the Hardie siding on, I jumped on that deal like a fat girl on a milkshake. Just prior to the installation of the siding we installed new energy efficient windows. Total improvements to the condo came in at 26,000.00. We flipped that unit for 30,000 more than we initially paid and bought the one story unit right next door. Same building same siding. It looks like a million bucks worth of curb appeal. Always enjoy your vids, Scott. As a former contractor and the grandson of a blacksmith, I really like the videos on tools and shop work. Keep on keeping on brother. Old Norske

[@jeremccurdy]

I knew there was a deeper reason behind why I liked this guy. Not only is he knowledgeable, honest, well-spoken, educational and multi-talented: behind it all, he’s a TROMBONE PLAYER!!

[@bradrajala7839]

I just picked up some LP yesterday for my house. With some 5/4 Hardie trim. I like 16 foot boards that I can move by myself. Less butt joints and the grain pattern looks a little better. Silica dust from the Hardie was another factor. Love your channel, keep up the good work!

[@vanuren3345]

Our thanks to Nate for throwing a few seconds of our visit last September. We appreciate the time and all the good work that you and your Dad, Scott have done and we look forward to many years of enjoying our time with the Wadsworth family.

[@thetik100]

I’ve installed plenty of James Hardie Scyon Linea cement sheet weather boards here in Australian. The stuff looks great when it’s finished, low maintenance, and hidden nailed to minimise paint prep.

[@mickquaid7709]

thetik100 100% agree with you

[@Stuzzzo]

And leaks like sieve as does all cement board.

[@budd1814]

@@Stuzzzo I believe you would find fault in clean fresh water to drink and clean air to breathe. I hope your day goes better after your disparaging comment.

[@sylviaaugustine8849]

I was a little worried about installing the blade after reading a couple of reviews. But it was amazingly easy. Took about 1 minute. Works great kzbin.infoUgkxjpBI8OOeUXib_iT7UomCrQ-uauwZJ62c . Cuts easily and is perfect for pocket cuts I needed to make for replacing some old deck boards.

[@paulkelly1702]

I look forward to each of your videos Scott. If not for the build, the lessons, the professionalism, the passion for doing it right, it is about hearing you speak. The trades need more like you.

[@stefant6258]

You Sir are an excellent communicator. Thank you for compiling these videos I enjoy listening to and learning more than just technical aspects.

[@SweeturKraut]

I notice y'all sprung for that battery powered Skilsaw. Tried to sneaky sneak it in the background there.

[@garyblatt8925]

We are looking forward to the review esp. those comments on how it spits sawdust out the handle.

[@michaelthompson7570]

This series has been a welcome relief the past few months,,glad it is going to the very end,,relly enjoy it. Thanks

[@tonysailer8470]

Of course you are a trombone player! Reason #487 why I really like you. Great teacher, great human being. Thanks Scott.

[@joelethalcruz4417]

I SEE A CORDLESS..!!!...ABOUT TIME.

[@psidvicious]

I was noticing that cordless Skill sitting there too. This is probably going to begin to be a better time to break out more of the cordless tools. Siding and trim are thinner materials and put a WHOLE lot less strain on the power tools. During the framing stage and all that 2X+ material the corded tools are still the way to go bcz of the power consumption required. Now with the lighter materials coming up, I could see the battery tools being employed a bit more.

[@robertbeirne9813]

psidvicious cordless worm drive review teaser.

[@teddahrable]

As a contractor a few years ago, I fell into the "cordless tool" rush. It was the same as when air nailers came out "you have to get these, they're so great! they save SO MUCH WORK". Yes, they do. When you make your living by them, but when you do not, corded tools are more economical. I no longer contract, or even build, full time. My Makita 18V NiCad system with every tool known to man is a dead POS. Replacement batteries cost more than a new Li Ion TOOL! Not worth it to me, I have a Worm drive skill saw from the '60s that I bought second hand in the late '80s that STILL runs great when I want to saw something. I have a Milwaukee circular saw that I bought in April1986. I used it nearly everyday, 6 days a week for about 9 years. It has built an untold number of houses, garages, sheds, and decks and all it cost me was a set of brushes. I have a Makita 7 1/4" circular saw that I bought in 1992 (my employees didn't like my Milwaukee). My 2nd home-building crew used that nearly everyday for 5 years and I still use it today. All of those saws have been put to use fairly steadily in a part-time handyman use for the past 15 years and they still go. Based on Scott's recommendation, I checked out the Skil Mag77 at the store and it was quite a bit lighter so I bought it on impulse. Even at my retirement age, I have no intentions of putting money into equipment that won't pay for itself. While cordless might be today's fad, I can't justify spending nearly twice the cost of a corded tool that I will only use a few times a year. Now, If I started framing full time again....LOL!

[@psidvicious]

@@teddahrable Excellent point about the cost of the batteries. AND they all wear out at some point and have to be replaced. Even if they sit on a shelf and aren’t used, they still go bad. Corded tools definitely have NOT been replaced by batteries...yet. The day may come, but they’re not there yet. People talk all the time about the cords being clumsy and in the way but when you use it everyday, you really don’t even notice it. I love my cordless tools but if I could only choose one or the other, it would definitely be the corded tools.

[@cunhafixit]

Especially with the capabilities of the Tesla cybertruck, I think corded tools will make a small comeback.

[@jeffputnam8554]

Its great to get acquainted with you too Scott.

[@MrCurveball]

I recommend a flooring cutter to cut the hardie siding, a lot less dust.

[@NickRgibbs]

As a painter I love James hardie. Working on a lift painting it in close proximity to the people cutting it I could not agree more! I wear a mask to spray but sometimes I'm taking a break, never the less I rarely see the siding guys masked up. Good comment mate

[@kevinhornbuckle]

I did not know you play trombone. My son just graduated from jazz studies on trombone and he is quite good. This covid 19 crisis had deferred his music profession career. He is here in Eugene with me for the time being learning welding and carpentry. I mentioned your videos to him just the other day.

[@kevinjmanning03]

Get the tool called Gecko Gauge, they speed up putting on siding such a great tool. I used Hardie Siding on my custom built carriage house that matches the redwood siding on my 1913 craftsman bungalow. Gecko Gauge let me put it up by myself fast and straight.

[@05glisedan]

As always, I really enjoy your channel. Learning a bunch on home building. I'll be using the knowledge you've shared to build a 20x20 shed, from the ground up. Thanks for sharing all your wisdom.

[@SR-gt350]

I like smart siding, easy to work with. Hardy board is great for fire, but a pain to work with. Hardy is great but spaling happens when snow is up against it and freeze thaw cycles.

[@markb.1259]

Thank you Scott! Anxious to see the progress day by day!!

[@Enispecialist]

Thanks for showing us the clips of your family. It brings a lot of hope at such rough time.

[@RichAdamsFineArt]

Love the shots of the family. Very heart-warming in this time of social isolation.

[@raystraining3206]

I enjoy the channel because you're the Bob Ross of construction.

[@robertfakler8564]

I used Hardie plank siding on my house in Eastern Washington 20 years ago, primarily for fire resistance, along with a metal roof. And I'm very happy with the siding. After 20 years it still isn't even close to needing repainting yet. And we get a lot of hot UV radiation much of the year.

[@Kim-ek2mt]

Hardie siding, Nothing can even come close

[@Wrangler98JPTJ]

Thanks goodness you invited us back into the shop to "BS" I was having withdrawals!! love stopping into the shop to "chat" with you and get the scoop from the benchtop!! Glad you and Nate and continuing to forge ahead! Best wishes down South in Roseburg from up here in the Puget Sound... God Bless the Northwest!

[@Ttamlin]

I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see networking and IT included in that list of upcoming subcontractors. It's an expensive, very important, and often overlooked aspect of a solid, modern building. And putting in the Layer 1 stuff at these upcoming stages of the build is orders of magnitude easier, faster, and cheaper than trying to do it once all the walls and ceilings are in. Keep up the good works, guys. Looking forward to all the other videos you all have in the works.

[@duncanvincent9106]

I love this channel! You have such a gentle, informative and experienced manner in your videos. Your legacy in knowledge, relationships and kind mentoring is apparent. How I wish I had experienced these components as I navigated my working life.

[@MC-wi2ns]

You are The Best teacher I’ve ever seen ,safety ,mastery ,and very encouraging thanks for the Great classes and keep up the good work

[@borys444]

Keep up the good work EC!!

[@jctai100]

Hope it is brought to attention that Hardiboard (at least in Canada) has a certain percentage of asbestos. You need a certain type of blade on your saw for cutting without too much dust exposure as well as p100 cartridges.

[@Ridewithcoko]

This is my favorite channel for learning .

[@IWANASLAPTHAT]

Morning, Great videos. Your little grandson with his glasses, Don't worry about them glasses as my son is legally blind and just got his masters degree (distinction) in university. It was in materials and engineering science, now going to do his Doctorate. Keep safe and stay happy.

[@ricksolari9570]

Thank YOU!

[@davidj1436]

The musical score is as well thought out as the rest of your work. I have caught every video, thank you!

[@gunneroutdoors3034]

Best video series on u tube right now hands down

[@rustyshackleford5060]

Keep up the good work!

[@fsj197811]

thanks for the video.

[@damonrondeau8416]

Last summer had to make a decision about the new siding going up on the front of my 110 year old house. I was installing myself no matter what the product. Wanted cedar but just couldn't afford it. Looked really hard at the OSB-based alternatives and then realized what a great value cement fiber board represented. Didn't even consider vinyl. It was fantastic to watch this vid and see you folks have pretty much the same story! Keep up the great work, guys.

[@stuartlagerbauer4249]

Excellent choice on the Hardee Board siding.. It will reek with value and appearance...

[@daveharvey6366]

Thankyou I really enjoy your videos

[@soundjunky007]

Great video! Can't wait for the next video!

[@fiendeng]

Your work is superb. Thank you for sharing!

[@rogerbettencourt9654]

Thank you guys for the realistic factor, to all that you do on your channel, as it is applicable to all facets of life. God bless you guys and keep up the good work.

[@guykopp3160]

Great stuff never disappointed.

[@peterslegers6121]

I love the good vibes from this series. :D

[@717UT]

Keep it up Scott! Your spec house series is going to be a legendary series. Your channel is some of the best content in the construction realm of knowledge.

[@aibnz3804]

The way this guy talks is so convincing, good watching n listening

[@nickmiller96]

Looking forward to it!

[@johncware66]

Awesome choice. I'm in the process (over the years) of getting hardie board siding on all my out buildings. Live in a high fire risk area. You and your channel are awesome!

[@troyeubanks4397]

We chose Hardie board for the siding on our home and we absolutely love it. We also did the Soffits and porch Columns with Hardie materials. It’s defiantly the way to go.

[@dalerobert8202]

Love watching. Thank you

[@spunkyprep]

You know it just kind of dawned on me what this channel reminds me of. I don't know if any of you live down south or if this was even available all over the country but this channel reminds me strongly of the UNC TV Channel show the woodwright's shop

[@DrewToner]

No, you keep up the good work!! Love the lessons!

[@juanmorse50]

I have learned so much by watching this build. I am a lighting technician by trade in the movie industry, but I want to build my own house one day, so these videos are priceless to me. Thank you brother for sharing...

[@kengamble8595]

Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍

[@danmcgee4881]

I love this channel! I wish he would do an episode on the role of different crew members like lead man, foreman, laborer etc.

[@Dazzafourfifty]

I have recently come across your channel and subscribed ! I just want to thank you for time in making these videos and that you are a true craftsman ! Love the house build series

[@firemanj35]

I always love your videos thanks for keeping up your good work.

[@ciaranstiobhard3434]

Love your show... from down under Bridgetown, Australia. Really keen to see the next episode in the evolution of "the build". As you say: "Keep up the good work"

[@EdFlecker1]

Amen. You have some of the most well presented and comprehensive videos on KZbin. I respect and appreciate everything you share with us. Keep spreading the Good Word. The Gospel Of Sensibility.

[@alfonsvoermantrucker]

I love to watch your movies and I'm glad you liked it.. keep up the good work..thanks from Holland..

[@jamesg6071]

I'm also in the middle of deciding new housing for my home. I almost came to the same conclusion as you guys did on Hardie. Can't wait to see further episodes and I see that battery powered skilsaw in the back. Would love to see a review on the battery powered unit as well as their worm gear miter.

[@jbeech01]

Make sure the installer doesn't caulk in between joints. No longer the install directions.

[@danbettenhausen2478]

I just put up LP smartside on an accessory building I'm finishing behind my home. The house was built in the 60s and I wanted something consistent with my cedar lap siding. My only gripe about the product is that they require largish joints for expansion and drainage that some might find a little unsightly. Otherwise, it's a breeze to install and has a nice appearance. Time will tell how it holds up but they've been using it for years up here in Minnesota and it's a harsh environment.

[@jackcorwin5300]

Thanks for sharing. I always enjoy the content. I have been motivated to build my own wood shop and take up small projects.

[@carollshelby500]

Looking forward to the upcoming videos.

[@-DIYPRO-]

I'm planning on doing hardie board in about 6 weeks. That's your timeline now, you have to put out your installation video prior to my project!

[@janderson8401]

When I started out, in Fairfield county CT in the 1980s, it was cedar shingles or clapboards. Any thing else unless the house was in a slum to begin with lowered the value of the house. There is, of course, no perfect siding. In the 40s they came out with asbestos shingles which would supposedly last as long as the house and never need painting. Well they all wound up getting painted and they were brittle as heck. So much for maintenance free. Then came aluminum with dents and fading, vinyl cracking, fading, and buckling when it was nailed too tight, and then the original LP lap siding. After that fiasco it’s amazing there is still a company called Louisiana Pacific. With the cost of having a professional paint even a modest size house, or the time it takes to do it yourself, and the improvements in the looks of “imitation” siding very little real wood is going up around here. I really liked doing cedar shingles. Reshingled almost all of a 1920s bungalow twenty years ago. Builder’s paper under the original shingles and newspapers as house wrap on the part added on in the early 30s. Always found it kind of meditative to do.

[@Lugnut64052]

This is all absolutely true. Nothing makes a house look more old, outdated and tired than faded white asbestos with the bottom edges busted off here and there. I hate vinyl siding; looks cheap from the day it's installed, and is a pathetic water barrier. And who ever thought a vinyl color in baby-shit yellow was attractive. I've gone back to cedar shingle siding on my renovations, either plain sawn or machine grooved. Classic good looks and such a pleasant material to work with. With a little care it'll last the life of the house.

[@Loganlanfear21]

My dad and I just finished doing our camp in cedar shingles. He always called them cedar shakes, not sure why. The finished look is great and it brings a little character to the building.

[@janderson8401]

@@Loganlanfear21 true shakes are split from a log. They have a very slight taper and lot of texture. Shingles are much smoother since they are sawn and taper from about 3/8” to almost nothing. There are also striated or grooved shingles that have the uniform taper of regular shingles but have had grooves scored on one face to mimic the appearance of shakes.

[@5minutewoodworker143]

It will look beautiful!

[@dansamson7081]

Looking forward to the next phase of the build, and a review of that Skil cordless worm drive. Thanks guys!

[@CWade798]

keep up the good work

[@rgbrown90]

Quality entertainment and education 👍👍👍👍❤️

[@TheTarrMan]

This is much better than This Old House. Thank you for doing this.

[@alasdairmunro1953]

It’ll be nice to see whatever the next tasks happen to be, though I guess we won’t see the rigging axe quite so much now! Thanks for your efforts Scott & Nate!👍

[@henrywest7217]

Hardie Board's a beautiful product! Great choice. My guess is that the fire resistance was the clincher.

[@Quietvibes07]

As a builder I prefer LP smart side over hardy board all day. WAY easier to work with and more durable and plus a 50 year warranty. Hardy board is heavy, dusty and dents fairly easily. With proper install both look great 👍

[@carloshernandez4684]

I am a flooring installer all types except ceramic I would like to see some of your flooring guys work I can always learn some more . Appreciate you sharing your knowledge

[@psidvicious]

Curious why you would exempt ceramic?

[@KC-rk1hx]

Their is a million ways to skin a cat. The way that works for you and gets the job done right is the way to go. Your channel is my favorite among the many I keep up with. Keep up the good work.

[@lukesole7203]

I love your channel thanks guys all the best

[@user-ne9wp8ve5u]

Boral is a great product!👍🏾

[@johnhunter273]

Can't wait!

[@judsonhancock8917]

Thx

[@mattschoular8844]

Looking forward to you guys closing in and moving inside...

[@BA-sw5dn]

cant go wrong with hardie! that stuff is nice

[@John_NJDM]

Your intro footage is making me want to move to Oregon. I spent a few weeks in Astoria for training while I was in the Coast Guard, and I loved every minute of it!

[@bmay8818]

If you can handle the rain, this is a fantastic place. If not, eastern Oregon is much drier, though there is hardly anyone there by comparison. Spring and summer here are the best, and almost no snow in the winter.

[@silentcaos]

I am starting dirt work on a new house this June, I had only one siding I considered, and that is Hardy board, I am getting the one with 30 yr paint fade warranty and 50 yr structural warranty. I may be dead by the time the warranty expires ha ha .. I wanted a maintenance free siding and this is the only one that will stand the test of time and nature... I enjoy your videos, keep up the good work..

[@umomiekiller]

Cant wait to see the HVAC stuff!

[@edwardkenny2356]

Can't wait! 🙂

[@DerekTJ]

Stay safe sir!

[@chrislogue5744]

Class act !!

[@vlogerhood]

My parents just redid their entire house (after 36 years the T1-11 pressure treated plywood had lived its life) with hardie plank. It looks great and they are very pleased with it so far. I think that is an excellent choice.

[@jeffbarnett7704]

👍 keep up the good work

[@RobertSmith-zw7lf]

Isnt he just the best internet grandpa?!?!

[@jum5238]

You had me at fertile soil for a garden, and the tractor.