Knotty Cedar Siding vs. Clear Cedar Siding for Modern Homes

Knotty (STK) Cedar Siding on Modern Home

Considering cedar siding for your modern home? If so, it is important to understand the difference between knotty and clear cedar grades. Given proper maintenance both grades are equally durable. The main difference is appearance.

Knotty Cedar Siding

Knotty cedar siding is also referred to as STK or select tight knot. Knotty cedar gives a more rustic appearance compared to the clear grade. For modern homes, large scale application of knotty cedar generally appears too rustic. However, as demonstrated in the top photo, on a smaller scale knotty cedar is a viable option.


Clear cedar siding is mostly free of knots. The lack of knots make it less rustic in appearance.Thus, clear grade is generally a preferred choice for modern homes. The cleaner more uniform appearance easily lends itself to use on a larger scale as shown in the bottom picture.

Clear Cedar Siding on Modern Home

Now, the big question. How much does this stuff cost? Clear grade is much more expensive then STK. Wood pricing can fluctuate greatly, but the following numbers from late 2010 should give a good idea. Pricing is per linear foot.

1" x 4" tongue & groove
STK: $0.41
Clear: $0.99

1" x 8" tongue & groove

Clear Cedar Siding

STK: $0.89
Clear: $2.46

Clear Cedar Siding on Modern Home