Acclimate and Prime

• Let the wood sit outside of the home for at least 48 hours to get used to the temperature change. This will prevent splitting and other damage while installing it. This will also allow for it to expand or contract due to the moisture levels in the air.
  
  It is recommended that you apply one coat of priming all over the siding including the edges before you attach the siding to the home. This will prevent the wood from soaking in any extra moisture. The priming that you use will depend on the siding that you purchase. Attach a waterproof barrier to the walls before the siding if you wish as extra moisture protection.
  
  

Installing the Siding

• Place a chalk line at the bottom of the wall as a reference to where you are placing the first row. Check to make sure that the line is straight. If not, make adjustments accordingly because if this line is not straight it will throw off the alignment of the other siding.
  
  Put the first row in place over the chalk line and nail it in at the studs. Use splitless siding nails for this task as they work better with wood. Do not use excess force when driving the nails in. Hammer in three nails to the top of the siding to secure it. Continue with that line until the bottom row is done, making sure that there are no gaps between panels. Nail the ends of the panels on each corner to the corner stud for secure attachments. Place the next row overlapping the first one by 1 1/2 inches, hiding the nails. Do not nail overlapping sections together because it will make the wood split. Keep nailing them in at the top of the panel. Repeat this process until the house has been covered.
  
  

Flashing and Finishing

• Install flashing at the windows and door to direct the water runoff away from those sections. This will prevent water damage that happens on occasion over time.
  
  There are various types of cedar siding that snap or overlap in different ways. Always read the instructions to ensure that the siding is installed correctly.