How To Install A Light Fixture Outside On Cedar Siding?

This step-by-step DIY guide demonstrates how to install an outdoor, wall-mounted light fixture, also known as a sconce or lantern, on lap siding. The Arlington box is simple and easy to use, and it installs without really needing to be installed. Most exterior light fixtures come pre-equipped with all the insulation they need, including a rubber gasket that seals the fixture against a flat surface.

For replacement siding jobs, the instructions are easy to find, but there are extra hollow sections that need to be addressed. Different shapes and sizes available create an attractive exterior feature behind the fixture. Mounting blocks are applied directly to the sheathing, making it easier to install the light.

Exterior lighting can improve the appearance, function, and safety of your home. There are two approaches to installing exterior lights: chiseling out the siding and mounting the fixture directly to the surface behind it (OSB + houswrap). The method shown in the old hose picture involves letting a flat area into the siding, then letting an electrical box into that area. It is best to place the lighting midway between the bottom of a piece of siding for a balanced look.

To install an outdoor light fixture on vinyl, metal, or wood lap siding, use a simple mounting block that fits the contours of the siding and bumps out the fixture slightly to ensure it is mounted flat. Consider making your own surface mount plate, which would be attached to the siding and caulked with a hole for the electrical. Cut the block of wood, cut out the hole in the middle, and use a multi saw to cut the siding using the block as a guide.

What do you put under cedar siding?

Felt underlayment is a traditional option for cedar shingles, made from synthetic materials like fiberglass or natural materials like wood cellulose. It is layered with a protective asphalt coating to protect against debris and moisture. Available in 15-pound or 30-pound rolls, it offers weather barriers, roof deck protection, and prevents uneven roof sheathing. However, it is prone to tearing in cold and rainy climates and high heat, making it unsuitable for other roofing materials like metal.

Synthetic underlayment, made from polypropylene, fiberglass, and polyester, is a popular choice for homes exposed to harsh weather conditions. It can withstand various climates without wearing down, making it a suitable choice for homes exposed to various weather conditions.

How to attach lights to wood siding?

In order to prepare for the backyard makeover, it is first necessary to identify the optimal locations for drilling through the siding. Once this has been done, the Lag Screw can be attached, the steel wire connected, the wire extended for the purpose of hanging lights, and finally, the wire end connected to the end hook before the lights are hung.

How can I make my cedar siding look better?

When choosing between painting or staining cedar siding, consider factors such as uniformity, customization, ease of touch-up, and maintenance requirements. Painting provides a uniform look, while staining allows the natural grain of the wood to show through. Painting is more customizable and can be used for unique colors or designs. Staining is easier to touch up if scratched or chipped and requires less maintenance. The best choice depends on personal preferences and home needs.

To protect the original look and texture of cedar siding, use a clear deck and siding sealer like ZAR ® Deck and Siding Clear Waterproof Wood Sealer. However, the sealer may cause a slighter, darker, and warmer shade.

What is the best fastener for cedar siding?

Western Red Cedar siding should be fastened using hot-dipped galvanized, aluminum, and stainless steel nails, which are corrosion-resistant and can be used without rusting or disintegrating. Copper nails should not be used as they react negatively with cedar’s natural preservative oils, resulting in stains and streaks. Stainless steel nails are the best choice for siding applications, especially for transparent staining. Type, size, and spacing are crucial for the best results.

Splitless siding nails with thin shanks and blunt points are recommended for better holding power. Nails with ring threaded or spiral threaded shanks are also recommended. Nails with textured heads can reduce glossy spots when finishing.

Nails should be driven with care, as heavy nailing may distort the wood and cause splitting. Nail holes may need to be pre-drilled at mitered corners, near edges, and near ends. The size of nails depends on the type and thickness of siding, and good building practice is to use nails long enough to penetrate at least 1-1/4″ (32mm) through underlying materials. Siding should be fastened to each stud or furring strip with nails spaced at a maximum of 24″ (61cm) on center.

Is a junction box required for an exterior light fixture?

Junction boxes are essential for protecting electrical connections from weather and interference, allowing for the splitting of a single feed into multiple outputs for distribution. They are also used as house components for low voltage lighting, such as patio lights, and for connecting them to the mains. In garden lighting, junction boxes can be mounted on garage or shed walls, housing transformers or LED power supplies, or on external house or garden walls.

They can also be used under decking or in burial locations. When burying a junction box, ensure it has a good IP rating, ideally IP68. Most junction boxes are IP65 or IP66, which may not be suitable for traditional English gardens. If buried, a junction box with a better IP rating or a resin or gel filled box can be used to increase its rating.

How to mount a light fixture to siding?

To install a new light fixture, drill a hole through your siding, pull the cable through, and secure it with a connector. Attach the block to the stud or wood sheathing, adding sealant to prevent water intrusion. Make electrical connections at the light, attach it to the block, and turn on the power. Maintain the fixture by periodically inspecting it for sagging, gaps, or loose caulk, and if it experiences flickering, buzzing, or sparks, turn off the power and consult a licensed electrician.

How do you update old cedar siding?

To paint cedar siding, follow these four steps: pressure wash the siding, scrape off the peeling paint, prime the bare wood with an oil-based primer, and paint the siding with an all-in-one exterior paint and primer. For a pristine finish, sand the siding after scraping to level out the paint ridges. If pressure washing is too much, sand the frayed wood or apply an exterior spackling compound like DAP Platinum Patch, let it dry, and sand it smooth. While this method turned out beautifully on a few pieces, it may not be suitable for all cedar siding. The author may earn a small commission if you click on the link and/or purchase from that site.

Do I need a mounting block for exterior lights?

A mounting block is a crucial component for installing exterior light fixtures, house numbers, or mailboxes on a house with vinyl siding. These blocks are installed on top of the vinyl siding to provide a level, flat surface for any type of fixture. They come in various styles, sizes, and shapes to accommodate the specific light fixture’s base. It is important to replace the existing mounting block if you are moving from a bigger light fixture base to a smaller one. Larger mounting blocks omit gaps, eliminating the chance of water entering the fixture, ensuring safety.

Can you mount into siding?

Drilling into siding is acceptable if there is a stud or frame behind it. The weight of the item depends on the size of the nail or screw used. Vinyl hooks typically hold up to 5 pounds, while metal hooks are recommended for heavier items. A newly sided home offers limitless potential for customization. Outdoor spaces can be enhanced by mounting hooks to siding and adding string lights, or using spotlights for increased visibility.

Can you use tyvek under cedar siding?

DuPont Tyvek is suitable for use under various facades like brick, stucco, vinyl, cedar siding, and stone. It provides maximum air infiltration resistance and bulk water holdout. Building paper, unlike DuPont Tyvek, can absorb water, tear easily, and degrade over time. It is less permeable to moisture vapor transfer, which can cause mold, mildew, and rot. However, DuPont Tyvek is not a vapor barrier, but breathable, allowing moisture vapor to pass through it. Proper installation is essential for optimal performance.

How do you hang lights without damaging siding?

To hang decorations on the side of your house without creating holes, there are several methods. The most efficient method is to use a siding hook, which is a vinyl-sided hook that snaps onto the bottom of the siding. This allows you to hang your decorations on the bottom of the hook. Alternatively, you can use a suction cup, which is a cup hook that can be attached to the side of your house. To attach the suction cup, clean the area where you want to attach the hook thoroughly with soap and water, then dry it.

Then, wet the suction cup and press it firmly to the siding. For best results, leave the hook for a day before adding decorations. This method is ideal for vinyl-sided houses or aluminum windows wrapped with aluminum, as holes can cause water to seep into a protected space, potentially causing problems for your home.