balsam/spruce for siding

[anvoj]

Anybody use rough balsam and or spruce for siding without treating or painting it? Not sure if it will act like white pine or if it will suck up the rain and turn to mush.
thanks for any thoughts
(bear in mind I'm in northern WI)

[Helena]

No carpenter here for sure..but don't you need to let it age first.. I know that rought cut lumber ..green..isn't a good idea. Also, would you always have that nice smell with the wood..that would be a plus for me. I love the smell of balsam..

[woodsy]

Untreated pine , spruce , fir will rot if not painted or sealed. There are some solid colored latex stains that might give you a natural wood tone and have a 10 year guarantee not to gray. Cabot makes some good stain with this guarantee.
We started with semi transparent stain on cedar clapboard for the natural look and it didn't last for beans , 5 years at most..
Or paint it..

[anvoj]

Well, if I end up treating it, I will paint, rather than stain it. I've heard mostly bad things about stains. White pine seems like it lasts quite a few years (50?) untreated, if it's kept dry. I was just wondering whether anyone knew if balsam is comparable.

The way I'm using it won't really require the usual aging process.