Jeff chose LP SmartSide, a sustainably harvested wood product made with bonding products that are free of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. "It should be low-maintenance since the factory-primed surface is made to bond with the paint," Jeff says, noting that traditional wood siding requires quite a bit of upkeep, and vinyl siding, while cheap, involves a chemically intensive manufacturing process. The SmartSide's rough edges resemble cedar, giving the home a cottage feel.