The maintenance costs for real wood on homes and cabins throughout there lifespans are astounding.
This guy in Utah (see picture below) just took off his real wood that he had just had built 7 years ago! After problems with weathering already and figuring on the time and money it takes to maintain it, it was not worth it to him anymore.
He replaced it with Timbermill Simulated Cedar Siding. Timbermill Simulated Cedar Siding is a high grade vinyl siding that looks just like real wood, without the costs of maintenance (staining, varnishing, painting every couple of years) and its more durable. Get the look of real wood with no maintenance.
http://timbermillsiding.com/