Definitely not t-111. Looks like some type of v-groove t+g, which could be a number of species. No way to tell from the pics.

The guy who told you it was T-111? Cross him off your list of potential contractors.

It is tongue-and-groove, solid material; it is not clear, based on the knots I see, but it's pretty good quality; and it could be cedar. You might be able to tell if it's cedar by drilling a small hole through it in an inconspicuous place and sniffing for the characteristic odor of cedar. Also, cedar is a rather soft wood, so you would be able to dent it pretty easily by pressing a bladed screwdriver into the surface.

Thanks for your input. Yes, I totally agree - the first contractor, who thought it was T111 had no idea what he was speaking about on several regards. The second contractor is who we will be going with, who thought it was cedar.

I'm going to investigate a bit more and see if I can confirm cedar. I'm hoping so, as I would like to strip and stain and know cedar will look so nice. I am also relieved it's not T111.

Such bad peeling makes me worry about water entering the wall perhaps at the unprotected butt joints. I would be thinking about installing another kind of siding over it perhaps factory dipped white cedar shingles.

Doesn’t seem that any water has gotten in. The house was a foreclosure with no occupancy for 5 years and this side of the home received the worst weather impact. No water entry issues inside the walls. Just trying to determine if it’s cedar or not. Thanks

Where do you live? Cedar siding is more common in some parts of the country than others.

I’m in upstate NY, in the Catskills. Cedar definitely fits the more rustic style homes here. from What people are saying here it’s really just confirming that the first contractor knew nothing thinking this was t-111. I’m hoping it’s cedar as I want to strip and then stain it

It could well be cedar, and I gave you two ideas above to try to assess that. But it’s not possible to just look at your photos and say from the grain pattern that it’s absolutely cedar and couldn’t be anything else.

Thanks! Yes I’m going to try drilling into it next week, going down to zero tonight so I’ll wait till it warms up next week :) thank you again for the tips.

Good luck. I think it’s more likely than not that it’s cedar given the way it’s held up, but my crystal ball is imperfect ;-)