Choosing your house siding is a big investment that’s meant to last. The ultimate siding choice enhances energy efficiency and resale value while protecting your home from unwanted elements. There are many types of house siding available, and every year, with more house siding options released, it’s good to know your siding options, their characteristics, costs, and future maintenance possibilities.
Whether you’re renovating or building new, this comprehensive guide will help you compare popular siding styles—from traditional lap siding to advanced fiber cement siding and vinyl siding. There are a few reasons why vinyl siding is a popular choice among homeowners, which we’ll explore later, so you can confidently choose the best match for your needs.
Key Factors to Consider for Your House Siding
When considering new or replacement exterior siding, keep these priorities in mind:
- Durability. The best siding materials, like fiber cement or stone veneer, must resist moisture, insects, and extreme temperatures. Incredibly durable options can last decades with minimal maintenance.
- Maintenance. Some materials, such as vinyl siding or metal siding, offer low maintenance; in contrast, real wood siding and wood shingles require frequent repainting and sealing.
- Cost. Consider the initial cost per square foot, installation expense, and ongoing maintenance needs.
- Aesthetics. Many homeowners want to complement their home’s architectural style, from classic clapboard siding to sleek vertical panels or board and batten. Your siding choice will greatly shape the home’s timeless appeal.
- Energy Efficiency. Some siding, such as insulated vinyl, has excellent insulation properties and can lower energy costs.
- Environmental Impact. Many homeowners appreciate natural materials like natural wood, while others prefer synthetic materials for durability or cost savings.
Popular House Siding Types
Let’s review the leading house siding options, outlining their features, benefits, drawbacks, and styles to help you find the right siding for your entire exterior.
Vinyl Siding
One of the most popular materials used in house siding is vinyl. This synthetic material is budget-friendly and widely available. It comes in various colors and styles, including lap siding, vertical panels, and shingle siding options.
Pros:
- Low initial cost per square foot
- Minimal maintenance—no painting, just occasional washing
- Resists rot, pests, and moisture
- Works with many architectural styles
Drawbacks:
- Can crack or fade under extreme sun or storms
- Not as strong as fiber cement or metal siding
- Less authentic for historic homes
Vinyl siding is suitable for many homeowners seeking affordability, easy care, and versatility. For added energy efficiency, choose insulated vinyl siding.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding combines Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fiber to create a highly durable, fire-resistant, and versatile option.
Pros:
- Handles harsh weather conditions
- Resists fire, pests, and rot
- Adapts to many siding styles (such as traditional lap siding and board and batten)
- Looks like natural wood, but it is unlike wood in its durability
Drawbacks:
- Heavier material requires professional installation
- Generally, it ranges higher in initial cost
- Needs frequent repainting every 10–15 years
This exterior siding is ideal for those wanting the look of natural materials with minimal maintenance. It’s also a smart choice for modern builds or architectural styles requiring flexibility in design.
Wood Siding
Nothing matches the natural beauty and timeless appeal of real wood siding. Available as clapboard siding (long, horizontal boards), cedar shingles, or cedar shakes (thicker, textured wood pieces), wood siding offers exceptional style. There are many types of wood siding, including cedar shakes, engineered wood, and manufactured wood, each offering a unique appearance and requiring regular maintenance to protect against moisture and preserve their durability.
Pros:
- Warm, organic appearance
- Can be stained or painted
- Works for many architectural styles
Drawbacks:
- High maintenance: requires frequent repainting, sealing, and pest inspections
- Vulnerable to rot, fire, and insects unless treated
- Costs more in the long run due to ongoing maintenance
Wood siding is great for period homes or anyone who wants natural wood and knows the commitment of high-maintenance care. Engineered wood is an alternative that requires less ongoing maintenance.
Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding is real wood fiber and resins blended to form boards or panels that provide the look of real wood but sidestep many of the usual pitfalls.
- Offers the look of wood siding or wood shingles at a lower price
- More fire-resistant and moisture-proof than traditional wood
- Requires proper installation to prevent swelling or rot
While not as incredibly durable as stone or brick, engineered wood is favored for minimal maintenance needs and can be styled as lap siding, shingle siding, or board and batten.
Metal Siding (Steel or Aluminum)
Metal siding (including steel siding and aluminum siding) brings a modern touch to all types of homes and excels in areas prone to severe weather or fire.
Compared to other materials, metal siding often offers superior durability and lower maintenance requirements, while also providing a distinct contemporary aesthetic.
Pros:
- Incredibly durable and fire-resistant
- Little to no ongoing maintenance—just advice for an occasional washing
- Ideal for vertical panels or industrial looks
Metal siding also weighs less than some alternatives and is recyclable. Steel siding is more impact-resistant, while aluminum siding performs well near coastal areas (as it’s rust-resistant).
Possible Drawbacks:
- Can be noisy in storms, or damaged by hail and debris
- Requires expert installers for proper installation
If you’re seeking minimal maintenance and superior protection, metal siding could be your top choice.
Brick Siding and Brick Veneer
Brick siding and brick veneer provide long-lasting protection and a distinctive, classic look. Today, brick veneer is popular—a thin outer layer attached to the exterior.
- Nearly no maintenance; simply check for mortar cracks
- Excellent insulation properties, which can cut energy costs
- Durable and fire-resistant
As a note, brick siding works well for traditional and colonial architectural styles, boosting both curb appeal and resale value. Its initial cost is higher, but it pays off in longevity and energy efficiency.
Stucco Siding
Stucco siding is made from cement, lime, sand, and water. Often seen on Mediterranean and Southwestern homes, it’s prized for its seamless finish and adaptability.
- Offers excellent insulation properties
- Fire resistance and storm durability
- Can be textured for various looks, including traditional lap or smooth modern styles
Beware, stucco can develop cracks if not installed correctly or in regions with lots of freeze-thaw cycles. Proper installation with a moisture barrier keeps the system weather-tight.
Stone Siding & Stone Veneer
Natural stone makes a dramatic, luxury statement, while stone veneer siding delivers similar looks at a lower price and weight.
Pros:
- Nearly incredibly durable and minimal maintenance
- Elevates curb appeal with natural texture and color
- Suitable for accents or the entire exterior
While stone veneer costs less than solid stone, both require skilled siding installation for strength and weather resistance. Choose this for upscale or rustic homes where you want timeless appeal.
Composite Siding and Other Siding Materials
Composite siding—made from various synthetic materials, as well as other siding materials such as concrete panels or recycled plastics is an emerging option for eco-minded homeowners. These sometimes mimic the look of shingle siding, lap siding, or even board and batten for a custom look while offering low maintenance and energy efficiency. Always verify the proper installation methods and warranties when considering less conventional siding options.
Quick Comparison of Various House Siding Types
| Siding Material | Cost/sq ft (Installed) | Lifespan | Maintenance | Curb Appeal | Best For |
| Vinyl Siding | $2–$7 | 20–40 years | Minimal maintenance | Versatile, many styles | Budget renovations, low upkeep, wide range |
| Fiber Cement Siding | $5–$13 | 30–50 years | Low-moderate | Mimics wood, highly durable | Harsh climates, fiber cement siding pros |
| Wood Siding | $5–$14 | 20–40 years | High maintenance | Natural beauty, classic look | Historic/period homes, wood siding pros |
| Engineered Wood | $3–$8 | 20–30 years | Moderate | Looks like wood, less upkeep | Families, modern homes, engineered wood |
| Steel Siding | $4–$10 | 30–50 years | Minimal maintenance | Sleek, modern | Modern homes, industrial look |
| Aluminum Siding | $4–$9 | 30–45 years | Minimal maintenance | A variety of finishes | Coast/urban, aluminum siding |
| Brick Siding / Veneer | $9–$30 | 50+ years | Very low | Classic, timeless appeal | Colonial style, upscale builds |
| Stucco Siding | $6–$10 | 50+ years | Moderate | Seamless, textured | SW/Med-style, dry climates |
| Stone / Stone Veneer | $10–$30 | 50+ years | Very low | Upscale, rustic, stone veneer | Accent walls, luxury, and stone veneer siding pros |
| Composite/Other | $5–$12 | 25–40 years | Low | Mimics many siding styles | Eco-conscious, custom looks |
Note: Prices generally range based on region and professional installation costs.
How to Find the Right Siding Material for Your Home
To choose the right siding for your home’s exterior, ask yourself:
- How much am I prepared to spend on the initial cost and ongoing maintenance?
- Which look best expresses my personal style and boosts my home’s curb appeal?
- What weather or climate issues—like rain, snow, insects, or fire resistance—do I need to consider?
- Am I seeking minimal maintenance, or am I willing to take on high-maintenance materials for a specific look, such as natural wood or wood shingles?
- Is energy efficiency a priority? Some options, like insulated vinyl or brick siding, provide excellent insulation properties and may help lower energy costs.
Proper installation is crucial for siding longevity. Whether you’re choosing traditional clapboard siding, board and batten, shingle siding, or contemporary vertical panels, hiring experienced installers will help prevent issues like water intrusion or siding warping.
Enhance Your Home’s Exterior With the Right Siding Options: Call Us Now!
Choosing from the many types of house siding is about balancing beauty, performance, initial cost, and maintenance demands. Exploring options like vinyl siding pros, fiber cement siding pros, metal siding pros, or stone veneer siding pros will help you discover which material best elevates your home’s design and functionality. By matching these siding materials to your climate, architectural style, and lifestyle, you’ll find the right siding for your needs and help your home’s exterior stand the test of time.
Ready to transform your home’s exterior? Trust Armadas Exterior LLC—your local experts in siding installation and exterior renovations. Our skilled professionals provide honest advice and deliver top-quality workmanship. We use the best siding materials to complete your project on time and within budget.
Contact us today to discover how we can enhance your home’s beauty, energy efficiency, and value for years to come. Your home deserves the best—let our professionals take care of everything from start to finish!