When choosing siding for houses, there are many things you need to consider. Whether building or renovating, one thing is for certain, you’ll need siding for your exterior walls. There are many types of siding to choose from, so you’ll want to make sure you choose the right one.

The purpose of siding is to protect your home’s exterior. Siding is typically low maintenance, so it’s an easy way to make your house last longer. Choosing the right siding doesn’t have to be difficult, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, it can be hard.

To make the process easier, we’ve created a list of the different types of siding and what makes each one so special.

Types Of Siding Styles

Here, we’ll look at the pros and cons of siding and show you how each one is different.

Standard Vinyl Siding

Cottage Home Company

Cost: $.50 to $3 per square foot.

The most popular home siding is vinyl. It’s easy to install. It comes in a variety of colors or styles. Vinyl siding is the laminate floor of siding.

Laminate siding is available in different textures, and vertical and horizontal boards. You can paint vinyl siding any color you desire.

Pros

Low maintenanceDurableEasy installation

Cons

Doesn’t look realNot eco-friendlyDifficult in bad weather

Insulated Vinyl Siding

Platinum Development Builders

Cost: $3 to $10 per square foot.

Insulated vinyl siding is vinyl. Before buying, make sure you know what you want. The difference with insulated vinyl is how the insulation is built in.

If you insulate your interior or live in a mild climate, then this vinyl siding is best. The cheap price is too good to pass up if your heating and cooling doesn’t change.

Pros

Warm in winter, cool in summer.More durable than vinyl.

Cons

Price.

Engineered Wood Siding

Mataverde Decking

LP SmartSide is engineered wood siding and popular in the US. The siding has wood and other materials. It’s strong, and a cheaper option for solid wood siding.

Engineered wood siding is a cheaper and a more durable option than wood. The siding lasts longer and gives your home the look you desire.

Cost: $2.50 to $4 per square foot.

Pros

Extremely durableCustom to orderLooks like wood

Cons

Unable to refinishNot solid woodHigh maintenance

Wood Shingles

Modern Lodge Disguised As Traditional Using Wooden Shingles – more here.

Wood shingles are the most popular type of shingles, but other styles exist. Shingles are thin square blocks that create a pattern.

If your home was built between the 1940s and 1960s, there’s a good chance it has asbestos-cement shingle siding. Removing the shingles isn’t cheap, but should be done to protect your family.

If your home has old clapboard siding, you can install wood shingles over it. However, it’s better to replace older siding. Also, you should replace damaged trim and flashing around your door and window openings.

A house wrap increases your home’s ability to prevent moisture and other harmful build up. You can try a DIY wrap method, which will save money.

Cost: $2 to $7 per square foot.

Pros

SafetyNatural lookAffordable

Cons

Maintenance requiredCan loosen and break

Log

TruLog Steel Log Siding

Log siding uses half logs rather than full logs. The end of each log features a half-circle. Logs mulled from pine or cedar trees are popular for this siding.

The siding offers a rustic log cabin charm. You can pair it with log pillars or rustic décor.

If you’d rather have solid log siding, you’ll need log “walls.” The home’s exterior is covered with split mulled logs instead of log siding over plywood.

Pine and cedar are popular wood siding styles. Cedar siding colors include eastern white, red, and Alaskan yellow. Unlike cedar, pine doesn’t protect against insects or rot. Cedar siding offers stability. The siding doesn’t expand, contract, crack, and warp like pine siding.

Wood siding requires a protective finish. Paint or solid color stain offers the best protection from harsh weather conditions and UV damage. Before choosing wood, check your local building codes. Some regions require siding that features fire-retardant chemicals.

Cost: $3 to $8 per square foot.

Pros

Pine is cheaperCedar is strongerLow maintenance

Cons

Protective finishMust follow local building codes

Related: 8 Greener Alternatives For Concrete As A Building Material

Brick

CK Building and Design Corporation

Brick is popular because it can last a lifetime. The upfront expense is worth it for your forever home. It’s your home, so make it appealing.

If you want unique exterior siding, try painted brick or mix the brick with stone. The combination will add contrast and give your exterior an eclectic look.

Cost: $5 to $10 per square foot.

Pros

DurableLooks unique when painted

Cons

Expensive

Batten

Piches Architecture

Board and batten siding is wooden. It first appeared on barns. Today, it is used on buildings. The siding uses wider boards joined together by thin boards.

Fake batten for plywood or something similar and add small boards over it. It’s cheaper than using real boards.

Cost: Varies

Pros

CheapUnique

Cons

Hard to install

Stucco

Calvin Design

Cost: $5 to $10 per square foot.

Stucco was once the cheapest siding option, but now it’s not. Due to a lack of demand, you’ll need to find a qualified siding contractor to install the siding.

Stucco is a better option for warmer climates. It’s like plaster, but regional. You can make your walls plaster, but are best for interior use.

Pros

Long-lastingKeeps house coolSaves energyFire-resistant

Cons

ExpensiveNot perfect for humid areasHard to keep clean

Glass

Cohen Construction

Glass siding isn’t cheap. It’s also easy to break. Greenhouses use glass walls and siding.

The siding is framed with metal or wood. It’s stable but will need added support.

Cost: Up to $100 per square foot.

Pros

Solid windowsNatural lightEnergy-efficientWaterproof

Cons

Not actual sidingFragileExpensive

Stone

Cost: $10 to $20 per square foot.

Stone siding might be your answer. It’s more durable than brick and offers a natural look. While veneer siding isn’t ideal, solid stone siding is nice.

However, you should consider veneer siding. Broken pieces are easy to replace. It also offers a nice look compared with stone siding.

The best thing about stone veneer siding is how easy it is to install. The stone is made with Portland cement and has different pigments. Apply concrete and wood-frame walls to the veneer.

With wood-frame walls, make sure to cover the outside sheathing with a moisture barrier and then apply a metal lath.

Low maintenanceDurableNatural look

Cons

Hard to repairExpensive

Aluminum

Studio Sarah Willmer Architecture

Aluminum siding is popular with prefab homes. It was invented in Indiana during the 1930s.

It’s a cheap, stable choice. The siding comes in natural colors or painted.

If you have an aluminum roof, watch out. The two may not contrast to give your house a homey look. Aluminum is a cool siding option, and doesn’t leave room for hominess.

The siding protects your home from natural elements.

Hot climates can cause the siding to contract and expand. You’ll know when it’s changing if you hear small, quiet popping noises. The sound isn’t loud, but you and your pets will hear it at night.

During rainy weather, sound will be an issue if you have aluminum siding.

Also, colors aren’t baked on the siding. You will need to paint it every few years. With colors, replacing damaged siding is hard if you can’t find a matching color hue.

Cost: $2 to $7 per square foot.

Pros

Lasts through any weatherFire-resistantReflects sunlight

Cons

Easy to dentToo hot for summer climates

Steel

Bridger Steel Inc.

Steel is like aluminum, but more durable. It looks and feels like aluminum. Imagine using cardboard instead of paper for a project. Cardboard lasts longer and is stronger.

Steel can rust but it lasts longer than other siding. There isn’t much that can break or damage steel.

If you’re looking to enhance your home’s curb appeal, steel is your choice.

Cost: $4 to $10 per square foot.

Pros

Stronger than other siding.Enhances curb appeal.Stronger version of aluminum.

Cons

Colors fade.Needs repainting.Hot during summer.

Fiber Cement

Jim Burton Architects

Fiber cement siding is efficient. Fiber cement is a man-made material. It’s like vinyl and a composite as it is a mixture of materials., but it includes cement.

Due to its material, the siding is stronger than other composite styles. Today, it is growing in demand, and for good reason.

The siding uses cellulose fibers and cement. The fibers come in clapboards, panels, battens, boards, and trim. It’s also easy to paint.

Fiber cement siding offers protection from moisture and rot. If you live in Florida, for example, you need protection from hurricanes, storms, and floods.

In coastal regions, saltwater will ruin wood siding. Strong winds will also blow vinyl and aluminum away.

Fiber cement siding is the best for fire protection. California homeowners are rushing to buy it. During a fire, wood and vinyl combust. The thing with fiber cement siding is how it won’t ignite.

Some insurance companies offer cheaper rates to homeowners who use this siding. If you live in the woods, fiber cement siding will protect your home from squirrels, birds, and termites.

Cost: $5 to $15 per square feet.

Pros

Looks natural.Waterproof.Fire-resistant.

Cons

Expensive.Heavy.Hard to install.

Concrete

20 Gorgeous Concrete Houses With Unexpected Designs – more here.

Concrete is like fiber cement. However, there is a difference between cement and concrete. Cement is an ingredient, while concrete is partial cement.

You can’t get more futuristic than concrete. Use it with wood for contrast or to cover your home. You won’t find a more durable option on the market.

Cost: $3 to $7 per square foot.

Pros

Long lastingWaterproofFire resistantAnimal and bug resistant

Cons

ExpensiveNot natural looking

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

When was vinyl siding invented?

Vinyl siding was invented in the 50s at a manufacturing plant. It was intended as an option for aluminum siding. Since then, vinyl siding has evolved. Today, it is one of the most durable things you can add to your home.

Can I Install A Mounting Block On Existing Vinyl Siding?

When installing a light or utility box, you will need to place a mounting block over the siding. The blocks come in various styles and are used for trim or a hose bib.

Adding a mounting block isn’t simple. You will need the right tools. If you don’t have experience, you can look for siding contractors near you.

What Kind Of Maintenance Comes With Siding?

You should inspect your siding annually for cracks. If it’s damaged, repair it fast. Do not wait until it’s too late. You can expect to refinish your home every four to six years.

Does fiber cement siding come with a warranty?

For fiber cement siding, 15-year warranties are the standard. Warranties cover peeling, chipping, fading, and cracking. Some companies offer 30-year and 15-year non-prorated warranties. You’ll need to ask before purchasing.

Types Of Siding Conclusion

Now that you know about the siding available on the market today, you can make an informed decision. If you decide you want real wood siding or a stone veneer, you’ll know what to expect before you install it.