4 Types of Siding: Comparing Vinyl, Wood, Metal, and Fiber Cement

Choosing the right siding for your home is an important decision that impacts aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and resale value. The four most popular siding options are vinyl, wood, metal, and fiber cement. Each has unique pros and cons to consider when selecting the best siding for your needs. This comprehensive guide examines the key differences between vinyl, wood, metal, and fiber cement sidings.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is the most commonly used residential siding material. Here’s an overview of vinyl siding:

What is Vinyl Siding?

Vinyl siding consists of plastic (PVC) panels or clapboards that mimic the look of traditional wood siding. The vinyl is colored throughout and has a matte finish. Insulation boards are installed underneath to improve thermal efficiency.

Pros of Vinyl Siding:

Cost-effective – Vinyl is an affordable siding option.
Low maintenance – Vinyl resists rot, termites, moisture damage and never needs repainting. Just occasional washing is required.
Color choices – Vinyl sidings come in many colors and shades.
Long lifespan – Vinyl lasts 40-50 years on average.
Energy efficiency – Vinyl siding helps insulate your home.

Cons of Vinyl Siding:

Fades over time – Vinyl can experience color fading after 7-10 years of sun exposure.
Susceptible to impact damage – Vinyl can dent, crack or warp if hit by objects.
Lacks authentic look – Vinyl has an artificial, plastic appearance compared to real wood.
Not environmentally friendly – Vinyl is difficult to recycle and manufacture has environmental impacts.

Overall, vinyl is a low-cost, low-maintenance siding choice that offers great insulation. The tradeoffs are a shorter lifespan than other materials and a somewhat artificial look.

Vinyl Siding Costs

On average, vinyl siding costs $2-5 per sq. ft. installed. Factors affecting vinyl siding costs include:

Siding quality – Budget vinyl can be as low as $1 per sq.ft. Premium vinyl costs $4-5 per sq.ft.
Home size – Prices are cheaper per sq.ft. on larger homes.
Accessibility – Multi-story and difficult to access areas add labor costs.
Region – Prices vary across the country based on demand.
Additional costs – Insulation, trim, disposal fees add to the total.

Vinyl is one of the most budget-friendly siding options. It offers a significant price advantage over wood or fiber cement.

Vinyl Siding Durability

Vinyl siding durability depends on:

Thickness – Thicker vinyl panels (.044″+) last longer than thin ones.
Quality – Budget vinyl can warp and dent more easily than premium brands.
Installation – Proper installation is key to ensure vinyl withstands weather.
Climate – Hot, sunny climates accelerate fading and thermal expansion/contraction.

When properly installed, quality vinyl siding typically lasts 40-50 years. Lower-end vinyl may need replacement after 25 years.

Extending vinyl life:

Use thick vinyl siding – at least .040″-.044” for best durability.
Choose lighter color tones – they resist fading better than dark shades.
Ensure proper installation – nails should only penetrate the insulation backing, not the vinyl siding itself.
Provide attic ventilation – reduces thermal expansion and contraction.

Vinyl Siding Looks

Vinyl siding comes in clapboard, dutch lap, vertical board and batten, and shake styles. Clapboard is the most common traditional lap style.

Features that improve vinyl’s aesthetics:

Premium textures – Mimic real wood grain for added realism.
Matte finishes – Look less glossy than basic vinyl.
Premium fade protection – Resist color fading longer.
Thicker panels – Create more dimension and shadow lines.
Decorative accents – Imitate quoins, louvers, brackets for style.

Seamless corners, trim and other structural details also help vinyl better emulate the layered dimensional look of wood siding.

Best Uses for Vinyl Siding

Affordable housing – Ideal for budget-conscious homeowners and developments.
Low maintenance – Great if upkeep of wood or other sidings is undesirable.
Coastal climates – Resists moisture and salt air better than many alternatives.
Contemporary architecture – Suited for minimalist, modern designs rather than ornate historical styles.

Vinyl works on nearly all homes but offers the most value for cost-driven homeowners wanting low-maintenance living.

Wood Siding

Wood is a timeless, natural siding option valued for its beauty. Consider the pros and cons of real wood siding:

What is Wood Siding?

Wood siding consists of planks, boards, shingles or shakes made from cedar, pine, redwood, and other woods. The most common types are lap, tongue and groove, board and batten, and shingles or shakes.

Pros of Wood Siding:

Timeless, classic appeal
Available in many natural patterns, textures and colors
Can be stained, painted, refreshed over time
Installs easily for an experienced carpenter
Environmentally friendly and renewable resource

Cons of Wood Siding:

Requires frequent repainting or refinishing
Susceptible to termites, rot, and moisture damage
Flammable and can burn if ignited
Not as insulating as vinyl or other sidings
Relatively expensive compared to vinyl

Overall, wood offers unmatched aesthetics and appeal but requires more maintenance and costs more upfront.

Wood Siding Cost

Wood siding costs $6-12 per sq. ft. installed on average depending on type. Factors affecting price:

Species – Cedar and redwood cost more than pine. Exotics like mahogany can be $15+ per sq.ft.
Grade – Architectural, premium grades are most expensive. #2 grade is moderately priced.
Pattern – Lap is cheapest. Shingles and shaken are more labor-intensive.
Accessibility – Multi-story and difficult to access areas require additional labor.
Region – Prices vary across the country based on materials and labor cost.

Wood siding costs can vary widely based on species, grade, and pattern. Cedar shingles on a complex roofline will be more expensive than basic pine lap siding on one level.

Wood Siding Durability

How long wood siding lasts depends primarily on:

Wood species – Cedar and redwood are exceptionally durable. Teak and ipë also have long lifespans.
Grade – Architectural heartwood grades resist decay best.
Maintenance – Timely refinishing every 5-7 years is ideal.
Installation – Proper flashing, drainage, and ventilation maximizes lifespan.
Climate – Hot, humid, coastal climates accelerate deterioration.

Typical wood siding lifespans:

Cedar – 30-50 years
Redwood – 50-75 years
Pine – 10-20 years
Fir – 15-30 years

With proper maintenance, exceptional woods like cedar and redwood can last 50+ years. Less rot-resistant woods will need replacing sooner.

Wood Siding Looks

The aesthetic possibilities of wood are endless. Here are a few ways to make the most of wood’s natural beauty:

Showcase grains – Select vertical or diagonal board orientation to highlight patterns.
Mix species – Blend contrasting heartwood colors for added interest.
Vary finishes – Consider a combination of natural stains, opaque stains, and paints.
Rustic accents – Incorporate reclaimed barnwood or distressed shakes for a rustic vibe.
Modern profiles – Use sleek, simple lines and metal finishes for contemporary flair.
Embrace natural variations – Allow woods to weather and gray naturally overtime for an organic look.

Wood provides a warm, inviting feel that complements nearly any architectural style when thoughtfully designed.

Best Uses for Wood Siding

Historical homes – Wood gives authenticity to Victorian, Colonial and other classical styles.
Premium properties – A coveted choice for luxury custom homes.
Coastal climates – Cedar and redwood hold up well in coastal moisture and salt air.
Natural designs – Rustic, farmhouse, and craftsman designs capitalize on wood’s inherent beauty.

Wood creates lasting curb appeal and suits homes where historical accuracy or aesthetic quality outweighs cost considerations.

Metal Siding

Let’s examine the benefits and drawbacks of residential metal siding:

What is Metal Siding?

Metal siding contains steel, aluminum, and copper panels or shingles installed on exterior walls. Metal is coated with stains, paints, or special finishes for aesthetics and weather-resistance.

Pros of Metal Siding:

Extremely durable and impact resistant
Fireproof/non-combustible
Low maintenance
Mimics other materials like wood, stone, slate
Energy efficient with low air infiltration

Cons of Metal Siding:

Higher upfront cost than vinyl or wood
Prone to dents and scratches
Can experience color fading over time
Makes noise during rain or hail storms
Conducts heat rapidly unless insulated

Metal siding stands out for exceptional durability and fire resistance. But the higher cost and tendency to dent could be drawbacks for some homeowners.

Metal Siding Costs

Installed costs for metal siding average $6-12 per sq. ft. Exact pricing is influenced by:

Metal type – Steel is most affordable. Copper is 5x the cost of steel.
Thickness – Thicker metal panels (0.019”+) cost more than thin versions.
Finish – Specialty finishes like zinc, terne coated stainless, or oil-rubbed bronze cost extra.
Accessibility – Multi-story and difficult to access areas add labor costs.
Region – Materials and labor rates vary across the country.

As one of the pricier residential siding options, metal works best for homes where longevity and performance justify the investment.

Metal Siding Durability

Metal siding life expectancy typically ranges from 50-100+ years thanks to its inherently strong, stable nature. Factors that affect lifespan include:

Gauge – Thicker metal lasts longer. Use at least 26 gauge for steel and .019″ for aluminum.
Installation – Proper clearance, flashing, and ventilation prevents moisture issues.
Dents – Minor dings are ok, but large dents or holes can allow water intrusion.
Climate – Coastal climates shorten lifespan slightly due to salt air.
Maintenance – Avoid direct contact with lead or zinc metals when refinishing.

Properly installed, high-quality metal siding easily lasts over 50 years with minimal upkeep required.

Metal Siding Looks

Metal siding comes in a variety of profiles:

Corrugated panels – Distinctive ridged panels, often galvanized steel.
Standing seam – Flat panels with raised, overlapped seams. Mimics a metal roof.
Shingles – Resemble staggered slate or cedar shingles.
Planks – Boards designed to emulate traditional wood siding.
Faux stone/brick – Stamped metal achieves a stone, brick or concrete aesthetic.

Metal siding styles range from sleek, contemporary to traditional lap or shake designs. The right finishes and textures transform metal into stunning works of art.

Best Uses for Metal Siding

Fire-prone regions – Exceptional fire resistance makes metal ideal where wildfire risks exist.
Coastal climates – Resists hurricane-force winds and salt air corrosion better than wood.
Luxury designs – Intricately designed ornamental metal siding elevates high-end homes.
Eco-friendly builds – Metal is recyclable and made from abundant natural elements like iron ore.
Modern architecture – Sleek metal siding complements contemporary home styles beautifully.

Anywhere resilience, low-maintenance, and longevity are top priorities, metal siding is an optimal choice.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement is another low-maintenance siding gaining popularity. Here’s what to know:

What is Fiber Cement Siding?

Fiber cement contains Portland cement blended with wood pulp, fibers, sand, and other additives. It is cured into panels, shingles, and planks for exterior siding and trim.

Pros of Fiber Cement:

Long lifespan – Lasts 50-100 years with proper installation.
Fire and insect resistant – Won’t burn or rot.
Impact resistant – Won’t dent like vinyl or metal.
Low maintenance – Just occasional recoating needed.
Environmentally sustainable – Contains recycled materials.

Cons of Fiber Cement:

Brittle – Can chip if hit by heavy objects.
Higher upfront cost – More expensive than vinyl siding.
Heavier than wood – Harder for DIY-ers to install.
Can crack if improperly fastened.
Difficult to cut onsite – Requires special shears.

Fiber cement combines durability and fire resistance with the aesthetic versatility of wood siding. Installation quality is paramount though for longevity.

Fiber Cement Siding Cost

Average installed costs run $7-12 per sq. ft. Cost factors include:

Style – Lap siding is most affordable. Shakes and shingles add cost.
Thickness – Thicker siding (5/16”+) costs more.
Accessibility – Multi-story and high locations increase labor time/difficulty.
Region – Prices vary across the country based on local costs.
Additional repairs – Rotted sheathing replacement can add expenses.

As a premium siding product, fiber cement runs 2-3x the cost of basic vinyl siding. It competes price-wise with natural woods.

Fiber Cement Siding Durability

Correctly installed fiber cement siding outlasts vinyl, wood, stucco, and other common exterior finishes. Expected lifespan is 50-100 years. Factors impacting durability:

Product quality – High density fiber cement resists damage best.
Installation – Proper clearance, flashing, and fastening is crucial.
Climate – Fiber cement tolerates all climates well but may require more cleaning in high-pollution areas.
Maintenance – Recoating every 10-15 years maximizes lifespan.

Fiber cement is among the toughest cladding options but requires expertise for successful long-term performance.

Fiber Cement Siding Looks

Fiber cement offers great versatility:

Lap – Most popular style replicating traditional wood lap siding.
Shingles – Staggered rows provide a timeless, classy look.
Panels – Available in various sizes and shapes for modern aesthetics.
Shapes – Scalloped, rounded edges provide unique visual interest.
Finishes – Comes pre-primed for painting or pre-finished with colored stains.

With the right combination of siding style, edge treatment, and finishes, fiber cement can match any architectural style.

Best Uses for Fiber Cement Siding

Fire prone regions – Non-combustible and fire resistant.
Coast climates – Stands up to humidity, rain, and salt air.
Historical restoration – Offers wood’s classic style without maintenance needs.
Luxury homes – Sophisticated aesthetics gain popularity on upscale new builds.
Eco-friendly – Made from recycled materials and is also recyclable.

Anywhere longevity, minimal maintenance, and aesthetics are priorities, fiber cement is an excellent siding choice.

Vinyl vs. Wood vs. Metal vs. Fiber Cement Siding Comparison

Here is a helpful comparison chart summarizing the key differences between vinyl, wood, metal and fiber cement residential sidings:

Choosing the Best Siding for Your Home

When selecting a siding, consider how attributes like cost, durability, aesthetics, and maintenance fit your home priorities. Key factors that help determine the optimal siding include:

Budget – Vinyl and lower cost woods like pine offer the most affordability upfront. Fiber cement, high-end woods and metal cost more.
Architecture – Wood excels on New England colonials, Victorians and other traditional styles. Vinyl and metal suit contemporary homes best.
Climate – Wood and unprotected metal corrode