Exterior Siding Options for Your House

Choosing the right exterior siding for your house is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when building or renovating. Not only does siding impact the look and feel of your home, it also affects maintenance, durability, energy efficiency and resale value. There are many types of sidings to consider from traditional options like wood and brick to lower maintenance choices like vinyl and fiber cement. This comprehensive guide examines the most popular exterior siding options to help you select the best fit for your home.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Exterior Siding

When researching siding options, there are several key factors to weigh:

Aesthetics

How siding looks is top of mind for most homeowners. You’ll want to choose a material and style that complements your home’s architecture and enhances curb appeal. Styles range from horizontal lap siding to vertical board-and-batten.

Durability

Durability is critical since siding protects your home from the elements. Look for materials rated for your climate that can stand up to UV rays, moisture, pests and impacts.

Maintenance

Maintenance is another major consideration that impacts long-term costs. Options like vinyl and fiber cement require minimal upkeep compared to wood siding.

Energy efficiency

Some sidings provide extra insulation, reducing energy costs. Look for materials with a high R-value that provide a continuous air barrier.

Cost

Upfront cost varies drastically depending on material. Vinyl and aluminum tend to be the most budget-friendly while brick and stone are premium options. Factor in lifetime maintenance costs as well.

Resale value

Choosing sidings that appeal to homebuyers can help maximize resale potential. Brick, stone and fiber cement tend to add the most value.

Wood Siding

Wood siding offers a classic, timeless look. As one of the most common traditional home exteriors, wood comes in many attractive styles. However, it requires regular upkeep to maintain its beauty and prevent rotting, warping and pest damage.

Types of Wood Siding

Lap: Horizontal boards with overlapping “laps” are the most common type of wood siding. Available in different board widths.
Shingles: Vertical rows of wooden shingles provide a rustic, decorative look. They’re thicker than lap siding.
Vertical: Vertical board siding creates a rustic cabin aesthetic. Boards run from roof to foundation.
Board & batten: Vertical boards with narrow strips (battens) placed over the seams for an antique or cottage look.
Shakes: Thicker, hand-split wooden shingles create a highly textured look, but cost more than typical shingles.

Benefits of Wood Siding

Unmatched natural beauty with visual warmth and wood grain
Variety of style options for any home aesthetic
Easier for do-it-yourself homeowners to work with
Can be stained, painted or treated for custom looks
Adds to resale value

Drawbacks of Wood Siding

Requires frequent repainting or staining every 3-5 years
Prone to rotting, cracking, warping and pest damage
Not as insulated as other sidings; higher energy costs
Susceptible to moisture damage and mildew growth
Can have a short lifespan of 10-30 years for lower grades

Cost of Wood Siding

Wood siding costs $6-12 per square foot on average installed. Higher grades like cedar cost more while low grades are cheaper. Ongoing maintenance and frequent restaining/repainting add to long-term costs.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is the most popular siding choice today because it’s affordable, low maintenance and mimics wood’s look in many styles. Manufactured from PVC, vinyl resists moisture, pests and rotting. But it can warp in high heat and wind.

Types of Vinyl Siding

Lap: Resembles traditional wood lap siding; common choice for reproducing older home styles
Shakes/shingles: Molded for the look of wood shakes minus the upkeep
Vertical: Boards run vertically for a contemporary, sleek look
Beadboard: Grooves cut into siding to emulate painted, vertical board siding
Board & batten: Combination of vertical boards plus strips covers seams

Benefits of Vinyl Siding

Most affordable siding option, $2-5 per square foot installed
Virtually maintenance-free; just occasional hose-downs
Good mimicry of wood’s look in lap, shake, shingle and other profiles
Holds paint well for customizable colors
Insulates fairly well and reduces energy costs
Excellent durability and hail/impact resistance

Drawbacks of Vinyl Siding

Can warp and buckle in high heat or wind
Not as effective insulation as other sidings
Less realistic looking than authentic wood
Poor imitation of masonry
Difficult for do-it-yourselfers to cut and work with
Loses value faster than other sidings

Cost of Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is one of the most affordable siding options at $2-5 per square foot installed. Premium vinyl with thicker construction, deeper profiles and better warranties costs more.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement sidings offer the natural, painted wood look with unmatched durability and fire/pest resistance. Made of cement plus wood fibers/sand, it won’t rot, dent or burn. But cutting fiber cement creates concrete dust.

Types of Fiber Cement Siding

Lap: Replicates traditional painted lap siding but resists warping
Shingles: Thick, multi-layered for depth and texture
Vertical: Sleek, modern look; textures and grooves provide interest
Panels: Large fiber cement sheets for contemporary aesthetics
Batten & board: Combines vertical boards with battens

Benefits of Fiber Cement Siding

Extremely durable and impact resistant
Never needs painting; pre-finished options mimic wood looks
Won’t burn or fuel fires like wood sidings
Resists moisture damage, rotting and pests
One of the best sidings for wildfire prone areas
Can boost home’s value at resale up to 5%

Drawbacks of Fiber Cement Siding

On the expensive end for materials at $8-12 per square foot
Brittle boards risk cracking if mishandled
Cutting creates concrete dust requiring precautions
Paint/stain touch ups can be tricky with pre-finished versions
Not the lightest siding option, may need additional bracing

Cost of Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement sidings average $8-12 per square foot installed. It’s more affordable than stucco, brick or stone but pricier than vinyl or wood.

Brick Siding

Brick ages beautifully over time and brings classic, enduring style to homes. Natural clay brick comes in range of earthy tones. Concrete versions mimic the look at lower cost. But brick is heavy and requires repointing over time.

Types of Brick Siding

Clay: Made from clay and fired; traditional red tones plus specialty shades
Concrete: Manufactured brick veneers offer realistic looks more affordably
Thin: Thinner sliced bricks for lighter weight facades
Faux panels: Lightweight panels textured and colored to mimic brick

Benefits of Brick Siding

Timeless, elegant aesthetics; associates homes with quality
Extreme durability and longevity; can last over 100 years
Requires very little maintenance besides occasional repointing
Fireproof and pest/rot resistant
Excellent resale value; homeowners love brick’s beauty
Can be painted for more color options

Drawbacks of Brick Siding

Most expensive siding option, around $25-30 per square foot
Heavy weight often requires additional structural support
Mortar repointing needed every 20-50 years
Difficult to install for do-it-yourselfers
Not very energy efficient or insulating
Challenging to add onto existing brick

Cost of Brick Siding

Brick siding costs $25-30 per square foot on average installed. Because it is labor intensive, brick pricing depends largely on local labor rates. Concrete and thin brick versions cost less than natural clay brick.

Stone Siding

Stone veneers bring chic, dramatic style to home exteriors in many profiles from smooth to rugged. Limestone, granite, slate and manufactured faux stones offer beauty with extreme durability. Stone does add weight and costs more.

Types of Stone Siding

Limestone: Smooth or textured cream-colored sedimentary stone
Granite: Speckled igneous stone prized for strength; matte appearance
Slate: Dense, low absorption metamorphic stone in dark hues
Manufactured: Fake but realistic looking molded stone veneers

Benefits of Stone Siding

Adds high-end, luxury look with striking curb appeal
Extremely durable, fire resistant and easy to maintain
Excellent moisture resistance; won’t rot or mold
Comes in wide range of colors and stone profiles
Highest resale value of any siding material
Can be applied over other surfaces like brick or concrete

Drawbacks of Stone Siding

Most expensive siding option starting around $30 per square foot
Heavier than other sidings often needing structural support
Difficult for do-it-yourselfers to cut and install
Can be prone to efflorescence or minerals leaching out
Natural variations in stone cuts can complicate installation

Cost of Stone Siding

Natural stone siding averages $30-60 per square foot installed depending on the stone type and local labor rates. Manufactured faux stone veneers offer dramatic savings at $7-15 per square foot.

Stucco Siding

Stucco siding provides European old-world flair with a durable, low-maintenance exterior. Typically a cement-based plaster, it comes in smooth to highly textured finishes and unlimited colors. But it can crack without proper installation.

Types of Stucco Siding Finishes

Smooth: Sleek, uniform finish resembling cement
Textured: Multilayered rough textures for unique look
Acrylic: Acrylic-based stucco alternative hides cracks better
Simulated: Manufactured panels textured and colored to mimic stucco

Benefits of Stucco Siding

Highly customizable with endless finish and color options
Durable if installed properly over solid substrate
Low maintenance; just occasional power washing needed
Excellent fire resistance and won’t rot
Continuous insulation when applied over foam backing
Can cover existing siding easily

Drawbacks of Stucco Siding

Crack-prone, especially if applied directly to framing
Requires highly experienced applicators
Not a do-it-yourself friendly siding
Repairing cracks and damage can be challenging
Textured finishes trap dirt and need frequent cleaning
Not as high resale value as brick or stone

Cost of Stucco Siding

Stucco siding costs $8-20 per square foot installed. Smooth finishes are more affordable than heavy textured versions. Acrylic, synthetic and foam-backed stucco alternatives cost less than traditional stucco.

Composite Siding

Composite or engineered wood sidings offer a mix of wood-like aesthetics and low-maintenance durability. Made by blending wood fibers and plastic polymers, composite resists moisture, pests and impacts. But it can fade, stain and scratch over time.

Types of Composite Siding

Lap: Most common style with overlapping boards
Shakes: Alternating vertical board pattern with wood grain
Shingles: Stacked rows mimic cedar for a cottage look
Vertical: Sleek, contemporary way to showcase wood tones
Beadboard: Grooves create a board effect with texture

Benefits of Composite Siding

Realistic wood look and feel without upkeep
Resists rotting, warping, swelling and pests
Won’t need frequent painting or staining
Installs like wood for do-it-yourselfers
More impact resistant than real wood
Good alternative for wildfire prone areas

Drawbacks of Composite Siding

Prone to moisture damage if improperly sealed
Can fade, spot and stain over time
Easily scratched or nicked
Not rated for direct fire contact
Doesn’t last as long as wood; about 20-25 years
Difficult to match colors when making repairs

Cost of Composite Siding

Composite siding costs $8-12 per square foot on average installed. More realistic wood grain versions and premium warranties add to costs.

Metal Siding

Metal siding can mimic wood, stucco and masonry at lower cost with exceptional durability. Aluminum, steel and copper versions resist elements that damage other materials. But metal dents and may produce glare.

Types of Metal Siding

Aluminum: Most affordable, low maintenance, dent resistant
Steel: More expensive but strongest and most impact proof
Copper: Naturally rust resistant for unique patinas over time
Corten steel: Rusts to a protective dark brown finish
Zinc: Natural dull gray weathers to blue-gray

Benefits of Metal Siding

Extremely durable, dent resistant and fireproof
Resists rot, swelling and pests
Low maintenance; just occasional rinses needed
Comes pre-formed to mimic other sidings
Energy efficient with higher R-values than vinyl or wood
Quick installation compared to other materials

Drawbacks of Metal Siding

Can dent, scratch or rust without proper care
Prone to glare in sunlight
Makes noise during rain or hailstorms
Less attractive resale value than brick or stone
Challenging for do-it-yourself homeowners to cut and install
Can feel cold or industrial to some homeowners

Cost of Metal Siding

Metal sidings range wildly in price. Corrugated steel and aluminum versions cost $3-8 per square foot. Copper shingles cost $20-40 per square foot installed.

Key Considerations by Climate

Choosing the right siding also depends on your local climate and weather patterns.

Hot, Sunny Climates

Prioritize heat reflection and UV resistance with:

Light colored sidings like white vinyl
Stone veneers
Cement-based products
Overhangs, awnings and landscaping to provide shade

Avoid darker colors that absorb heat.

Cold, Snowy Climates

Look for insulation and wind resistance with:

Thicker vinyl or composite sidings
Continuous insulation like foam-backed stucco
Panelized sidings with fewer seams

Avoid absorptive wood and porous brick.

Rainy, Humid Climates

Focus on water and rot resistance with:

Brick, stone, stucco or metals
Cement-fiber products with warranted waterproofing
Vinyl withemphasis on proper sealing

Avoid untreated wood and porous materials.

Coastal Climates

Prioritize salt spray and corrosion resistance with:

Brick, stone, or gravel composite sidings
Metal or cement-based products
Vinyl or wood composite with weather treatment

Avoid natural woods without marine grade finishes.

Choosing Your Installer

Once you’ve selected your ideal siding, it’s critical to hire the right installation team. The quality and longevity of your siding depends heavily on proper installation. Be sure to:

Ask for multiple references from past clients
Verify they are licensed, bonded, insured and experienced with your siding type
Check reviews and ratings with organizations like the Better Business Bureau
Require a detailed written contract outlining materials, timeline, permits, fees, warranties and more
Ask what building codes they follow and request final inspection certificates

Reputable installers should offer a warranty on workmanship for 5-10 years.

Maintaining and Cleaning Your Siding

Proper care and cleaning extends the life of your siding. Follow these tips:

Inspect siding after major storms for damage
Repair small holes/cracks quickly before bigger issues arise
For wood, repaint or restain on schedule, usually every 3-5 years
Power wash vinyl and other low maintenance sidings periodically
Re-caulk around windows, doors, lighting fixtures and other joints
Keep landscaping trimmed back and soil built up away from the base of the home

Use mild cleaners and low pressure rinses to avoid damaging siding materials. Harsher chemicals and high pressure can corrode and erode many sidings.

When to Replace Siding

Many factors indicate when it’s time to replace worn out or damaged siding:

Visible cracks, mold, rot, warping or buckling
Paint that won’t adhere or frequent peeling
Pests like termites, carpenter bees or carpenter ants
Moisture issues like recurring wet spots
Drafty rooms indicating loss of insulation
High energy bills from heat loss through walls
Siding shingles or shakes sliding out of place
Poor aesthetic condition hurting home’s curb appeal

Lifespans vary by material from about 20-50 years. Job-site built wood siding lasts 12-30 years on average.