We've assembled a thorough residential manual to assist you in exploring your alternatives for siding replacement and new development projects.
What's Included: Seven prospects going from moderate to upscale – Vinyl, steel and aluminum, fiber concrete and composite, certifiable wood, plaster, block and stone, and artificial stone.
The data for each siding type incorporates:
Pros and cons like sturdiness/longevity, maintenance, repair necessities, and appearance including home styles most appropriate for each siding type
| Material Cost | Installation | Total Cost per sq.ft. |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl ($2.75 – $4.50) | $2.50 – $8.00 | $5.25 – $12.50 |
| Aluminum & Steel ($3.00 – $6.50) | $3.50 – $10.00 | $6.50 – $16.50 |
| Fiber Cement & Composite ($3.50 – $6.50) | $4.00 – $8.50 | $7.50 – $14.50 |
| Wood ($2.50 – $8.50) | $3.50 – $8.50 | $6.00 – $17.00 |
| Stucco ($4.90 – $6.50) | $3.00 – $8.50 | $7.90 – $15.00 |
| Brick & Stone Veneer ($7.35 – $17.00) | $6.30 – $10.00 | $13.65 – $27.00 |
| Faux Stone ($6.15 – $20.00) | $8.55 – $11.00 | $14.70 – $31.00 |
* The materials section in the table above incorporates siding, trim, and the supplies expected to install.
* The installation section in the table above mirrors the expense of expert work.
The last section is the complete installation cost for comparison.
Note: Each siding type in the table above is typically accessible in a wide range of quality and style alternatives that influence material expenses. Installation costs are highly variable due to onsite factors, such as project complexity and accessibility, which influence installation costs. Your project's geography and the nearby economy will likewise significantly affect costs.
In this table, you can find a summary of the information about material types:
| Siding Type | Options | Weatherproof | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | Excellent | Good | 25-35 years |
| Aluminum & Steel | Good | Good | 35-50 years |
| Fiber Cement & Composite | Good | Good | 35-45 years |
| Wood | Excellent | Fair | 20-50+ |
| Stucco | Fair | Good | 50+ |
| Brick & Stone Veneer | Good | Excellent | 75+ |
| Faux Stone | Good | Good | 30-50 years |
The following sections give more detail about each siding type, including its options and pros and cons.
This is an extruded plastic material produced using PVC resin for strength and protection from the elements. The material is colored in the creation process, so the color goes entirely through.
There are three appearance alternatives: horizontal, vertical, and shingle/shake panels.
Horizontal siding comes in Dutch lap, smooth, and beaded styles. Panels are normally shaped into single, double, and triple board profiles.
Vertical siding board and batten, cedar plank, beaded, and extra styles are created in a more restricted scope of options.
Vinyl shake and shingle panels include 2 or 3 rows with up to 6 shakes or shingles in each row. These panels are utilized either as essential siding or complement siding in peaks or above brick or stone.
You have a wide range of colors to consider from white and light shades to profound reds, greens, blues, and charcoals. Free trim tones permit you to alter the look you need for your home.
The appeal of vinyl siding is that it can be low maintenance and moderately affordable at the same time.
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Recommended Brands:
Aluminum and steel siding is making a strong comeback with a variety of innovative, sturdy, and long-lasting styles after 20 - 30 years of vinyl popularity.
Various coatings, such as Kynar 500 (Paint Finish), Galvalume (Steel coated in aluminum and zinc), PVC, and zinc, aid in the prevention of steel siding deterioration and the elimination of chalking. Chalking was pretty uncommon for at least the last generation or so of aluminum siding.
Aluminum and steel siding comes in three different kinds and styles:
Horizontal siding is designed to look like traditional wood siding. Color and style options are available, though not as extensive as with vinyl.
Vertical steel and aluminum siding is made in board and batten forms giving a traditional aesthetic. Vertical grooved panels, usually made of steel, offer a contemporary look.
Steel shingles have a natural wood appearance and are available in a variety of colors.
Aluminum and steel siding have the advantage of being easier to maintain than wood siding and more durable than most vinyl siding.
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Wood fiber is commonly used in these materials. Fibers mixed with cement-like James Hardie are made by combining fibers with cement ingredients. To make wood composites like LP SmartSide, fibers are wax-coated and mixed with resin. Both types of siding are available prefinished or primed for painting. You can choose from a wide choice of colors and styles for a lap, vertical, or shingle siding appearance with matching trim.
Fiber cement and composite siding are appealing because they are less expensive than real wood and require less upkeep, but they are a step up in quality and appearance from vinyl.
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There’s a good reason why so many siding types and styles mimic genuine wood – the real thing has an unsurpassed beauty. Pine, spruce and fir, cedar, and redwood are the most common types of wood used in siding.
Any of the woods can be finished with a clear sealer or with pigmented stain and sealer in one.
Wood siding options include traditional clapboard in various widths from about 3” to 12”, vertical board & batten, and wood shingle siding. Wood shake and shingle siding are available too, but at a significantly higher cost for materials and installation.
There are many wood siding producers, most of them local or regional. In wood siding, the installing contractor is more important than the specific wood manufacturer.
The appeal of wood is that it is the real deal and complete with all of its desirable characteristics. None of the faux woods can match the appearance of wood siding that has been sealed and stained.
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Stucco is a traditional siding that can be made in a variety of ways. Traditional stucco is constructed of cement, sand, and limestone, and it's applied to a metal lathe system similar to plaster installation.
Stucco composed of polymers and acrylics is put over insulation and a water barrier in newer external insulation and finish systems (EIFS) to assist in preventing common stucco moisture problems.
While EIFS are an improvement, stucco is not usually recommended for damp climates. Moisture trapped behind traditional stucco and incorrectly constructed EIFS wreaks havoc on a home's sheathing and allows water to leak in.
The antique or vintage aspect that stucco offers a home is quite appealing.
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Stone and brick are high-end siding options. While complete brick is still available and used, the majority of brick and stone used nowadays is veneer (.5” to 1.5”).
Brick comes in a variety of hues and mixes. Stone also comes in a variety of styles, from enormous fieldstone to smaller ledge stone pieces in a variety of color shades.
You can also take advantage of many of the appearance benefits of brick by installing brick veneer. Brick veneer is available in numerous styles to mimic the look and functionality of full-sized bricks.
Brick has a sophistication that no other siding can match, and stone has natural strength and beauty.
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Recommended think-brick and brick veneer Brands:
Faux stone siding is made from cement blends with iron oxide pigments and is sometimes referred to as manufactured or cultured stone in fact, it is close enough to the actual thing to be mistaken for it.
Faux stone siding imitates every type of genuine stone siding. The same procedures and mortars used in brick installations are used to install the material. A faux stone that doesn't require mortar is also available.
The appeal of faux stone is that it has a beautiful appearance without some of the drawbacks of genuine stone.
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These buyer's summaries are intended to condense the facts into a manageable format to aid you in generating a shortlist of possibilities or selecting the best one for your property.
Vinyl siding: If you want to update your exterior, and vinyl siding is appropriate for your neighborhood, this is a cost-effective option. Vinyl is used by homeowners who are considering relocating to improve curb appeal. You can go with all regular panel siding or mix in vinyl shake and shingle siding in gables or on an upper story, depending on your budget.
Homeowners considering a move often use vinyl to enhance curb appeal. Depending on your budget, you can choose all standard panel siding or mix in vinyl shake and shingle siding in gables or on the upper floor.
Aluminum and steel siding: Standard aluminum siding is a moderate improvement over vinyl siding. Steel siding provides increased durability and decorative options while requiring little upkeep.
Steel of the highest quality will last for over 40 years. It's a more environmentally friendly option because most of it is made of recyclable materials and can be recycled more easily than vinyl. Fiber cement and composite siding are effective alternatives to vinyl and aluminum siding in areas where homeowners' associations prohibit them.
Fiber cement and composite siding are both more durable. Their hardness gives them a higher-quality feel. Fiber cement and composite siding blend well with wood, brick, stone veneer, and faux stone on a home's exterior.
Stucco siding: Stucco siding is common in older communities with antique homes in the country's drier regions. It's gaining popularity in newer areas, where residents appreciate the classic aesthetic. Finding an expert stucco specialist who completely understands how to install it properly to allow for drainage is the key to success with stucco.
Faux stone: Whether you use it throughout your home or in combination with other siding types, faux stone is a less expensive option than genuine stone veneer. The price is a reduced lifespan and the possibility of more maintenance and repair. We advise against using low-cost faux stone because it is unlikely to last.
Wood siding: Natural wood siding is the siding of choice for purists, although it is not advised in dry, wildfire-prone locations. Natural wood siding is great for homeowners that like the look and, texture of wood and are ready to put in the effort to maintain it. Combining wood with stone and faux stone is a winning mix.
Brick and stone veneer siding: Popular among homeowners who want a unique look for their homes. The extra price is compensated by long-term durability and a beautiful appearance. As previously stated, stone and wood are a beautiful mix. Brick and stucco are frequently used in visually pleasing ways.
The first step is to think about the cheapest siding for the particular look you want - vinyl instead of steel, aluminum instead of wood, or faux stone instead of real stone. Secondly, explore combining materials, as we previously mentioned. Combine a more expensive choice with a less expensive siding option.
Request quotes from several certified siding installers who specialize in the siding you've chosen to find the appropriate blend of competitive labor costs and installation excellence. For your protection, ensure they are licensed (if necessary by your state) and insured (general liability and worker's compensation).
We don't recommend using the cheapest labor you can locate as a way to save money. You truly do get what you pay for when it comes to installation quality, and installation is the key to how nice your siding looks and functions. When comparing prices, keep in mind that money is secondary to the siding contractors' demonstrated experience.