The Best Types of Siding for Your Home’s Exterior
By: Hannah Warne
While paint color has a major impact on the look and feel of your home’s exterior, there’s another important factor that can transform your home: The type of siding you choose. From classic brick to modern metal, there are nearly endless siding options that allow you to upgrade your exterior and bring your dream home to life.
Read on to learn more about our favorite types of siding and choose the right fit for your home.
Curious about which type of siding is right for your home? At brick&batten, our virtual design services allow you to explore different styles and color palettes to bring your dream exterior to life. Our team will help you visualize it all using a photorealistic rendering to ensure you love every detail. Learn more about our virtual exterior design services.
Our designers only use and recommend products that we know, love, or would use on our own properties. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
#1 // Vinyl siding
Vinyl siding is a popular option for many homes thanks to its affordability and fast installation. This durable plastic siding is constructed to look similar to wood but at a lower price point. The weather-proof, easy-to-clean material requires virtually no maintenance, making it a no-fuss way to upgrade your exterior.
Vinyl siding is available in countless colors, textures, and styles, ensuring you can find an option you love. Unlike most siding styles, vinyl doesn’t peel or chip so there’s no need to repaint or repair.
While vinyl siding can last upwards of 40 years, it may begin to fade over time. Because it is constructed from plastic, it’s also not the most environmentally friendly option for your exterior — making PVC vinyl emits greenhouse gasses and other harmful chemicals that increase your carbon footprint.
#2 // Natural wood siding
Wood siding is an equally modern and classic option for your exterior. Available in a range of wood types from Ipe to pine to cedar, wood siding is an environmentally friendly, biodegradable way to overhaul your exterior. Though more expensive than synthetic materials like vinyl, it’s incredibly durable when properly cared for. Some wood siding, like the style used in the design above, is also thermally modified to make it extra durable and rot-resistant so it will last for decades.
Wood siding comes in many styles, including shake, tongue and groove, and board and batten. No matter your preferred look, you can stain or paint it nearly any color to customize your palette.
While the possibilities are endless, there are also a few downsides to wood siding. It requires frequent maintenance — including restaining or repainting and annual mold and pest inspections to avoid termites — that isn’t necessary with other siding styles. Wood is also more flammable than many other siding types, which can increase your annual homeowner’s insurance premiums.
#3 // Engineered wood siding
To avoid the pitfalls of natural wood siding, many people turn to engineered wood alternatives to achieve a similar look. Engineered wood is made from wood fibers that are bound together using resin. Once heated and pressurized, the result is durable, affordable siding. It’s then coated with wax and other finishes to improve moisture, mold, and pest resistance.
Like wood siding, engineered wood is available in many different styles, including shakes, planks, and board and batten. Unlike wood siding, however, it is a very low-maintenance option. Engineered wood doesn’t peel or flake, so there’s no need for frequent painting or repairs. It’s also ideal for homes exposed to extreme weather swings.
Engineered wood, however, isn’t indestructible. Like vinyl siding, it tends to fade over time, and the resin used to create the siding may crack or break. While it requires less maintenance than natural wood, it should still be inspected regularly to avoid moisture build-up and remove any accumulated dirt or debris.
WE ALWAYS RECOMMEND SAMPLING AND TESTING PAINT COLORS BEFORE COMMITTING. FACTORS SUCH AS NATURAL LIGHTING, UNDERTONES, AND YOUR PROPERTY’S FIXED ELEMENTS WILL HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON HOW A COLOR WILL APPEAR ON YOUR EXTERIOR. OUR FRIENDS AT SAMPLIZE OFFER EXTRA-LARGE 9 X 14.75 INCH PEEL-AND-STICK PAINT SAMPLES OF THE COLORS WE LOVE FOR EXTERIORS. ORDER YOUR ‘REAL PAINT, NO MESS’ SAMPLES FROM SAMPLIZE HERE.
#4 // Metal siding
Metal siding is one of the most durable options for your home’s exterior. Unlike wood, brick, or vinyl, metal siding doesn’t need regular upkeep. It’s resistant to pests and insects, moisture, and damage, making it one of the lowest-maintenance options for any home’s exterior. Metal is also incredibly energy efficient because it reflects heat, so it can help lower utility bills throughout the year and save money in the long run.
Metal siding comes in many shapes in sizes. In the design above, our team recommended woodgrain steel siding in a rich, warm finish to deliver a wood-like look — without rigorous maintenance. This siding is complemented by black metal panels above the garage and around the porch area. This metal siding is designed to mimic the look of vertical wood planks but with the added durability of metal. The final look is a sleek, stylish, and industrial exterior.
Metal siding, however, is a high-priced exterior upgrade compared to vinyl or fiber cement siding, requiring a significant upfront investment. It is also one of the more challenging types of siding to install because of the weight and rigidity of the material.
#5 // Brick siding
Besides wood, brick is one of the most classic siding options. There are two distinct types of brick siding — full masonry brick and brick veneers. Solid brick is when a home’s structure is made entirely of brick, while brick veneers are added to the exterior for aesthetic reasons and provide no structural support.
No matter which style you choose, the perks of this timeless material are nearly endless — it’s incredibly low maintenance, very durable, and environmentally friendly. While it may seem aesthetically limiting, brick comes in many colors, shapes, and sizes, allowing you to customize your overall exterior. It’s also insulating and energy efficient.
Brick, like stone siding, comes with one major downside: the price. Brick siding outpaces almost every other material when it comes to cost. Because brick is porous, it can also be susceptible to moisture damage over time.
#6 // Stucco siding
Stucco, a plaster made of cement, water, and sand, is often a defining feature of Mediterranean-inspired homes. When applied to a home’s exterior, the result is a striking textured finish.
While stucco looks beautiful, it’s also practical. It’s perfect for those who don’t want to deal with the hassle of more temperamental finishes like wood. This fire-resistant, durable material can last decades when cared for properly. You can also dye or paint stucco siding nearly any color, allowing you to customize the finish to best suit your home.
Though stucco doesn’t require extensive maintenance, it is very challenging to repair if issues arise. Matching the color and texture can be nearly impossible, and it requires a professional with extensive experience to do it properly. Stucco is also prone to cracks as a house settles or when it is exposed to extreme moisture, making it a challenging finish for those in damp, humid climates.
#7 // Fiber cement siding
A mix of plant-based fibers like wood pulp, cement, and sand creates fiber cement siding. The combination results in a durable, low-maintenance product that can last for decades. It typically resembles wood siding, giving you the same look and feel — without the extensive upkeep. It’s also resistant to mold, pests, and insects for a long-lasting exterior. It’s especially practical for coastal locations, as it holds up well in the humid, salty environment.
Fiber cement siding, however, is much more difficult to install than lightweight siding like vinyl. It is cumbersome, requiring additional manpower to install. This extra manpower also leads to higher costs, making fiber cement siding a significant initial investment.
Choosing the perfect types of siding for your dream home
When it comes to choosing siding, there is no right or wrong answer. Understanding all of your options and weighing the pros and cons will help you make an informed siding decision. This allows you to ensure your home’s exterior is exactly what you imagined!
If you’re struggling to choose which siding makes sense for your home or business, our exterior design experts can help. From choosing the siding type to finding the perfect paint color, our experienced team will help you select every material and finish to bring your entire exterior look together. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, modern style or something more traditional, we will help bring your vision to life. Reach out to our team today to get started.
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