The Best House Siding Options: A Buyer's Guide

Getting new siding costs anywhere from $4,972 to $89,035, though costs between $11,679 to $21,250 are most common. This variability is largely due to the wide variety of home siding options available.

In addition to price, the type of siding you get can also impact your home's energy efficiency, curb appeal, and weather resistance. All of this variety can make it hard to pick the right exterior siding for your home, but the importance of siding makes getting it right one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner.

We’re here to help with that. Keep reading, and we’ll break down the costs and qualities of the most popular types of house siding so that you pick the best one for your home (and your wallet).

Comparing siding options

How to choose the best siding for you

To choose the best siding for your home style, you need to find a balance between three primary factors: cost, durability, and style.

Siding installation is a fairly expensive home improvement project, especially if you need to install siding on your entire home. Opting for high-end materials can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars, which isn’t feasible for most homeowners. There’s a good reason vinyl—one of the most affordable siding options—is also one of the most popular. 

If you need the cheapest siding option available, ask your contractor about vinyl siding. Other affordable options include aluminum and fiber cement. They can be more expensive than vinyl in some regions but are also more durable.

Durability

If you can afford to prioritize durability over affordability, then materials that last a long time—such as stucco, steel, and brick—may be more to your liking. Be aware, though, that some of these materials only hold up well in specific environments, so be sure to choose a material that’s ideal for your climate.

Stucco, for example, usually works best in arid climates that don’t experience a lot of temperature fluctuations. At the same time, steel can hold up well in most climates as long as it has a corrosion-resistant coating.

Style

If you want to prioritize the appearance of your home over all other considerations, then materials like natural wood and stone might be what you’re after. Both of these options will elevate your home's curb appeal more than any other material—even materials made to mimic them.

However, they also have some significant drawbacks. Wood is a very high-maintenance material that can look terrible if you don’t invest a lot of TLC into its upkeep, and stone can be exorbitantly expensive.

Now that you know what to look for in a siding option, we’ll list the most popular siding materials and explain what sets them apart from each other. 

Comparing the eight most popular siding options

Vinyl siding

Vinyl siding comes in various colors and styles, so you can achieve the look you want. Image source: A-Top Roofing & Construction

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular siding materials in the U.S., thanks to its low cost. It typically costs between $6,753 and $12,287 to get a whole home clad with vinyl.

Commonly made of PVC plastic resin, vinyl siding is relatively weather-resistant and requires little to no maintenance. Vinyl siding also comes in various colors and styles, so you can style your home to your tastes, though the style you choose can impact how much you pay. For instance, vinyl shingle siding is more expensive than vinyl clapboard style or Dutch lap siding.

Most homeowners don’t see significant issues with their vinyl siding, though it can melt in extreme heat. Additionally, vinyl siding only lasts about 20 years, so it’s one of the most short-lived siding types.

Also, like any siding, vinyl can have a variety of issues if it’s installed incorrectly. A faulty installation can result in significant damage from storms and cause moisture to build up in the structural framework behind the siding. This is why hiring a pro to install your siding is so important instead of going the DIY route. 

Wood siding

Wooden siding provides a traditional but attractive look for your home. Image source: TR Building & Remodeling

Wood siding is much more expensive than vinyl. On average, outfitting a whole home with wood cladding costs between $9,766 and $17,768. Wood siding has been around for centuries, though, and there’s a reason people continue to use it despite its relatively high costs.

Homeowners are attracted to the classic, rustic look of wood siding, and many other siding types try to mimic the look of natural wood for this reason. Wood also comes in various siding colors and styles—such as clapboard, shingles, and board and batten siding. 

The wood species and style of siding you choose will influence the overall cost, durability, and look of your home’s exterior. Hardwood siding, like teak, tends to come at a higher price tag but is more rot-resistant. Softwood siding, like cedar, is usually cheaper but is also more vulnerable to water damage. 

Please note that all wooden siding options are more susceptible to rot, fire, and pests–like termites—than most other siding products. Installing engineered wood siding instead of real wood can also help mitigate some of these problems. Engineered wood isn’t as attractive as authentic wood but is usually cheaper.

Wood can last up to 40 years if properly cared for, though it requires more maintenance than just about any other material. Here’s the list of common maintenance tasks wood siding typically requires:

• Refinishing or staining your siding every 3 to 7 years
• Quickly repairing any damage
• Properly cleaning your siding annually

Aluminum siding

Aluminum siding is becoming more popular for modern industrial-style homes. Image source: Architizer

Aluminum siding became a popular, low-cost alternative to wood siding in the 1940s. Since It only costs $8,374 to $15,236 on average, it’s also an affordable alternative to steel for homeowners who want metal siding.

Aluminum is highly resistant to damage from pests, rust, and weather. It doesn’t require much regular maintenance, either. A yearly cleaning with soap or water to remove mildew or debris is usually all it requires. If you keep up with these cleanings and make repairs as necessary, aluminum siding can easily last over 30 years. 

Aluminum siding does come with its drawbacks, though. For instance, having metal siding can be noisy. The sound of rain, hail, and even wind will be amplified by aluminum siding. While it will be durable enough to protect your home from noisy hail, aluminum is a soft metal that is easy to dent or scratch.

Steel siding

Durable and attractive steel siding provides phenomenal defense against adverse weather conditions. Image source: Klauer Manufacturing Co.

Steel siding is significantly more expensive than aluminum at an average price of $12,609 to $22,942 for whole-home installation. However, it is also much more durable and resistant to damage from wind and debris. It can easily last over 50 years if properly cared for, so it’s a good investment.

The main downside to steel is that it isn’t naturally rust-resistant like aluminum. If you live in a humid climate, you’ll need to opt for a different material or get steel with an anti-corrosive coating.

All of aluminum’s other positive qualities also apply to steel, though; steel siding is exceptionally resistant to fire, pests, and bad weather. And, at the end of its long lifespan, steel siding can be recycled instead of simply put into a landfill, making it an eco-friendly siding option. 

Stucco siding

Stucco siding comes in multiple colors and can be installed with various textures so you can get creative with your home’s exterior. Image source: Preferred Exteriors

On average, stucco siding costs between $10,255 and $18,659, making it a fairly expensive option. Stucco is often made of a mixture of cement, water, and sand, which makes it highly durable and fire-resistant. Under ideal conditions, stucco can last over 50 years.

It is prone to cracking as your home expands and contradicts with changing temperatures, though. It may also crack if your home’s foundation settles. This is something to keep in mind if you live somewhere with significant temperature fluctuations. Stucco also isn’t ideal for damper environments because it can absorb excess moisture.

However, newer products, like OmegaFlex, provide a stucco appearance with a 100-percent acrylic base that is flexible and more durable than traditional stucco.

The labor costs for installing stucco can be quite high since the installation is intensive and requires skilled labor. This also means that stucco isn't your best choice if you’re looking to DIY your new siding (which we advise against).

Traditional stucco siding is typically found in the Pacific, Mountain, and South Atlantic regions of the United States, but it has become a popular choice for homeowners nationwide. Spanish and Mediterranean-style homes are known for their stucco siding, but modern-style homes are beginning to take advantage of this low-maintenance option.

Fiber cement siding

Fiber cement siding has a classic look despite being one of the newest siding options. Image source: James Hardie

At an average price range of $4,972 to $9,047, fiber cement can be a very affordable siding option, though, in some markets, it can be more expensive than alternatives like vinyl. This siding material, also known as Hardie board siding, was created to be as durable as masonry options while looking like wood siding. 

Fiber cement siding is made of water, wood pulp, cement, and filler. This combination creates a rot, UV, and weather-resistant fireproof siding product. This high resistance to many types of damage allows fiber cement to last up to 50 years, and it’s much easier to care for than alternatives like wood. 

Fiber cement siding comes in multiple styles, from shingles to board and batten. With a wide variety of colors to choose from, homeowners can even find fiber cement siding with a realistic wood grain pattern.

Brick veneer siding

Brick veneer allows you to capture the charm of solid brick for a fraction of the cost. Image source: Stone Selex

Brick veneer siding allows homeowners to get the classic look of a solid brick house without breaking the bank. That doesn’t mean that brick veneer is cheap, though. Installing 1,500 square feet of this material costs $23,798 to $43,299. This is why many homeowners use this siding sparingly to accent other materials like vinyl or fiber cement.

Brick veneer siding is made with real bricks, so you retain the durability of a solid brick home. Brick veneer siding won’t rot, it’s fire-resistant, and it doesn’t require additional maintenance like painting or staining. This allows this stylish siding option to last up to a century, meaning you’ll probably never need to replace your siding again.

Like all siding options, brick veneer does have its downsides. Bricks are porous and will retain moisture when it rains. This moisture can seep through to the framework of your home and cause water damage. However, if your siding installation was done properly, your home’s exterior will have been properly waterproofed and protected from moisture damage.

Stone veneer siding

Stone veneer siding can be used across your whole home or as a beautiful accent. Image source: Table Rock Stone

Similar to brick veneer, stone veneer siding allows you to achieve the look of a wall made entirely from natural stone at a much lower cost. However, this is still the most expensive siding option on this list. Installing stone veneer made from natural stone on an entire home can cost anywhere between $48,935 and $89,035, so it’s commonly used as an accent siding material.

Alternatively, some stone veneer siding is made from a mixture of portland cement, pumice, and iron-oxide pigments molded to look like genuine stone. The result is a lightweight, quality faux-stone that can be easily installed while still looking great. It’s also far cheaper than options made with natural stone. Keep in mind, though, that faux-stone veneers tend to fade over time.

How to hire a professional siding contractor

Now that you know all about the most popular siding types, how much they can cost, and their benefits and shortcomings, you’re ready to hire a siding contractor. You can get started by filling out the form below. We’ll help you find the most qualified siding installers in your area.

House siding FAQ

Can you install house siding yourself?

While installing your own siding is possible, we highly advise against it. DIY siding installation leaves your home more vulnerable to the elements, it can void manufacturer’s warranties, and the results almost always look worse than professional installation.

Additionally, the installation processes for many siding types are far too difficult for amateurs to successfully attempt. Vinyl siding is basically the only type of siding that DIYers can install themselves, and even then, the results are mixed. 

Which house siding is cheapest?

Siding installation costs vary by region, so it’s hard to say for sure which siding material is cheapest. Generally, though, horizontal siding made from vinyl, aluminum, or fiber cement are among your most affordable options. If budget is your number one concern, ask a local contractor for quotes for all three materials. 

How long does siding last?

Like all building materials, the lifespan of exterior siding varies depending on the material it’s made from and how well you take care of it.

Vinyl siding generally has the shortest lifespan. Under ideal conditions, it will usually only last around 20 to 30 years. Materials like fiber cement, stucco, and metal can all last a bit longer, sometimes up to 50 years. Stone and brick siding are generally the most long-lived options, and when properly cared for, they can both last 75 years or more. 

What is the best siding to use on a house?

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular materials for residential siding because it brings a good blend of affordability, durability, and easy maintenance. However, it’s not the most long-lived, hardy, or stylish of your options. Sometimes, it’s not even the most affordable. Other materials like aluminum, stucco, fiber cement, or wood might all be better options, depending on your priorities. 

How much does 1,000 square feet of siding cost?

On average, 1,000 square feet of siding will cost between $7,786 and $14,166. However, prices can vary dramatically depending on where you live, the material of your siding, and its style. These variables make it impossible to predict exactly how much siding will cost until you get a quote from a contractor. 

Do I need to ask my HOA before replacing my siding?

Your HOA almost always has the final say about the appearance of your home’s exterior, so you should try to get their permission before replacing your siding. If your HOA doesn’t approve of how your new siding looks, they can force you to undo the work. Read our guide to remodeling your home with an HOA to learn more.