11 Types of Exterior Siding: What’s the Right Choice for You?

As one of the most pivotal architectural elements of a home, exterior siding can dramatically influence curb appeal and, perhaps more significantly, shape the character of your dwelling. With a diverse array of choices, from classic wood and sturdy masonry to cutting-edge engineered materials that replicate the beauty of natural textures, the options for residential siding have never been more abundant. We consulted with home design experts to explore the most popular categories, weighing their pros and cons, which often hinge on factors like cost, durability, maintenance, and style preference. Whether your home embodies the charm of a modern farmhouse or the quaintness of a cozy cottage, here’s what you should know about the 11 top categories of exterior siding.

There are three key factors to consider when selecting the right exterior siding for your home.

1) First, assess your home’s architectural style and how it fits within the neighborhood; for example, traditional clapboard and shingle siding complement Cape Cod homes, while sleek fiber cement or metal suits mid-century modern designs.

2) Next, evaluate the local climate, as materials withstand weather conditions differently, which impacts the siding's maintenance and longevity.

3) Finally, consider your budget and determine how much you are willing to spend initially and over time for upkeep.

Here’s a closer look at each of the siding categories to help drill down your decision.

From Georgian and Federal to Victorian and Tudor, brick has a long history in shaping the architectural style of homes. Today, much of the brick in modern homes is a form of veneer siding and not load-bearing due to construction costs. But the inherent qualities remain: Brick is durable, relatively low maintenance, long-lasting, and enhances a home’s value while still embodying classic and timeless style. Acme Brick, the nation’s leading brand for brick siding, touts its natural hard-fired clay brick as never fading and offers a color selection that is in harmony with your home’s location since the clays are dug locally.

Pros of Brick

• Brick has a long lifespan (up to 100 years).

• Brick is weather and fire resistant.

• Brick is durable and energy efficient.

• Brick is eco-friendly and easy to recycle.

• Brick siding is low maintenance,

Cons of Brick

• Brick carries a higher up-front cost (ranging from $9 to $28 per square foot, depending on the depth of the bricks, according to Angi).

• Brick is heavy, so it requires a strong foundation

• The mortar between bricks can deteriorate, but usually not for at least 50 years.

• If necessary, brick siding may require a brick mason for repair.

James Hardie is the leading brand of fiber cement siding, which is made of cement, sand, and cellulose. Known for its strength and durability, Hardie siding comes in styles that mimic wood, stucco, and stone masonry. “It’s getting closer to the look of wood than vinyl, and it's less expensive than real wood,” says architectural designer Jeff Murphy. The low-maintenance siding also lasts up to 50 years. “It’s well suited for harsh environments, like the coast, and it's also pest resistant and non-flammable,” says architect Aaron Daily, senior principal at architectural firm Historical Concepts based in Atlanta. But on the flip side, Daily adds, “Those with a keen eye for detail may find its aesthetic to be slightly less authentic than wood siding.” Traditional applications include horizontal lap siding, shingles or shakes, which is a common style of siding for New England Cape Cods and cottage-style homes, and board-and-batten, which alternates between wide boards and narrow strips, typical of farmhouse and barn-inspired styles. To further modernize the look, fiber cement’s smooth panels can be applied vertically and in combination with other materials such as brick, stone, or metal. “We recently used this material on a 100-year-old home,” says designer Katie Kath of JKath Design Build + Reinvent. “With major exterior water damage and structural issues, the stucco needed to come off, and this was the perfect solve as the homeowners liked the smooth aesthetic and modern curb appeal.”

Pros of Fiber Cement

• Fiber cement withstands harsh weather conditions—extreme cold and heat—without significantly expanding or contracting with temperature fluctuations.

• The material can be pre-painted or painted after installation.

• Pest resistant

• Nonflammable

• Durable

• A less expensive material to source than wood

Cons of Fiber Cement

• The material is pricier than other siding, ranging from $5 to $14 per square foot, according to Angi.

• The installation is typically more expensive than wood because fiber cement is heavy and requires special tools to install, making the process more labor intensive

• Up close, fiber cement products lack the authentic look of wood and masonry

• The product is not recyclable at the end of its lifespan and the manufacturing process is energy-intensive due to the cement content.

Wood composite (also known as engineered wood) siding, made with scrap wood and a resin binder, creates a natural wood appearance at a lower cost than wood. Unlike wood, composite wood siding doesn’t require regular staining or painting and can be easily cleaned with soap and water. The durable material lasts 20-30 years, and resists rot, warping, and insects. Engineered wood can also weather natural elements better than an all-wood exterior.

LP SmartSide, available in 16-foot-long boards that allows for fewer seams when installed, is one of the top brands in this category. The smooth finished and cedar-textured boards come in a variety of styles such as lap, panel, and shake siding. The company also treats the boards to fight fungal decay and termite damage. TruExterior siding, another leading brand of wood composite, is made with poly-ash (a by-product from coal combustion) materials and offers profiles in its Craftsman Collection that mimic the thickness of natural wood. “These are good for a smoother painted finish since they come from the factory primed and ready for paint,” Jeff says of TruExterior’s siding.

Pros of Wood Composite

• Composite wood is less expensive than real wood.

• Composite withstands moisture and water damage, insects, and weather extremes.

• The siding has lower installation costs and is low maintenance.

Cons of Wood Composite

• Despite resistance to moisture, in certain humid climates, engineered wood can be susceptible to absorbing water, which leads to expansion and contraction if the protective coating is damaged.

• The siding requires regular inspection to ensure the protective coating isn’t cracked.

• Over time, composite wood colors may fade, especially in intense sunlight.

Low cost and minimal upkeep make vinyl siding second only to stucco as the most popular exterior siding material for new construction. Vinyl siding, made from PVC resin, was first mass produced in the 1950s as an alternative to aluminum during the housing boom, becoming a building industry staple because of its affordability, low maintenance, and durability. More often, vinyl is seen in new construction versus historic renovations where preservationists frown on using plastic material instead of authentic wood and masonry. But modern vinyl siding has improved in its look in recent years, thanks to innovations that better mimic grain textures such as shake panels and wood planks. Among the leading brands in vinyl siding known for replicating traditional wood siding are Ply Gem’s Mastic (a line fixer-uppers Jenny and Dave Marrs of HGTV’s Fixer to Fabulous use in both renovations and new-builds) and AZEK Exterior’s bevel, board and batten, and shingle siding options.

Pros of Vinyl

• Vinyl does not warp and it's impervious to insects and water.

• Vinyl is a low-cost siding option that doesn't need to be painted.

• It's easy to maintain by gentle washing with a garden hose.

• Vinyl siding can last between 20 and 40 years.

• Vinyl is a great option for any climate. Because it's naturally insulated, it retains heat in a cold northern climate or cool in air conditioning in the desert all summer.

Cons of Vinyl

• Vinyl is susceptible to cracking and melting.

• Although manufacturers have improved the look of vinyl, the material up-close does not look like wood.

• Vinyl can be noisy during rain showers and can be damaged from hailstorms.

• Homes covered in vinyl siding tend to have a low resale value.

• Unless backed with insulation, vinyl has weak thermal blocking.

While houses made entirely of natural stone are rare these days, homes that feature stone as an accent or in combination with other materials up the charm factor. Think English cottages, mountain-style homes, Colonial, and neo-classical homes, Jeff says of traditional styles that historically have featured stone siding. In addition to stone as wall siding, he add that it can be featured as an exterior accent. “We use it where it would have been used on a historical residence such as chimneys, foundations, fireplaces and site walls.” Among the two most common types of stones on exteriors are limestone and sandstone. Limestone, which ranges in creamy whites to earth tones, adds a smooth, light-toned texture that lends itself to both traditional and modern styles of architecture. Sandstone, made of sand grains later cemented by minerals precipitated from groundwater, varies in colors from gray, tan, brown, yellow, even black, white, and pink.

Pros of Natural Stone

• Stone siding is low maintenance.

• Stone is a sustainable material that's also recyclable.

• Stone naturally resists mold, rot, and insects.

Cons of Natural Stone

• Stone is expensive to source (up to $35 per square foot for materials and labor costing up to $15 per square foot, according to Angi).

• Stone siding can absorb moisture, which can lead to leaks and mold.

• Installation of stone siding requires a skilled mason.

As one of the oldest forms of exterior siding, stucco has staying power, thanks to its aesthetic versatility spanning architectural styles and its durable plaster-like material mix that can last more than 50 years. Earth-toned texture that weathers hot temperatures make stucco a hallmark of Mediterranean-style homes in sun-soaked states like California and Arizona. But the material is also commonly featured on range of other architectural styles, from traditional bungalows to modern contemporary homes. Made of sand, Portland cement, and lime, stucco stands up to heat and fire and is easy to maintain. It’s also the most common siding material used in new construction, according to National Association of Home Builders. Sometimes the material gets a bad rap for chipping and cracking, which can be repaired, but minor imperfections can work in a home’s favor to look more authentic to historic homes where the aging process deepens the character. “There is a wide variety of applications,” says architectural designer Jeff Murphy, founder of Murphy & Co. based in Minnesota. “We prefer to use cement-based stucco and even let the hairline cracks appear.”

Pros of Stucco

• Stucco can be applied over any surface, including wood and brick.

• It’s a relatively low-cost material.

• The material is versatile in its application—it can be smooth, coarse, or swirled.

• Stucco is easy to maintain—power washing the exterior once a year prevents dirt build-up in the holes and cracks.

• The outer layer of stucco creates a shell around the house that helps insulate and keep the house cool without needing more energy. That same outer layer protection also helps reduce sound transmission and buffers exterior sounds from coming into the house.

• Stucco’s natural materials do not contain chemicals, so it’s environmentally friendly.

Cons of Stucco

• Stucco is susceptible to larger cracks (more than 1/16th of an inch requires professional repair.

• In regions where foundation shifts are common, stucco isn’t the best exterior option because of its brittle nature, it is prone to chipping.

• While stucco repels moisture, it is not recommended for areas with lots of precipitation as rainy environments can oversaturate the porous surface over time.

Natural long, narrow wooden boards installed horizontally in overlapping planks, is one of the most common styles of all-natural wood siding. Historically, clapboard was made from pine, cedar, and redwood and applied on homes ranging in style from Cape Cod and Colonial to farmhouse. Jeff says cedar and redwood are his preferred species for wood siding. “Natural materials that resist rot, decay, and insects are what we look for in wood,” he says. Clapboard’s overlapping design provides an extra layer of moisture protection.

Pros of Wood Clapboard

• Clapboard siding is a style that is timeless.

• Wood clapboard can last 50 years or more.

• Homeowners may recoup 90 percent of their investment.

• Clapboard siding can be mixed with other materials for a highly custom and historic look.

Cons of Wood Clapboard

• Requires regular upkeep, including painting or staining every few years.

• Annual inspections of the wood are recommended.

• The cost of wood siding can be high.

• Wood clapboard can be susceptible to termites, woodpeckers, and rot.

• Needs to be treated to be fire-resistant.

• Clapboard installation is more time-consuming, which can lead to higher labor costs.

Board-and-batten refers to varying the width of boards, alternating wide boards and narrow strips, known as battens. In a typical configuration, the wide boards are installed vertically with the battens placed over the seams between them, which provides additional protection against the elements. Historically, board-and-batten siding was commonly used for barns and outbuildings because of its ability to withstand harsh weather. Today, the style has been extended to cottages, cabins, contemporary, and transitional-style homes. The vertical placement is also a modern alternative to traditional horizontal clapboard siding.

Pros of Wood Board-and-Batten

• Board-and-batten siding can be applied to a variety of home styles.

• The siding mixes well with other types of cladding, such as brick and stone.

• The siding’s design helps prevent water infiltration.

• Regular cleaning and occasional repainting or staining keeps it looking fresh for years.

Cons of Wood Board-and-Batten

• Installation costs can be more expensive than traditional clapboard siding.

• The visual impact of board and batten siding doesn’t lend itself to all home sizes, especially smaller homes.

• Like other natural wood siding, board and batten also requires regular painting and staining to prevent rot and maintain its appearance.

Shingle-style homes emerged in America during the late 1880s, characterized by rustic shingles on roofs and exterior walls. Since then, shingles and shakes embody storybook charm, beginning with traditional Cape Cod homes in coastal Northeastern towns to Dutch Colonials and cozy cottages and cabins throughout the country. Both shingles and shakes are typically made of cedar that weathers and patinas over time to a gray color, which is either a pro or a con depending on your aesthetic preference. Shingles are defined as thin, tapered pieces of wood and have a more uniform look. Shakes are thicker and have a rougher texture. Both shingles and shakes are installed in overlapping layers, which helps repel moisture, but shakes have a longer lifespan (up to 40 years versus shingles lasting around 30 years) because of its deep profile.

Pros of Wood Shingles and Shakes

• Shakes and shingles have a timeless look that enhance a home's value.

• Cedar siding provides thermal insulation and works as a natural acoustic barrier.

• Cedar siding has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.

• Cedar is a sustainable building material when sourced responsibly.

Cons of Wood Shingles and Shakes

• Shakes and shingles require regular maintenance such as reapplying protective stains and coatings every five to eight years.

• There's a higher upfront installation costs due to labor.

• In regions prone to wildfires, cedar can be a fire hazard.

• Replacing a damaged shingle or shake can be challenging.

Traditional log homes today are likely clad in split logs installed flat against the wall. Other types of styles are D Logs, which have a rounded face and squared edges and chink joints, which mimics the mortar between logs for authenticity. Rustic log homes are most common in natural areas such as the upper midwest, the Appalachian mountains, southern and southeastern states, and around national parks and recreational areas. The thermal mass of logs allows them to absorb heat slowly and release it gradually, which helps maintain a stable indoor temperature.

Pros of Wood Logs

• Logs are eco-friendly since trees are a renewable source.

• Logs are naturally long lasting and weather natural elements.

• Log homes are energy efficient, up to 30 percent more efficient than what building codes call for, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

• Logs enhance acoustic qualities because of the wood's solid mass.

Cons of Wood Logs

• Building with logs can be expensive ($100 to $200 per square foot, according to realtor.com)

• Resale can be a concern as the style is specific.

• The wood siding is susceptible to insects and rodents.

• Requires a fair amount of upkeep and maintenance.

In 1948, an entire category of all-steel houses grew a following that lasts today when Lustron began manufacturing affordable homes during the housing crisis. Today, metal siding—from galvanized steel to copper to aluminum—is trending again as builders level-up the material as exterior cladding on modern farmhouses, backyard sheds and studios, and even new additions to historic homes. “We’ve used metal shingles on walls as well as panels of steel on more modern projects. Sometimes these are in smaller ‘wings’ of a home, sometimes, the whole home, or sometimes a modern addition on a historic home,” Jeff says. Additionally, textures can be applied to metal siding to mimic other materials and add visual interest. Embossed textures include stucco and wood grains; crinkle finishes add depth to the metal panels.

Pros of Metal

• Metal siding resists warping, rotting, pests, and fire.

• Metal siding is low maintenance and lasts for decades.

• Metal comes in a variety of textures and finishes that can be painted

Cons of Metal

• Design choices are limited.

• Potential fading.

• Dents and scratches easily and is not sound proof.

• Transmits thermal energy.

How much does new siding cost?
The cost of new siding varies, depending on the materials and the size of the project. In general, the cost of new siding represents 10-25 percent of total renovation costs, but the return on investment is high. For example, fiber cement siding replacement has an ROI of 88.5 percent, according to a 2023 report by Angi’s.

Why is it important to invest in quality siding?
Quality siding not only can enhance the curb appeal of a home, but it also provides protection against the elements, can contribute to energy efficiency, and can increase the overall value of your property investment.

Why is siding a significant expense of home ownership?
The cost of new or replacement siding can add up due to the production of materials in addition to the labor and installation required.

How can I ensure I get a fair price when hiring a contractor for siding work?
Experts advise to interview at least three contractors before hiring. Request all-inclusive price estimates that cover materials, labor, and installation to compare costs effectively.

What should I know about the upkeep of siding materials?
Understand the cost and time associated with a siding material’s required upkeep. Some materials, like wood, will need regular maintenance to prevent damage, while other options, like vinyl, generally require less upkeep.

How does local climate affect siding material?
Research how siding materials perform in your region’s weather conditions. For example, vinyl siding is resistant to warping and cracking in fluctuating temperatures, while wood siding may require more maintenance in humid climates to prevent rot and mold.