When it comes to choosing the best siding for a house, there are several things to consider. From the materials and color to budget considerations, the process can feel intimidating to homeowners. Fortunately, with this handy guide, we’ll make it easier to pick the perfect siding for your home.
We’ll start by walking you through what you need to know about choosing siding for your home and location. Then, we’ll highlight the best siding materials so you can make an informed choice. Whether you’re considering steel siding — which offers the best balance of durability, curb appeal, and long-term savings — or another option, you’ll have what you need to make an informed decision.
How to Choose the Best Siding for a House
Siding is a critical component of any home, whether you’re planning a brand-new build, a quick update, or a full remodel. Siding protects the interior of your home from the elements and offers stunning curb appeal. Plus, some options can provide structural support and enhance energy efficiency. That means choosing the right one for your location and home is key.
While you can see different siding types up close at a showroom or on homes in the neighborhood, there’s often more than meets the eye. While all siding can look good, there are several things you should keep in mind — from durability and lifespan to maintenance and installation requirements.
Here’s what to consider when choosing the best siding for a house.
Materials
From affordable but less hardy vinyl to luxurious stone that will last for centuries, the material you choose for your siding is critical. There are several choices, each with their pros and cons — more on that below — but top choices include vinyl and metal siding as well as fiber cement and stucco.
Aesthetics
The color of your siding and the design can affect the look of your home, increasing or decreasing the value of your property. Consider the type of siding material you want and assess whether it comes in the right colors and designs to match your home, whether you want a rustic farmhouse look or modern design. Dark colors can increase heat retention, meaning you’ll want to take into account different shades to find the most suitable hue for where you live.
Styles
Siding comes in various styles, including board and batten, log, and lap. Depending on your preferences, you can use different siding to match coastal, rustic, or modern aesthetics. Keep in mind that certain styles may require more upkeep (like caulking if there are seams between boards or panels).
Climate
Your siding protects your home from the elements, so you should consider the capabilities of different materials to withstand the needs of your area.
For example, if you live in a high-risk fire area, you’ll want siding that’s resistant to burning. Alternatively, if you live in a wet climate or one with hurricanes, you’ll want siding that is waterproof and resistant to mold and mildew. Cold climates will require a siding material that’s less susceptible to cracking.
Maintenance
Some siding requires more upkeep than others. Think about how much time you have to devote to maintenance and decide whether you want something that requires very little work or if you’re willing to put in more effort to maintain siding that offers a specific look.
Budget
Consider how much you’re willing and able to spend on your house siding. Keep in mind, initial costs are only one part of the equation. If the siding material requires upkeep like painting every few years, your costs can increase over time.
Durability
Like maintenance, durability can increase or decrease the total price of siding over time. If you pick a siding material that lasts 30 years or more, you’ll pay less over time than if you choose a siding material that needs to be replaced again in 10 years. Choose durable siding that can meet the demands of your local area, which includes environmental factors such as high wind, humidity, or cold temperatures.
Installation
Different types of siding require different installation methods. Some are easier — and thus more affordable — than others. When choosing your house siding, consider the cost per square foot as well as the installation cost. If you plan on installing siding yourself as a DIY project, keep in mind that different options will require more or less work.
What Is the Best Siding Material for a House?
One of the key decisions you need to make when choosing the best siding for a house is the materials. While there are several options, each one has pros and cons, with some materials like steel performing better in just about every category.
Here’s a quick rundown of eight different siding materials you can choose from.
1. Steel
Steel siding offers excellent value thanks to its durability and long lifespan. It’s also low maintenance and comes in just about any color and design to match your desired aesthetics. From board and batten siding to log siding, there’s a steel option for all styles, whether you want coastal vibes or a rustic mountain look.
While it can be slightly more expensive upfront, costs decrease over time since you don’t have to spend money on maintenance, and you won’t have to worry about siding replacement for decades.
Pros
- Unmatched durability: Steel siding has a lifespan of 50 years or more, and its durability means it can withstand daily wear and tear for years to come while still maintaining its appearance.
- Low maintenance: Aside from occasional rinsing with a hose, steel siding doesn’t require any maintenance like painting, staining, or sealing.
- Great climate resistance: Steel siding is fire-resistant, and it won’t build mold or mildew. You can also choose from different gauges to withstand other elements like hail and wind.
- Easily recyclable: Steel is one of the most recyclable materials, making this an environmentally friendly option.
- Available in woodgrain finishes: You can get the look of real wood, without the maintenance headaches.
Cons
- Potential for rust: In some coastal environments, steel may be prone to rust, though this can be mitigated by choosing a recognized brand with high-quality coatings, like TruLog.
- Tricky to install by yourself: Some steel panels can be large, making this siding more difficult to install alone. But if you want to make this a DIY project, grab a friend or family member to help, and watch installation videos for guidance.
2. Vinyl
Vinyl siding is an option for homeowners who want a quick update that offers a wide range of colors and a lower price point initially. Made of PVC that mimics the look of wood boards, vinyl siding is known mostly for its affordability.
Pros
- Extensive color options: Available in just about any hue from bright, tropical colors to muted neutrals, vinyl siding can match aesthetics in any style.
- Easy DIY installation: Since the panels are lightweight, they’re easy to install yourself.
- Lower maintenance: While vinyl doesn’t last as long as other materials, you won’t have to worry about painting or restaining.
Cons
- Moisture problems: VInyl is prone to cracking and chipping, leading to issues like mold and mildew inside your home.
- Fading: Over time, vinyl panels fade, leading to discoloration, which is more notable with dark and bright hues.
- More easily damaged: Vinyl isn’t as tough as other materials and can be dented or cracked, especially if you live in areas with severe weather such as hail and tornados.
3. Real Wood
Natural wood siding is a popular choice for home siding and is prized for its aesthetic appeal and versatility. It comes in different grains and patterns to suit both modern and rustic tastes, and it can be stained or painted in various hues. While offering nice aesthetics, this siding type requires more maintenance over time.
Pros
- Timeless appearance: Wood can increase your home’s curb appeal thanks to its warmth and natural look, which works well with both rustic and modern designs.
- Can be updated: By staining or painting the wood, you can update your home for a new design without replacing all of the siding.
- Good insulating properties: Wood siding can help decrease energy costs by insulating your home.
Cons
- High maintenance requirements: One of the biggest problems with wood siding is that it has to be regularly maintained to avoid rot and pest damage.
- Higher flammability: Like wood shingles, wood siding is likely to burn in wildfires, making it less ideal for homes in high-risk areas.
- Susceptible to moisture damage: Wood can warp and crack when exposed to temperature fluctuations and humidity, making it more likely to rot, decay, or be damaged by pests.
4. Engineered Wood
Engineered wood siding uses composite cladding made of wood fibers and resin to mimic the look of real wood while improving durability and performance in weather conditions. This siding choice is available in several colors and styles. It’s more cost-effective than real wood since it requires less maintenance.
Pros
- Enhanced curb appeal: Offering the natural look of wood, this type of siding also comes in longer boards and different designs thanks to composite materials.
- Pest- and moisture-resistant: Wax and resin coatings provide better moisture protection, making this siding option more durable than real wood.
- Easier installation: With longer boards and fewer seams, it’s easier to install engineered wood compared to real wood, and you can still use normal woodworking tools.
Cons
- Color fading: Over time, engineered wood planks can fade when exposed to UV rays, making this less suitable in areas with a lot of sunlight.
- Requires some regular maintenance: You’ll need to periodically paint or reseal the planks to maintain durability.
5. Stone and Stone Veneer
Stone siding is a luxury option made of things like granite, slate, and limestone. It’s expensive, but offers high durability. Stone veneer is a more affordable version, using lighter and small stones or composites, which include things like concrete, sand, or gravel and pigments.
Pros
- One-of-a-kind look: The natural stone contains variations that add a unique look and increase property value.
- High durability: Stone is incredibly hardy, making it a sustainable choice and one that will likely last a lifetime.
- Weather-resistant: Stone is not flammable and won’t rot or get damaged by pests or heavy rains.
Cons
- Very expensive: All of this comes at a high cost, with stone siding among the priciest options on the market.
- Difficult siding installation: Installing this type of siding is time-consuming and requires tons of labor, further increasing costs.
- Tricky to update: Stone siding is meant to last a lifetime, and as trends change, it can be difficult to change the look of this siding or replace it altogether.
6. Stucco
Stucco is made of a mixture of cement, sand, and water. It’s known for its durability and its ability to withstand a range of weather conditions. Available in a range of colors and textures, there are several options for different styles and trends.
Pros
- High climate performance: Stucco is not flammable and is resistant to rot, mold, and pest infestations, including termites.
- Good sound insulation: Stucco provides a sound barrier, helping to keep your home quieter in noisy outdoor environments.
- Long lifespan: Stucco can last from 30 to 50 years, making it a good siding option for homeowners who want a long-lasting material.
Cons
- Prone to cracking and staining: Stucco can crack, which can lead to mold or moss growth as well as stains in wet climates.
- High installation costs: Some stucco siding has to be applied in three layers, increasing the price of installing this siding.
7. Fiber Cement
Like stucco, fiber cement siding is a composite made of cement, cellulose, and sand. Often called Hardie Board, it has a long lifespan, low maintenance requirements, and comes in both smooth and textured styles.
Pros
- Good for coastal environments: This durable siding is moisture-resistant and won’t corrode in salty air.
- Lower maintenance: Yearly maintenance involves a quick clean.
- Long lifespan: Fiber cement siding can last 50+ years, making it among the more durable options on this list including steel siding.
Cons
- Higher upfront costs: This siding costs more to install initially compared to cheaper alternatives like vinyl siding.
- Needs repainting: Fiber cement siding needs to be repainted every 10 to 15 years and you’ll need to regularly caulk and seal any seams or cracks.
8. Brick and Brick Veneer
Brick siding is known for its classic appearance and long lifespan. While this material can increase the value of your home and boost curb appeal, it comes at a high price point, and it offers limited flexibility in terms of design.
Pros
- Durable: Brick has a lifespan of 50+ years.
- High weather resistance: Brick isn’t flammable, and it is water-resistant, helping to prevent moisture damage.
Cons
- Expensive: Brick is one of the highest-priced siding materials, so it won’t be the right siding for every budget.
- Limited design flexibility: Brick is hard to paint and customize if you decide you want to change the color or look of your home.
FAQ About the Best Siding for Houses
Want to know more about house siding? Here we’ll cover some of the top questions readers ask.
How Do I Choose the Best Siding for My Climate?
To choose the best siding for your climate, consider the weather conditions. Next, assess which siding materials offer protection against the most common elements in your area — whether it’s fire, rain, wind, or something else.
For full protection, consider new siding like steel that offers excellent durability against all types of weather.
Is Steel Siding Better Than Vinyl for Homes?
Steel siding is better than vinyl because it’s more durable and has lower maintenance:
- Steel is moisture-resistant and won’t crack like vinyl, meaning it won’t develop mold or mildew problems.
- Steel siding also won’t melt like vinyl in high temperatures.
- Thanks to a 50+-year lifespan, steel won’t need to be replaced as often as vinyl, and it doesn’t require maintenance to avoid fading.
What Are the Most Low-Maintenance Siding Options?
The most low-maintenance siding options include steel, stone, and brick. These materials are long-lasting and don’t require regular staining, painting or sealing.
Choose Steel Siding for Durability and Low Maintenance
With this guide, you can choose the best siding for your needs based on climate, maintenance level, aesthetics, and budget. Whether you need an affordable option up front and don’t mind extra maintenance or prefer something that will withstand harsh conditions and last for years to come, you’ll find a siding style to suit your needs.
When it comes to siding products, steel siding is one of the most durable options on the market. Not only is it durable, it’s also stylish and affordable. For high-quality exterior siding that’s in your budget and offers excellent durability, low maintenance, and style, look no further than TruLog steel siding. Available in different colors and designs, it’s easy to match your dream home exterior.
Download our free catalog to find the best siding for your house. From board and batten to log and lap siding, there’s an option for everyone.
