High-maintenance and prone to deterioration, wood siding is considered an outdated exterior choice. Most homeowners can benefit from a variety of wood siding alternatives that provide better strength, durability, weather resistance, and longevity. Though many wood siding alternatives deliver on one or two of these qualities, few can outperform wood in almost every area – that is, except one.
This guide provides a rundown of pros and cons for a variety of wood siding alternatives and suggests one material as the best pick overall. Take a look!
How to Rate Wood Siding Alternatives
There are a few things to look for when searching for wood siding alternatives. For one, weather resistance is a huge advantage. Moisture, sun exposure, and the heat/thaw cycle are among the biggest contributors to wood siding deterioration, so it makes sense that more modern siding should have a certain degree of weather resistance in order to be considered a smart wood siding alternative. Weather resistance and durability are often linked with longevity and lifetime value.
Style is another element to consider, as homeowners aren’t always willing to give up the look of natural wood without an attractive alternative – even if the siding is more durable and weatherproof. The good news is that many modern building materials like steel and fiber cement are able to recreate the look of natural wood grain patterns through detailed texture and color authenticity. For many, style plays a big role in their consideration of wood siding alternatives.
Top 6 Wood Siding Alternatives to Consider
Every alternative comes with pros and cons – though some tend to offer more advantages than others. Take a look at these six wood siding alternatives to see how they compare:
1. Brick
The benefit of brick is that it cuts down on so many of the weather-related issues that plague traditional wood siding. Heat, frost, moisture, sun exposure – these elements don’t faze brick, which is considered to be a more durable exterior.
Of course, you won’t get the same aesthetic with brick, which some homeowners consider a drawback. Like wood siding, brick also requires a degree of attention and upkeep to maintain its appearance. Settling can cause bricks to shift, which may require repair – which isn’t always available without the help of an experienced mason.
2. Stucco
Like wood, stucco offers a very classic appearance that many people find sophisticated and refined. Stucco has good longevity, sometimes lasting up to 50 years, and it can be painted in lots of different colors to create unique exterior designs.
One of the biggest downsides to stucco is that repairs are costly and complicated. Traditional stucco requires several applications and dry weather conditions to complete, which makes repairs a nightmare. Though stucco is considered more durable than wood, it can be prone to cracking and peeling in certain conditions.
3. Vinyl
Vinyl is a great choice for affordability, and it’s also one of the easier wood siding alternatives to install. Design flexibility is also a perk of vinyl siding, since it can be found in a wide variety of colors and styles.
Though vinyl is an attractive alternative to wood siding at first glance, it isn’t a very good choice for homeowners who value long-term value and reliability. Vinyl is known to be susceptible to scrapes, color fading, and warping. Another downside to vinyl is its plastic-based composition, the production of which is not considered the most sustainable or environmentally-friendly practice. Due to its composition and slick surface, vinyl is also known to be particularly susceptible to mold and mildew growth.
4. Fiber Cement
Fiber cement is known for its strength and style. There are many types of fiber cement siding that imitate the look of natural wood grain patterns, which means homeowners won’t have to sacrifice style when opting for wood siding alternatives.
Though fiber cement is a durable and stylish alternative to wood, it also comes with risks. Installation is not easy. In fact, professional installation is recommended for fiber cement siding, which means extra labor costs.
5. Steel
Incredible durability, fire and moisture resistance, and energy efficiency makes steel the preferred alternative to wood siding. Modern steel siding can be crafted to look just like traditional wood siding in its best conditions, with an authentic-looking wood grain pattern, texture, and attractive color tone.
Though it can be heavier than other siding materials, modern steel siding is very easy to install since it features a lock-in design. Plus, modern steel siding is essentially maintenance-free, so homeowners don’t have to worry about expensive repairs or time-intensive upkeep.
Steel siding from TruLog is offered in not only lap siding, but board and batten and log siding as well. Steel is a fantastic siding choice, and with all of the classic siding styles, a tremendous range of aesthetics can be achieved.
Find the Best Wood Siding Alternative with TruLog Steel Siding
Whether you want a rustic cabin look, modern board and batten, or traditional lap, TruLog offers an abundance of highly attractive wood-style steel products that can protect your home for many years to come.
Contact TruLog today to explore an excellent range of wood siding alternatives that are built to last!
