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Types of Siding
Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Types of Siding for Your Home
First impressions matter, and the siding is key when it comes to your home. It’s the first thing people see, setting the tone for the style of your house—whether it’s modern, farmhouse, craftsman, traditional, or coastal. The right siding can elevate your home’s curb appeal and tell a story about its character.
Choosing the right siding involves more than just picking a style. You need to consider the materials, colors, and durability to ensure your home looks excellent and is built to last. So many options can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry! We’ve put together a guide to help you navigate the best siding choices and make the perfect decision for your home.
Horizontal Siding or Lap Siding
If you want a timeless, classic look that works with just about any home style, horizontal siding—also called lap or clapboard siding—could be the perfect fit. With overlapping longboards, horizontal siding is as durable as stylish, offering excellent weather protection and a clean, traditional aesthetic. Here are the most popular options:
- Traditional Lap
Sleek, smooth boards with a uniform look make it versatile for modern and historic homes. - Dutch Lap
A twist on the classic, featuring concave boards with a notch at the top. This adds a shadow line that gives your home extra depth and texture, all while keeping that traditional charm. - Beaded Seam
Each board has a beaded edge at the bottom, giving the siding a little flair while helping with water drainage. This style is perfect for homes with a vintage or cottage vibe. - Log Lap
If you’re dreaming of a rustic cabin or woodsy escape, log lap siding mimics the look of natural logs with rounded profiles. It gives your home a cozy charm while boosting insulation.
Vertical Siding or Panel Siding
Looking for something a little different? Vertical siding (Panel siding) can give your home a striking, modern look. Great for adding height or creating a bold accent on certain sections of your exterior. Popular vertical siding styles include:
- Board and Batten
Wide vertical boards with narrow battens covering the seams offer depth and a farmhouse or rustic vibe. Adjusting the spacing between battens lets you control whether the look is more traditional or contemporary. - Shiplap
With its clean, overlapping joints, shiplap creates a sleek, minimalist look that feels warm and inviting. It’s a perfect blend of modern design and classic charm. - Tongue and Groove
These interlocking boards create a polished, seamless look by creating a smooth, continuous surface that is as durable as attractive. - Shingle and Shake
These two styles bring texture and rustic appeal, with shakes being rougher and natural and shingles offering a smoother, more refined finish.
Shingle and Shake Siding
Though they look similar, shakes and shingles offer distinct vibes for the exterior of your home. Shakes are split from wood blocks, giving them a rough, rugged look, while shingles are sawn for a smooth, even appearance.
- Split Shake
The rough, natural texture of split shakes is perfect for a rustic log cabin look. - Staggered Shake/Shingle
Varying lengths of shakes or shingles create a dynamic, textured effect that works well for coastal cottages or homes with a laid-back vibe. - Straight Edge Shingle
If after a cleaner, more uniform look, straight-edge shingles give your home a crisp, polished feel. - Scalloped Shingle
Think of this as your home’s statement piece. With rounded, fish-scale edges, scalloped shingles are all about character and unique touch—ideal for Victorian or whimsical designs.
Which Siding Style Is Right for You?
Choosing the perfect siding for your home can feel overwhelming, but it’s all about personal style and the vibe you want to create. Here’s how you can start narrowing down your options:
- Explore broad categories: Do you want horizontal, vertical, or shake/shingle siding?
- Consider materials: What’s your preference for durability and maintenance? Wood, fiber cement, vinyl, or something else?
- Get inspired: Check out Pinterest, local homes, and design websites for ideas. Seeing what others love can spark your imagination.
- Assess cost and maintenance: Some materials might look great but require more upkeep, so balance aesthetics with practicality.
At MLM Home Improvement, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life with the highest quality siding and expert installation. Let us help you choose the best siding for your home’s unique personality and make that first impression one to remember!
Siding Materials that Will Make Your Home Shine
When choosing siding, consider the look you want, the longevity you need, and how much upkeep you’re ready for. Whether aiming for modern, rustic, or classic, the right siding can completely transform your home’s curb appeal!
Vinyl Siding
It’s affordable, available in many colors, and easy to maintain. However, it’s not the most durable so it might need repairs more often.
Insulated Vinyl Siding
This upgrade from regular vinyl has built-in insulation, which helps keep your home cozy while adding durability. You still have all the color options, too.
LP SmartSide (Engineered Wood)
If you want durability that lasts, LP SmartSide delivers. With a 50-year warranty and paintable options, this engineered wood siding is a bit pricier but worth it in the long run.
Hardie Board (Fiber Cement Siding)
Known for its exceptional durability, Hardie Board is a cement-based siding that resists the elements and comes with a 30-year warranty. Expensive side but offers top-notch quality.
Everlast Composite Siding
Made from crushed rock and polymers, Everlast Composite siding is among the toughest. With a lifetime warranty, it’s a reliable, though pricier, option.
Natural Wood Siding
The beauty and warmth of real wood can’t be matched. Though it’s more expensive and requires regular maintenance, it gives your home an organic, eco-friendly look.
Wood Composite Siding
Wood composite is a more affordable alternative to real wood. It mimics the look of natural wood but requires less upkeep. To avoid mold issues, keep moisture at bay.
Metal Siding (Aluminum/Steel)
Metal is low-maintenance, fire-resistant, and eco-friendly, making it a solid choice for long-term durability. However, lighter metals like aluminum can dent easily, and steel might rust in damp climates.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement is durable and versatile. You can paint it any color. Although pricier than vinyl, it can give your home a more polished, high-end appearance.
Brick Siding
Brick is hard to beat for a timeless, low-maintenance exterior. It offers excellent insulation and durability but is more expensive. However, keep an eye on the mortar, which may need repair over time.
Stone Veneer Siding
Want the look of stone without the heavy lifting? Stone veneer is lightweight, affordable, and easy to install, providing the same visual appeal as real stone.
When choosing exterior siding for your home, fiber cement siding pros offer outstanding durability and versatility. They also offer a range of styles, such as traditional lap siding, which provides a classic look. While fiber cement is a top choice for many homeowners, other siding materials, like aluminum and steel, are popular for their strength and low maintenance. Working with a professional siding contractor can help you choose the best material based on your budget and style preferences, ensuring your house siding enhances curb appeal and stands up to the elements.
How to Choose the Perfect Siding for Your Home
Choosing the right siding depends on your style and budget. Decide whether you prefer horizontal, vertical, or shake/shingle siding, then pick a material that fits your look and budget.
Pinterest is perfect for inspiration; a drive through your neighborhood can help you discover styles you like. Once you have an idea, narrow your options by considering the look, cost, and maintenance.
Are you curious about the cost of installing or replacing your house siding? Here's what you need to know:
The cost of siding your home can vary widely depending on the material you choose, your home’s size, and the complexity of the installation. Whether you’re looking to replace old siding or upgrade to a different style, it’s essential to understand the options available. Below is a breakdown of the average costs for various siding materials, their expected lifespans, and installation costs for a typical 2,500-square-foot house.
| Material | Cost per Sq Ft Installed | Total Cost (2,500 Sq Ft House) | Lifespan (Years) |
| Vinyl | $4 – $12 | $10,000 – $30,000 | 30 – 40 |
| Aluminum | $6 – $10 | $15,000 – $25,000 | 25 – 40 |
| Board & Batten | $5 – $13 | $12,500 – $32,500 | 20 – 100 |
| Brick | $8 – $18 | $20,000 – $45,000 | 20 – 75 (faux) |
| Cedar | $6 – $16 | $15,000 – $40,000 | 20 – 40 |
| Engineered Wood | $7 – $12 | $12,500 – $37,500 | 30 – 50 |
| Fiber Cement | $6 – $15 | $15,000 – $37,500 | 50 – 75 |
| Log/Wood | $5 – $15 | $12,500 – $37,500 | 20 – 40 |
| Masonite | $4 – $8 | $10,000 – $20,000 | 20 – 40 |
| Steel | $7 – $16 | $17,500 – $40,000 | 40 – 70 |
| Stone | $10 – $45 | $10,000 – $25,000 | 30 – 75 |
| Stucco | $7 – $17 | $17,500 – $42,500 | 50 – 80 |
Source: HomeGuide.com
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most durable type of siding?
The most durable types of siding include Everlast Composite and Hardie Board (fiber cement), which offer long-lasting protection and exceptional resistance to weather, rot, and pests. - What siding material is the most affordable?
Vinyl siding is the most cost-effective option for most homeowners. It offers a budget-friendly upfront cost but may need replacement sooner than more durable options. - What types of siding have the best color options?
Vinyl siding comes in the widest range of colors, making it ideal for homeowners who want a custom look. While materials like LP SmartSide and Fiber Cement also offer color options, they’re more limited in variety. - What siding is the best for energy efficiency?
Insulated Vinyl Siding and Fiber Cement Siding provide excellent insulation and energy efficiency. Additionally, brick and stone veneers provide natural insulation that helps regulate the temperature inside your home.
Conclusion
Choosing the right siding for your home affects its appearance, long-term durability, and maintenance needs. Consider climate, budget, aesthetics, and maintenance factors to select the perfect material for your project.
Whether you prefer the natural look of wood, the durability of fiber cement, or the timeless appeal of brick, there’s a siding material to match every need.
If you’re still unsure which type of siding is best for your home, contact us today for expert guidance and recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
