Whether building or remodeling, deciding on the best house siding is one of the most important decisions you have to make.
Understanding what to expect is the difference between saving money, feeling comfortable, and having a protected home — or not enjoying any of the above.
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Cost Of Best Quality House Siding
The national average cost of siding a home is about $10,000 for a regular household. That may not sound like much. But the prices can vary wildly up or down depending on many factors.
House Siding Cost Breakdown
Siding contractors base their quotes on three variables.
- Materials cost
- Installation time and skill required
- Preparation work
Siding quotes may change based on other considerations.
For example, quirky or complex architectural designs may require a lot of customization. For some siding options, going outside the standard shapes and arrangements can get costly.
Other factors influencing the cost are the seasonal availability or demand for specific services. You may pay more to install wooden siding in an area where most people use either fiber cement or metal siding.
Either way, the final cost is never only about the materials price and a set hourly labor rate.
5 Best House Siding Types
If you want the best siding, five materials offer good value, each with its own characteristics and use.
| Siding Material | Cost per Square Foot | Cost per 2,000 Square Feet |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $2.92-$7.55 | $5,832-$15,105 |
| Steel | $4.75-$7.12 | $9,500-$14,250 |
| Aluminum | $4.75-$9.07 | $9,500-$18,150 |
| Wood | $3.32-$10.92 | $6,650-$21,850 |
| Fiber Cement | $2.85-$9.50 | $5,700-$19,000 |
| Brick | $4.22-$11.87 | $8,455-$23,750 |
Vinyl Siding
The popularity of vinyl siding is not a secret. Vinyl is a low-cost option that maximizes the use of PVC for weatherproofing in areas with a lot of rain.
Although an entry-level solution prevalent on apartment buildings and smaller dwellings, vinyl siding can have gorgeous aesthetics and a lot of curb appeal due to its color variety.
Few people know that vinyl siding has a high temperature threshold, requiring over 750 degrees and plenty of oxygen to burn.
While not wholly fireproof, it can be used in areas prone to fire hazards.
A vinyl siding installation can cost anywhere between $2.92 and $7.55 per square foot. That puts the installation cost between $5,843 and $15,105 for an average 2,000-square-foot home.
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Pros:
- Very affordable
- High heat and fire resistance
- Available in multiple styles and colors
Cons:
- Prone to fading and discoloration
- Sensitive to UV rays
- Can foster mold and fungus growth without proper sealing
Metal Siding
Metal siding may be less popular than vinyl and other materials due to its association with roofing projects. However, metal siding is a versatile option that can work in many environments.
The installation is typically easy, which can help lower the overall cost. It’s less maintenance-intensive than other siding materials.
Some homeowners may prefer metal siding in areas prone to extreme temperatures and violent weather conditions.
Whether using aluminum or steel, metal siding has less risk of warping and cracking, and doesn’t succumb to pest infestations and rot.
Metal siding can be made from steel, completely recyclable, or aluminum, which isn’t as durable but easier to install.
Steel siding can go from $9,500 to $14,250 for a 2,000-square-foot home. In contrast, aluminum siding usually costs between $9,500 and $18,150.
Pros:
- Low-maintenance material
- Easier and potentially cheaper installation
- Superior weather and impact tolerance
- Fireproof and impervious to rot, mold, and pest infestations
Cons:
- Not as energy efficient as other materials
- Noisier than other types of siding, especially during storms and windy conditions
Did you know? Commercial metal siding was introduced in the 1940s but was unpopular at first because it had the same bland aesthetics as metal roofing.
Wood Siding
Wood siding is easily one of the oldest types of exterior home siding. Its availability, versatility, and striking aesthetics make it a no-brainer for many homeowners.
Unlike some siding materials, wood comes in different styles, and you can get shingles or boards to create a unique look.
Although chopping trees is necessary to manufacture wood siding, the process is considered cleaner and greener because it doesn’t involve burning toxic materials. In comparison, vinyl is far from a green siding solution.
But wood siding isn’t remarkably durable or maintenance-free. Instead, it distinguishes itself through aesthetics and customization.
Installing wood on your home’s exterior can be costly, depending on the wood color, type, and arrangement. Application can go from $6,650 to $21,850 for a 2,000 square foot home. That puts it at an average of $3.32 to $10.92 per square foot.
Pros:
- Classic, natural look, difficult to reproduce
- Environmentally friendly manufacturing process
- Highly customizable in style and color
- Can last up to 40 years
Cons:
- Highly flammable material only suitable in certain areas
- Requires maintenance and refurbishment
- Not as durable as some homeowners believe
Fiber Cement Siding
Anyone looking for a strong siding material with plenty of customization options can look for fiber cement siding.
Fiber cement siding may last well over 40 years when installed by a professional.
Its durability makes it a reliable option in harsh climates with strong winds, hail, and dramatic temperature swings. Fiber cement siding also works in areas prone to wildfires, thanks to its fire resistance.
Homeowners who don’t want to or can’t perform regular maintenance can get great value out of fiber cement siding. Despite not being as energy-efficient as other options, it makes up for it elsewhere.
Significant downsides include a higher moisture absorption rate, similar to asphalt roof shingles, and expensive labor costs.
Fiber cement is not a cheap option for engineered siding.
Installing fiber cement on a 2,000-square-foot home can cost anywhere between $5,700 and $19,000. It’s still cheaper than some other siding options.
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Pros:
- Durable and made for brutal weather
- Low-maintenance material
- Lasts over 30 years
- Excellent fire resistance
Cons:
- Not a good insulator
- Expensive installation costs
- Can absorb moisture quickly
Brick Siding
Brick siding is a staple in the construction industry for both residential and commercial buildings. It has a long lifespan and should hold up for around 100 years, even without reconditioning.
Although some materials offer more style variety, brick siding is still a favorite among homeowners.
Its aesthetics and utility can increase a home’s curb appeal and market value. Its longevity helps homes with brick siding appreciate more over the years than other siding materials, like fiber cement and wood.
Naturally, brick has good weather resistance and won’t burn easily.
While it can be pricey to install and needs additional waterproofing, the installation process is relatively simple.
Did you know? Many homes with brick siding use waterproof façade creams to prevent leaks deep into the walls. The creams create an invisible coating between the wall and the elements.
If you’re interested in using brick siding, prepare to pay a premium for this eco-friendly option.
Installing one square foot of brick siding costs $4.22 to $11.87. Covering a 2,000-square-foot home in brick siding can cost $8,455 to $23,750.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly and durable
- Low-maintenance siding
- Excellent weather and fire resistance
- Can last over 100 years
- Appreciates better than other siding materials
Cons:
- Limited style and color availability
- Costly installation
- Needs additional waterproofing
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Alternative Materials
As a homeowner, you should know that there are other options on the market. Although these are the five staples regarding siding materials, some seek alternative solutions for various reasons.
Composite
A home with composite siding has excellent protection.
Popular composite solutions like Hardie boards are among the most durable siding options. But they can be expensive and are limited in terms of aesthetics, making it challenging to design a unique home.
Stucco
Stucco siding is an exciting alternative. Thanks to its cement, sand, and lime mixture, it has a gorgeous textured finish.
More expensive stucco sidings add epoxy to the formula to minimize chipping and cracking. That also makes it easier to maintain but a lot harder to install.
Not every siding contractor can handle stucco installations.
Manufactured Wood
Someone in the market for real wood siding but with limited funds may appreciate manufactured wood. It mimics natural wood rather well but doesn’t share its durability.
Manufactured wood is more susceptible to mildew and mold, requiring expert installation, sealing, and weatherproofing.
Stone Veneer
Using a stone veneer siding is another interesting option. It’s more affordable than brick, surprisingly lightweight, and durable enough in many environments.
The biggest downside is that it doesn’t have recyclable components. That means it’s not a go-to choice for environmentally conscious homeowners or residential areas with strict building codes.
Concrete
Sometimes you can’t go wrong with good, old-fashioned concrete siding.
It’s hard to install and requires experience, but it’s as low-cost as they come.
Concrete depends on regular maintenance, proper sealing, repainting, and a skilled installer.
Aesthetically speaking, concrete can look good because you can shape it. Unfortunately, that’s where the overall remodel value lives and dies with the contractor’s abilities.
What To Know Before You Buy
Many homeowners are tempted to add new siding over the old one. But that’s one of the biggest mistakes you can make.
So, before you buy, you should know some other things.
Consider Siding Removal Costs
A siding contractor can inspect your home and provide a quote that includes the cost of old siding removal and any repairs the walls may need.
If you want to save a few bucks, you could remove the siding yourself (unless it’s asbestos; trained and certified professionals are the only ones who should handle that material).
Research The Materials Carefully
Similar to roofing building codes, siding materials must adhere to specific criteria.
Sure, you want something that looks good and can handle the weather. Perhaps you don’t want metal siding if it rains half the year, or fiber cement when you get a couple of feet of snow every winter.
There’s another crucial consideration – fire resistance.
Not all states force you to use fireproof materials, but they may require you to stick to certain selections.
Even if wildfires and drought aren’t too common in your area, it’s best to play it safe and avoid something like wood or manufactured wood in the south and west.
Did you know? A study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety found that adding extra wildfire safety measures when building a home could add between 2% and 13% to the overall construction cost.
Opting for Longevity Pays Off
Despite the higher initial investment, using more durable materials can pay off when putting the house on the market.
Besides, longevity and durability often mean lower maintenance requirements.
What you save from buying cheaper siding, you may end up paying in repairs over the years.
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How To Choose The Best Siding For Your House
There are a few criteria to follow when looking for the best siding for your house. Stick to these factors, and you will make a good choice.
- Material type
- Durability
- Environment compatibility
- Budget
- Installation costs and added expenses
- Insulation and energy efficiency
- Aesthetics (for resale value)
What Is The Most Durable Siding For A House?
Each type of siding, except wood, is very durable in various applications.
Some say that vinyl siding is the most durable due to its high temperature resistance. Others swear by fiber cement, metal, or brick siding.
The most durable for your home is always the material that best handles the elements in your area.
What Type Of Siding Lasts The Longest?
Vinyl siding and brick typically battle each other for supremacy regarding longevity.
Vinyl siding manufacturers advertise lifespans of over 60 years, and some installers offer up to 40-year warranties. But brick could last for more than a century.
It depends on what abuse each material endures over the years.
What Is The Most Popular Siding For Houses?
Vinyl is perhaps the most popular residential siding in the U.S. due to its balanced price-to-performance ratio and style availability.
What Is The Best Siding To Put On A New House?
Fiber cement is a solid option when building a new home, but vinyl also makes a strong argument because it takes a while to succumb to fading and lose part of its value.
Always Shop Smart When Doing Your Dream Renovation Project
Unless you need siding urgently, you should take your time picking the right material and contractor for the job.
The right siding for your location and needs can set you up for at least 30 to 40 years.
Making the wrong choice could result in expensive repairs, maintenance, and adjustments over the years.
