Rustic siding has recently reached new heights in popularity as retro looks and tiny homes take the spotlight.

No need to limit yourself to just board-and-batten. You can make your rustic siding as ornate or minimalist as it suits your taste with a growing selection of offerings.

Rustic siding comes in a wide range of materials like fiber cement, aged steel, and reclaimed wood.

What Is Rustic Exterior Siding?

The exterior house siding finish that brings out a traditional, countryside, or old-world charm gets the umbrella term “rustic siding.”

Its signature features are natural-looking materials, rough textures, and a handcrafted appearance (whether made by hand or in a factory).

Rustic exterior siding can be made of wood, fiber cement, and even certain types of metal, so the material itself doesn’t define it.

While the construction material and manufacturing process don’t define rustic siding, it has to blend seamlessly with a natural environment and create a warm and inviting look.

A degree of subjective feeling makes a style stand out, but when you see it, you can usually recognize it right away.

Why Is It Called Rustic Siding?

There is a slight degree of subjectivity when you label something “rustic,” but generally, it’s easy to spot the difference.

The term “rustic siding” comes from the fact that this siding is meant to mimic the look of old, weathered wood.

It’s the wood look you might find on an old cabin or barn or the siding of a historical homemade of natural materials.

The rustic style is simple, charming, and reminiscent of the countryside.

Pro Tip: If you’re installing rustic siding on an older home and aren’t sure if you should replace the existing siding entirely, check the siding and walls’ current condition. If there’s any damage or rot, you’ll need to repair that before you can install new siding.

This can increase the project’s overall cost, so it’s something to keep in mind while budgeting. On the other hand, if your existing siding is in mostly good condition, you might want to remodel it or keep parts of it untouched.

How Much Does Rustic Siding Cost?

Since rustic siding can be made with a variety of materials, it will significantly impact its price.

The home’s size and subsequent job complexity are the other major factors in determining the total cost of the siding and installation.

However, when considering national averages, you can expect to pay between $5 and $30 per square foot for both.

This means that for a home with approximately 2,000 square feet of exterior wall, the total cost could range from $10,000 to $60,000.

Rustic Siding Material Options

Rustic siding is versatile, so you can find several materials on offer which would fit the bill to be called rustic.

Here are a few popular options worth a look:

Rustic Siding Material	Cost per Square Foot	Cost for 2,000 Square Feet
Fiber Cement	$6-$13	$12,000-$26,000
Board-and-Batten	$2.5-$7	$5,000-$14,000
Aged Steel	$2.5-$3	$5,000-$6,000
Reclaimed Wood	$8-$20	$16,000-$40,000

Fiber Cement

Fiber cement siding is a strong contender if you want the rustic siding’s warmth and comfort without the possible extra challenge of dealing with wood shingles.

The materials comprising it include Portland cement, cellulose fiber, and sand.

These materials can mold into nearly any visual style.

Fiber cement siding, such as Nichicha, can easily be modern, too, but its versatility allows for creating a sturdy old-timey look.

Fiber cement siding costs between $6 and $13 per square foot.

Board-and-Batten

If you’d rather keep it totally traditional with rustic siding, you can go for board-and-batten to achieve the increasingly trendy looks of a farmhouse or rustic cottage.

The board-and-batten siding type is easy to spot thanks to its wide planks and textured battens.

The materials are old-school and create a visually striking exterior.

This siding usually costs between $2.50 and $7 per square foot.

Aged Steel

Aged steel siding is rustic, different than your typical wood and cabin-like siding, and it will stand out.

It has a weathered look that can make a house appear as though it’s from another era.

Aged steel is also very durable and needs little maintenance.

Rustic aged steel siding costs between $2.5 and $3 per square foot.

Reclaimed Wood

Rustic siding can be exceptionally sustainable and eco-friendly.

Reclaimed wood is the best example of such siding.

Salvaged wood from old barns, factories, and other buildings or furniture goes into making this siding type.

Consequently, each piece of reclaimed wood siding will have a unique look and history and give your home more character.

It’s not the cheapest siding type, but it’s a great choice with a price range of $8 to $20 per square foot.

Did you know? The concept of rustic siding comes from early settlers who used materials they could come by, like logs and rough-cut planks, to build their houses. This style has persisted and been modernized over the years but still retains the original charm and character.

Rustic Siding Styles

Aside from varying in materials that comprise it, rustic siding also comes in several recognizable architectural styles.

Let’s take a look at some of them.

Rustic Siding Style	Cost per Square Foot	Cost for 2,000 Square Feet
Dutch Lap Siding	$2-$7	$4,000-$14,000
Shakes and Shingles Siding	$6-$9	$12,000-$18,000
Vertical Siding	$5-$8	$10,000-$16,000
Channel Lap Siding	$2-$6	$4,000-$12,000
Log Siding	$3-$8	$6,000-$16,000
Tongue and Groove Siding	$2-$16	$4,000-$32,000
Decorative Siding	$7-$15	$14,000-$30,000
Cedar-Look Shingles	$6-$15	$12,000-$30,000
Rustic Modern Siding	$7-$15	$14,000-$30,000
Repainting Steel Siding	$1-$3	$2,000-$6,000

Dutch Lap Siding

Dutch Lap Siding, or German Lap Siding, is a unique, dimensional rustic siding.

Each board overlaps the one below and creates a shadow line effect.

This look is aesthetically pleasing and functional for water runoff.

Paint or stain that matches your decor can make it even more distinct.

Dutch Lap Siding averages between $2 and $7 per square foot, including materials and installation.

Shakes and Shingles Siding

If you don’t mind a bit of extra upkeep for shakes and shingles siding, this rustic siding is a true classic.

The shingles come in almost any shape and measurement you want.

Many people might prefer irregular or straight-edged shingles, but you can mix as much as you please.

Expect to pay between $6 and $9 per square foot for shakes and shingles siding.

Vertical Siding

For a classic lodge feel, you might want to consider vertical siding with a wood finish.

This will make your home blend in with nature more, adding interest and curb appeal.

It’s ideal for barn style, beach, or country houses but fits almost anything.

Vertical siding will cost you between $5 and $8 per square foot.

Channel Lap Siding

Embrace rustic siding fully by getting channel lap siding.

It’s an irregular textured rugged siding with a 1/2-inch overlap and 1 – 1 1/4-inch panels.

These dimensions give it a converging effect.

Expect to pay between $2 and $6 per square foot for this siding.

Log Siding

If you’ve always dreamed of living in a log cabin, logs are fantastic for rustic siding that will give you just that.

The wood logs are attractive to the eye while being exceptionally durable.

Log siding costs between $3 and $8 per square foot, which is rather reasonable, especially for natural wood.

Tongue and Groove Siding

The next amazing rustic type siding pick is tongue and groove.

It takes fitting board edges together so they look uniform.

If you’d also like to mix contemporary or traditional vibes with rustic odds and ends, you’d be glad to know that tongue and groove siding is a terrific option.

Tongue and groove rustic siding comprises knotty or clear-grade wooden boards.

A tongue and groove siding project will cost about $2 to $16 per square foot.

Decorative Siding

You can spice up your rustic siding if you pick decorative siding with wood shingles.

Decorative siding is a staple for Tudor and Victorian-style houses, but it fits in well with modern or even mid-century houses.

Decorative shingles can be round, half-round, hexagonal, or in custom shapes and sizes.

They fit great with dormers, near windows, or on the upper part of your home.

Decorative siding will set you back between $7 and $15 per square foot.

Cedar-Look Shingles

Cedar-look shingles are also fantastic for rustic siding.

These fiber cement shingles give you the same look as a regular cedar shingle, only with more resilience and less upkeep.

Cedar-look shingles will generally run you between $6 and $15 per square foot.

Rustic Modern Siding

If you’d rather not pick between a modern look and a rustic exterior, rustic modern is the best of both worlds.

To stay rustic-chic, you can combine architectural panels and shiplap plants. This way, your house will boast some of both styles, and they will still blend seamlessly.

The price of this special combination depends on the materials you pick but usually ranges from $7 to $15 per square foot.

Repainting Steel Siding

Repainting steel siding is a cost-effective way to accomplish a rustic look for your house exterior without the trouble of buying a whole new set of boards.

It’s quite versatile, as you can choose a paint color that complements the home’s style and the surrounding landscape.

Repainting steel siding costs between $1 and $3 per square foot, not including the cost of the paint.

Pro Tip: Some siding materials, such as wood, need sealing or straining more often than others to protect them from the weather. Others, like fiber cement, can last longer with less upkeep. So factor in these maintenance costs and how willing you are to invest in maintaining possibly nicer-looking materials when choosing the siding.

Additional Rustic Siding Cost Factors

Beyond materials and style, a few additional factors can affect the cost of rustic siding.

Some of these are:

• Your home’s size – Larger homes will need more siding. Therefore, the cost will increase.
• Installation complexity – The installation cost will be higher if your house has many windows, doors, or other features that demand more precise cuts.
• The condition of the existing siding – If your existing siding is damaged or needs to be removed completely, this can also add to the cost. Meanwhile, the more existing siding you can salvage, the lower the potential total price.
• Your home’s location – The cost of materials and labor can vary significantly depending on where you live and local rates.

Where Can I Buy Rustic Siding?

You can buy rustic siding from many retailers, be they online or in brick-and-mortar stores.

Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s sell various siding styles and materials.

Specialty lumber yards may also sell rustic or rustic-friendly siding.

And some manufacturers sell directly to customers.

Online stores, like Amazon or eBay, could be good places to check out if you want to do some online-only shopping.

Did you know? Rustic siding may seem like a house-only feature, but it isn’t just for homes. It can also be used on other structures like barns, sheds, and even commercial buildings to give off a specific feeling. This versatile siding can make any building feel warm and inviting.

Rustic Siding Ideas

There are countless ways to make rustic siding work with a variety of home designs.

Here are a few ideas to check out and mix and match:

Mix and Match

Use different rustic siding on various parts of the home to make it look more playful.

This way, you get to work with many textures and colors until you create something new and never seen before that reflects you.

For example, you could use log siding on the main part of the house and then use board-and-batten on the gables or dormers.

This adds variety and breaks up the monotony of a single-siding style.

Eclectic Design

If you’re into eclecticism, combine rustic siding and modern elements.

Rustic siding is best for traditional or country-style homes, but it can also fit beautifully with modern houses that aren’t bound to one look.

You could use rustic wood siding on a modern house that’s otherwise minimalist.

The contrast between the contemporary architecture’s sleekness and clean lines and the rough, natural texture of rustic siding could be quite visually striking.

Feature Wall

You don’t have to stop at the exteriors. You can use rustic siding indoors, too.

Use rustic siding on a feature wall inside for a warm, cozy feel.

This could be in your living room, dining room, or even bedroom.

You can also add rustic or cabin-like decorations like vintage signs, antler decorations, or a faux fur rug.

Bold Colors

Paint your rustic siding a bold color to make your home more outstanding.

While rustic siding often has a natural wood tone, no rule says you can’t paint it.

In fact, painting your rustic siding a bold color can make your home feel more old-fashioned.

Consider a deep forest green for a cabin in the woods, a bright red for a country barn look, or a vibrant blue for a coastal beach house vibe.

Choose a color that complements your home’s surroundings and your personality.

Eco-Friendly Siding

If you’re environmentally conscious, use reclaimed wood siding to make your house more eco-friendly and sustainable.

As discussed previously, this siding is made from salvaged wood, giving it a signature rustic appearance and making it a green option.

The wood tells a story as it can come from old barns, factories, or other structures.

And using reclaimed wood reduces the demand for new wood, which helps to conserve our forests.

Did you know? Unsurprisingly, rustic siding can increase a house’s value. Homes with rustic siding tend to sell better than those with more “typical” siding since the siding makes them more attractive and outstanding.

Where To Use Rustic Siding

Many structures and buildings will benefit from the greater aesthetic appeal and durability of this siding.

Consider some of these ideas:

Rustic Siding for Cabins

Cabins and rustic siding are a natural match – the siding makes the cabin look how you imagine it should.

It complements the cabin’s natural surroundings and makes it feel cozier and more inviting.

Using logs, reclaimed wood, or board-and-batten is particularly fitting for a genuine cabin-in-the-woods vibe.

Rustic Siding for Modern Houses

Cabins and farmhouses naturally work exceptionally well with rustic siding, but it’s not necessary to limit it to these.

It’s great for country homes but can also work well on more modern designs that benefit from a touch of nature.

Mix and match different siding styles to create something out of the ordinary.

Rustic Exterior Siding for Mobile Homes

Mobile homes and trailers can often evoke a retro, old-timey feeling. So rustic siding can be an excellent way to upgrade or refurbish their appearance.

You could even install it over the existing siding to get a fresh, new look with less effort and trouble.

Rustic Siding for Garages

You could also make your garage more striking to the eye with rustic style siding.

It can match the look of the house, or you can opt for something a bit different for a standalone design that sets the garage apart.

However, it may be best to use durable materials like fiber cement or steel for garage siding. These materials have a better chance of withstanding the wear and tear of vehicles and tools than others.

House Siding Like In The Good Old Days

Rustic siding is convenient and has a special appearance, so it can look amazing on almost any home.

With so many materials and styles at your disposal, you can create a look that is uniquely yours.

You can go for a traditional log cabin-like siding or get a more modern appeal of fiber cement; you will still bring out the feeling of simplicity and charm that represents rustic aesthetics.