Many homeowners looking into installing siding made of vinyl, wonder which type of vinyl siding is best for their home.

In general, all types of vinyl siding are cost-effective, relatively easy to install, and even easier to maintain.

It’s essential to understand the various types of vinyl siding, their costs, and the pros and cons associated with each.

Let’s delve into the world of vinyl siding to see which type would be best suited for your needs.

Types Of Vinyl Siding

Here are the basic vinyl siding types, along with their main characteristics and associated costs:

1. Traditional Lap Vinyl Siding

Classic lap vinyl siding is the most budget-friendly option, which also offers the widest range of colors, styles and plank sizes.

Costs:

On average, lap vinyl siding costs between $2 – $5 per square foot installed, making it an excellent choice for cost-conscious homeowners.

Pros:

-Affordable: As mentioned, traditional vinyl siding is the most economical option.

-Low Maintenance: It requires minimal upkeep, saving you time and effort.
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Versatile: Available in a wide range of colors and styles to suit different architectural preferences.

Cons:

-Durability: While durable, it may not withstand extreme weather conditions as well as other types.

-Appearance: Some homeowners find traditional vinyl siding lacks the depth and texture of more premium options.

Vertical Vinyl Siding 

If you want to highlight a certain part of your home, vertical siding is an excellent choice.

This type of vinyl siding can be sued on specific sections to break up the façade and create a unique visual effect. Of course, you can use it for the entire exterior to achieve a contemporary look. 

Costs:

Typically vertical vinyl siding costs slightly more than horizontal lap siding, because the process of installation is more complex. On average, you cane expect to spend $2.5-6 per square foot installed.

Pros:

Excellent accents: when installed as an accent element, vertical vinyl siding is typically installed around windows or doors or in porch walls, gables, or entryways.

Rustic aesthetic: many types of vertical siding feature a rustic appearance, so they can be a great option for those who want to achieve this look with easy installation and maintenance. 

Water resistance: vertical siding tends to be more water-resistant than its horizontal counterpart. The vertical arrangement helps prevent water from infiltrating the siding, potentially improving the overall durability of your home’s exterior.

Low Maintenance: like other types of vinyl siding, vertical siding is known for its low maintenance. It doesn’t require painting, staining, or sealing, making it a convenient option for homeowners looking to minimize exterior upkeep.

Cons:

Limited Style Options: compared to horizontal siding, vertical siding may offer fewer style and color options. Homeowners who desire a wide range of customization choices might find their options somewhat restricted.

Installation Challenges: Installing vertical siding can be more complex than horizontal siding, requiring additional effort and expertise. This complexity may lead to higher installation costs, especially if specialized skills are necessary.

3. Vinyl Shake Siding 

Shake vinyl siding is designed to resemble individual pieces of wood overlapping each other to cover the entire building.

Nowadays, it’s almost impossible to distinguish shake vinyl siding from natural wood siding.

Costs:

Shake and shingle vinyl siding falls in the mid-range, ranging from $3.5 to $8 per square foot installed.

Pros:

Natural wood Look: vinyl shake siding mimics the appearance of wood siding without the maintenance challenges.

Durable: resistant to rot, insects, and the effects of weather.

Customization: provides a range of textures and styles for a personalized touch.

Cons:

Cost: vinyl shake siding is more expensive than traditional vinyl siding.

Repairs: if damaged, matching the replacement pieces can be challenging.

4. Vinyl Board and Batten Siding 

Another popular type of vinyl siding is board and batten, a subtype of vertical siding. With board and batten siding, the boards come in various widths, creating a unique visual appeal.

A thin vertical strip called batten separates two boards, hence the name. 

Just like vertical siding, board and batten can be used all over the exterior of the home or only in certain parts to highlight different elements.

Costs: Board and batten vinyl siding is another mid-range option in terms of cost. On average, it costs $5-12 per square foot to install board and batten siding.

Pros:

Unique aesthetic: many homeowners like board and batten siding because it adds dimension to the property and looks great on a wide range of home styles, from traditional to contemporary.

Versatile designs: Board and batten siding offer versatility in design, allowing homeowners to choose between various board widths and batten spacings. This customization enables you to tailor the siding to match your specific preferences.

Enhanced insulation: the vertical design of board and batten siding allows for the incorporation of insulation materials between the boards. This added insulation can contribute to better energy efficiency and improved home comfort.

Cons:

Cost: Board and batten vinyl siding tends to be more expensive than traditional horizontal or vertical vinyl siding. The additional material and the complexity of the installation process contribute to the higher upfront costs.

Limited color choices: While board and batten siding comes in various colors, the range may be more limited compared to some other types of vinyl siding. Homeowners seeking an extensive palette of color options may find their choices constrained.

Installation complexity: installing board and batten siding can be more intricate than other siding types. Proper installation requires attention to detail, and it may be best suited for professional rather than DIY installation to ensure a seamless and durable finish.

Maintenance challenges: the vertical orientation of the boards can make cleaning and maintenance slightly more challenging than with horizontal siding. Dirt and debris may accumulate in the recesses between the boards and battens.

5. Scalloped Vinyl Siding 

Scalloped vinyl siding features curved edges, which is why it’s often called half-round siding. You can often see scalloped siding on Victorian houses. 

Costs:

The average cost of scalloped vinyl siding is $5.5 – 9 per square foot installed. While it may seem expensive at first glance, remember that you will only need to use it as an accent rather than cover the entire home, so the overall cost is actually not that high.

Pros:

Beautiful aesthetic: due to the round edges, this siding option can be ideal for breaking up the pattern on a home and creating a mix of textures.

6. Dutch Lap Siding 

Dutch lap is a type of horizontal siding, meaning the panels go from left to right. This style features panels with a slightly concave face and a notch at each course’s bottom.

You can purchase textured dutch lap siding resembling wood or opt for smooth panels. 

Costs:

Dutch lap siding is slightly more expensive than traditional lap siding, but the improved appearance is well worth this extra cost. On average, dutch lap siding costs $2.75-5.5 per square foot installed.

Pros:

Enhanced appearance: Due to this notch, a shadow appears over the course, giving the siding a unique depth and an eye-catching appearance. 

Clean aesthetic: this type of siding also gives the home a uniform, clean look many homeowners enjoy.

Cons:

Limited color options: while Dutch lap siding comes in various colors, the range may be more limited compared to some other types of vinyl siding. Homeowners seeking a broad palette of color choices may find their options somewhat restricted.

Maintenance challenges: the beveled edges of Dutch lap siding may accumulate dirt and debris more easily than flat siding surfaces. Periodic cleaning and maintenance are necessary to keep the siding in good condition and maintain its appearance.

7. Insulated Vinyl Siding

Insulated vinyl siding is best installed in areas with severe weather as well as seasonal fluctuations from to cold to hoy. This type of vinyl siding offers much better protection as well as energy savings for your home.

Costs:

Insulated vinyl siding is a step up in terms of cost, ranging from $4 to $11 per square foot. The added insulation can result in long-term energy savings, justifying the higher upfront cost.

Pros:

Energy Efficiency: The added insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing energy bills.

Durability: Generally more durable than traditional vinyl siding, with improved resistance to impact and weather.

Appearance: Offers a more substantial and aesthetically pleasing look compared to basic vinyl siding.

Cons:

Cost: While it provides energy savings, the initial cost may be a barrier for some homeowners.

Installation Complexity: Installation may require specialized skills, potentially increasing labor costs.

Which Type of Vinyl Siding Is The Best For Me?

Choosing the right vinyl siding type for your home involves considering your budget, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals.

Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs.

Whether you opt for the affordability of traditional horizontal vinyl siding or invest in the enhanced features of premium options, you can be sure that vinyl siding will provide your home with a durable and attractive exterior for years to come.