Although not a new exterior option, vertical siding has become very popular in the last few years.

Siding with vertical lines can be used to accent different areas of a building or cover its entirety.

If you want to install vertical siding, you need to learn more about different vertical siding options and their pros and cons.

Average Cost Of Vertical Siding

It’s hard to discuss the average cost of vertical siding because it depends on numerous factors like material, installation costs, the size of your home, and accessibility.

The average costs for installing vertical siding range between $6,000 and $17,800.

Most homeowners pay around $11,000 to install new vertical siding.

These costs include materials and labor.

Keep in mind that if your house is simple in design, labor costs will be lower.

On the other hand, if your house has turrets and eaves, multiple stories, or other complexities, you’ll need to pay more for the installation.

When it comes to costs, the major difference between vertical and horizontal siding is labor.

Although it may not seem like it, installing vertical siding is more complex than installing horizontal. This is because the installation process involves installing furring strips underneath the siding.

Furring strips have two important roles. First, they provide reliable backing and ensure proper alignment. Second, they form a gap between the water-resistant barrier of the home’s exterior and the siding.

Besides making the installation process more difficult, the strips will also affect the total material costs.

Cost Breakdown of Different Vertical Siding Options

Vertical siding can be made of different materials like vinyl, wood, aluminum, fiber cement, etc.

Naturally, the price of the material is one of the major factors to consider when determining the final cost of installing vertical siding.

For example, aluminum is one of the most affordable vertical siding material options, and its price ranges from $2 to $7 per square foot.

Vinyl is an excellent mid-range vertical siding option, and the price of this material is between $3 and $13 per square foot.

Fiber cement vertical siding belongs to the pricier end of the scale, and its price is $6 to $14 per square foot.

Material	Price per Square Feet
Aluminum	$2-$7
Vinyl	$3-$13
Fiber cement	$6-$14

Besides the cost of the actual siding, homeowners need to consider the cost of furring strips as they are necessary for the installation.

The average cost of furring strips usually ranges between $2 and $3.50 per square foot.

When it comes to labor, the cost to install vertical siding ranges between $2 and $5 per square foot. The price depends on where you live and the complexity of the installation.

For example, if you need to cover 1,500 square feet with vertical siding, you’ll need to spend $3,000- $21,000 on material, $3,000-$5,250 on furring strips, and $3,000-$7,500 on labor costs.

If you choose the most affordable vertical siding option for a 1,500 square foot house, you’ll spend around $9,000. The most expensive option in this example will be $33,750.

Total Vertical Siding Costs per 1,500 Square Feet
Material	$3,000-$21,000
Furring strips	$3,000-$5,250
Labor	$3,000-$7,500
Total	$9,000-$33,750

Pro Tip: When estimating how much siding you’ll need for your home, always add 10% to cover the potential waste.

Vertical Siding: What Is It?

Siding is known for visible, distinctive shapes and lines.

Unlike horizontal siding, which features lines that go from right to left, vertical siding has lines that run from the top and bottom edge of the home.

Although horizontal siding remains the most popular siding option, many homeowners have decided to go for vertical siding for many reasons, especially in the last few years.

One of the benefits of vertical siding is that it’s ideal for highlighting specific parts and enhancing the home’s curb appeal.

Due to vertical lines, this vertical siding makes structures appear taller and more spacious.

If you can’t decide between horizontal and vertical siding, why not choose both?

Both horizontal and vertical siding can be combined to create breathtaking results.

What Types Of Vertical Siding Are There?

There are several types of vertical siding, and the most popular options are vinyl, wood, fiber cement, and aluminum.

Essentially, vertical siding can be made of any type of siding material, but these four are most used.

Vinyl Vertical Siding

Vinyl vertical siding is durable, affordable, and easy to maintain.

Hence, it’s no surprise vinyl is the most popular choice in terms of siding material.

On a material-only basis, vinyl vertical siding costs two to four times less than fiber cement siding, which is a significant difference.

Vertical vinyl siding has a smooth surface that is very easy to maintain.

Dust and debris slide off easily as soon as you spray them down with a garden hose.

Plus, vinyl siding does not need painting because the color is baked in. Thanks to this, the vinyl siding’s color won’t scratch off or peel.

Other than an occasional rinse with a hose, vinyl vertical siding requires virtually no maintenance.

Every type of siding has its flaws, and vinyl is no exception.

While the material is durable, it will show signs of deterioration after some time, especially darker vinyl.

Unfortunately, painting isn’t really an option because the color will likely peel or crack.

Moreover, since vinyl expands and contracts due to temperature changes, it can crack, bulge, or warp if it’s not installed properly.

Did you know? Vinyl siding can affect your home’s property value. If your home is historically significant, vinyl siding will drastically lower its value.

Wood Vertical Siding

Traditionally, wood was the most popular vertical siding option, and many homeowners still prefer it.

Wood siding can often be seen in colonial-style homes and prairie structures.

Wood siding is relatively easy to work with and gives every home a unique appeal.

Although more expensive than vinyl, wood siding still offers excellent value for your money and is much more affordable than other materials like fiber cement.

One of the biggest advantages of vertical wood siding is that it can be painted in any color and finish. So, if the wood siding gets damaged or dirty, you can repaint it anytime.

Another reason many homeowners choose wood  for their vertical siding is that wood is an eco-friendly, biodegradable material and can last for decades if maintained properly.

Plus, upgrading to wood siding can increase a home’s property value because it’s considered a high-end siding option.

Since wood siding comes in countless styles and designs, homeowners will find one that matches their home’s exterior without difficulty.

Of course, wood siding comes with a few disadvantages.

The biggest one is that this material is susceptible to damage due to insects and moisture.

This is why wood vertical siding requires regular maintenance, including staining, painting, and pest-control inspections.

Another disadvantage is that wood siding is not water- or fire-resistant.

If it’s often wet, wood siding can crack or rot, at which point the water can find its way to the home’s exterior and cause more damage.

Keep in mind that there are multiple types of wood available. They differ in quality, appearance, and, consequently, price.

The most popular wood vertical siding are cedar, pine, redwood, and cypress.

Fiber Cement

Fiber cement vertical siding is durable, easy to maintain, and features a striking appearance.

The material can resemble wood planks or shingles, allowing homeowners to enjoy the traditional look without compromising on durability and ease of maintenance.

Plus, fiber cement vertical siding comes in numerous colors and designs.

If you don’t find what you’re looking for or want to change the siding’s appearance, you can always repaint it.

Another advantage of fiber cement vertical siding is its durability.

Fiber cement can stand up well to sea salt air, strong winds, rain, and hail.

There’s no risk of insect damage or rotting, and since the fiber cement does not feature seams, mold and mildew can’t develop.

Plus, fiber cement vertical siding is inflammable, giving homeowners peace of mind knowing their home is safe.

In terms of maintenance, fiber cement vertical siding requires an occasional pressure wash.

Of course, you should inspect it every once in a while for mold and mildew, but other than that, this siding doesn’t require much maintenance.

One of the significant drawbacks of fiber cement vertical siding is its price.

Fiber cement falls into the category of the most expensive siding materials.

However, if you consider its durability and strength, fiber cement siding pays off in the long run.

Another disadvantage homeowners need to be aware of is that fiber cement vertical siding is more difficult to install. Installation costs can be up to two or three times higher than installing vinyl or aluminum vertical siding.

Pro Tip: If you plan to sell your house soon, consider whether investing in fiber cement siding will pay off.

Aluminum

If you live in areas with cold weather, aluminum vertical siding may be an excellent option.

Unlike vinyl, this aluminum vertical siding is not affected by low temperatures and will not crack or become brittle.

Also, aluminum vertical siding is waterproof, meaning homeowners don’t have to worry about mold, mildew, or moisture damage. There’s also no risk of insect damage like with wood siding.

Besides its durability, aluminum vertical siding is known for its variety.

Aluminum vertical siding comes in a wide range of colors and designs and can be repainted as necessary.

Generally, aluminum requires almost no maintenance.

The only action homeowners need to take to keep aluminum vertical siding excellent condition is to hose it down or wipe it with a damp cloth.

Finally, we must remember to mention the price.

Aluminum vertical siding is the most affordable vertical siding option on the market.

Now that we’ve discussed the advantages, it’s time to mention a few drawbacks.

Aluminum can dent and scratch easily.

Moreover, high winds and sun exposure can cause the aluminum siding to make a lot of noise, which many homeowners dislike.

Finally, aluminum siding doesn’t have the striking appearance of wood or fiber cement siding.

If your goal is to have aesthetically pleasing siding, aluminum may not be the best vertical siding option.

What Material Is Used For Vertical Siding?

Vertical siding can be made of wood, vinyl, fiber cement, steel, aluminum, or foam.

Essentially, any siding material can be installed as vertical siding.

Since every material has its advantages and drawbacks, it’s impossible to say one is universally the best.

Pro Tip: While price is important, it shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when purchasing siding. Consider your needs and preferences, but also pay attention to the material’s durability and ease of installation and maintenance.

Popular Vertical Siding Style Options

Probably the most popular vertical siding style is board and batten.

This style involves placing narrow strips of wood over the joints of wide boards for a unique geometric effect.

Board and batten siding was particularly popular during the Victorian era and often found in informal architectural styles.

These days, many homeowners like the board and batten siding style because of its aesthetic appeal.

Many have also started to use board and batten metal siding.

Board and batten siding can be combined with other styles to accent different elements of a home’s exterior and create an eye-catching contrast.

Other popular siding styles involve natural colors, shiplap, or mixing vertical siding with a contrasting texture like stone.

Vertical Siding Pros and Cons

Like horizontal siding, vertical siding has numerous advantages and drawbacks.

When on the market for new siding, it’s vital to consider the good and bad sides and decide which option works best for your home.

Vertical Siding Pros

• Eye-catching appearance
• Not as common as horizontal siding
• Comes in various styles
• Easier to clean

Vertical Siding Cons

• Complex installation
• More expensive
• Potential challenge when selling the house

Vertical Siding Profiles

When we talk about vertical siding “profiles,” we refer to the appearance of planks and panels.

Vertical siding comes in all sorts of profile options: narrow, wide, with grooves, without grooves, rough, smooth, etc.

One of the most popular vertical siding profile options is board and batten with a six- and seven-inch width.

Cedar shake, wood grain, and log siding are also popular.

Is There Such A Thing as Vertical Vinyl Siding?

Yes.

Vinyl is actually one of the most popular materials for vertical siding.

It’s affordable, durable, and easy to maintain, so it’s no surprise many people like it.

Horizontal vs Vertical Siding

Horizontal siding, also called lap siding, is siding comprised of boards that go from left to right.

Generally, horizontal siding is considered more traditional and is widely available.

There are numerous reasons this type of siding is popular.

First, it tends to be less expensive than vertical siding and can be a great option for everyone with a limited budget.

Moreover, horizontal siding has a classic yet effective appeal that can look great on any home.

Finally, horizontal siding is easier and quicker to install.

Of course, horizontal siding has its drawbacks.

One of the most significant disadvantages is that horizontal siding tends to be less durable.

Namely, this siding features horizontal ridges, and rain can often find its way here. Over time, mold and mildew can develop and cause faster deterioration of the siding.

Thus, horizontal siding can be harder to clean.

As mentioned, vertical siding features vertical boards.

Vertical siding can be a great option for anyone who wants a unique, trendy look.

Vertical boards can give your home an eye-catching curb appeal, making it stand out from other nearby houses.

Due to the top-to-bottom layout, vertical siding is easier to clean and doesn’t retain water.

Some of the drawbacks of vertical siding are a more complex installation process and a higher price.

Moreover, the unique appeal of vertical siding may not be attractive to everyone. Hence, if you want to sell your home in the near future, installing vertical siding can be a risky investment.

Choose The Best Siding

Although it’s more expensive, many homeowners prefer vertical siding.

The modern appeal, a wide range of designs, and ease of maintenance make up for the higher price of vertical siding.

Whatever siding you opt for, remember that it can transform your home’s exterior and add a layer of protection.