Siding Guide: Materials, Cost & Maintenance Comparison

Vinyl siding: Most popular in the US (30%+ market share). Cost: $3-$7/sq ft installed. Lifespan: 20-40 years. Low maintenance (wash occasionally). Many colors and styles. Can warp in extreme heat. Not paintable (color is baked in).

Fiber cement (James Hardie): Cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. Cost: $6-$12/sq ft installed. Lifespan: 30-50 years. Fire-resistant, insect-proof, rot-proof. Paintable. Looks like real wood. Heavier (needs skilled installation).

Wood siding (clapboard/shingles): Cedar, pine, redwood. Cost: $6-$12/sq ft installed. Lifespan: 20-40 years with maintenance. Beautiful natural appearance. Requires painting or staining every 3-7 years. Vulnerable to insects and moisture.

Engineered wood (LP SmartSide): Wood strands bonded with resin. Cost: $4-$9/sq ft installed. Lifespan: 25-30+ years. Looks like real wood. More dimensionally stable. Requires painting.

Brick: Full brick or brick veneer. Cost: $10-$25/sq ft installed. Lifespan: 100+ years. Extremely durable and low maintenance. Fire-resistant. Adds significant curb appeal and home value.

Stone veneer: Natural stone or manufactured stone. Cost: $12-$35/sq ft installed. Lifespan: 50-100+ years. Premium appearance. Used as accent or full coverage. Heavy; requires structural support for natural stone.

Vinyl: $4,500-$10,500 installed.

Engineered wood: $6,000-$13,500.

Fiber cement: $9,000-$18,000.

Wood: $9,000-$18,000.

Brick veneer: $15,000-$37,500.

Stone veneer: $18,000-$52,500.

Additional costs: Remove old siding: $1-$3/sq ft. Housewrap/moisture barrier: $0.50-$1/sq ft. Trim and corners: 10-15% of siding cost.

Vinyl: Annual wash with garden hose or pressure washer (low setting). Replace damaged panels as needed. No painting.

Fiber cement: Inspect caulk annually. Repaint every 10-15 years. Touch up scratches to prevent moisture intrusion.

Wood: Paint or stain every 3-7 years. Inspect for rot, insect damage, and peeling annually. Caulk gaps. Most maintenance-intensive.

Engineered wood: Repaint every 8-12 years. Inspect for swelling at cut edges. Caulk joints.

Brick: Inspect mortar joints every 5-10 years. Repoint (replace mortar) as needed. Minimal cleaning.

Stone: Virtually maintenance-free. Inspect mortar joints periodically. Clean with mild detergent if needed.

Hot and humid (Southeast, Gulf Coast): Fiber cement or brick. Resistant to moisture, mold, and insects.

Cold and snowy (Northeast, Midwest): Insulated vinyl or fiber cement. Good temperature performance.

Coastal (salt air): Fiber cement or vinyl. Resist salt corrosion. Avoid metal.

Dry and hot (Southwest): Stucco, brick, or stone. Handle heat and UV well.

Fire-prone areas: Fiber cement, brick, or stone. Non-combustible materials may be required by code.