House Siding 101

The siding that you choose for your house is not often talking about but is an important element in your dream home’s design.  Your siding choice should take into account your home’s curb appeal, your budget, and much more and once you make the choice, it’s not something that can be easily replaced so it’s important to choose something timeless and durable.  This guide to house siding choices will help explain house siding options.

Shingles

This siding option can be found in wood and fiber cement, vinyl, and shakes.  Shingles are great for traditional style homes but be prepared for quite a bit of upkeep as well as a larger upfront cost.

Horizontal Lap Siding

Made from aluminum, vinyl, fiber cement, or wood, this siding option can be almost any color.  It works well with a traditional or colonial style home with symmetrical forms. The cost is about $3-7 per square foot.

Wood Strip Siding

This type of siding is made from wood and typically has a tongue-in-groove formation.  A continuous waterproof membrane is crucial for this type of siding because if water gets behind the siding it will damage your home’s interior.  This is an expensive choice for siding and the cost will depend upon the type of wood.

Board and Batten

Made from fiber or wood cement, this type of siding creates vertical lines and can help your house appear taller.  It was first used on farm buildings and is a low-cost siding choice that would be beautiful for a farm-style or country home

Fiber Cement Panels

This type of siding is made of cement fibers and comes in panels of 4×8 feet.  The cost (including installation) is about $6-$10 per square foot.

Stone & Brick

One of the most durable materials to choose for your home’s siding, both materials come in an array of textures, sizes, and colors.  But when something is built to last, the price tag is much higher.  Brick costs about $16-$22 per square foot while stone will cost about $30-$55 per square foot.

Stucco

This material is available in a synthetic or natural form.  It works well for large surfaces with a simple design.  If you choose to use synthetic stucco, you will need to have a vapor barrier installed to avoid moisture buildup within the walls. It costs about $10-$14 per square foot.