House Siding Options: Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Exterior for Your Home

Choosing house siding is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your home's exterior. Your siding protects against weather conditions while defining your home's curb appeal and value. With so many exterior siding materials available, homeowners often feel overwhelmed by the options.

When selecting the right siding for your home's exterior, you'll want to consider durability, maintenance requirements, energy efficiency, and how well each option complements your architectural style. The following guide explores each major siding option to help you make an informed decision that enhances both protection and beauty.

Traditional Siding Materials: Affordable and Reliable Options

Vinyl Siding: The Popular Choice for Budget-Conscious Homeowners

Vinyl siding remains a popular choice for homeowners seeking low maintenance and affordability. Made from polyvinyl chloride, this siding material typically costs between $3-8 per square foot, including installation costs. Vinyl offers excellent resistance to extreme weather conditions and requires minimal cleaning to maintain its appearance.

The main advantages of vinyl siding include its resistance to insects, rot, and fading. Modern vinyl products come in numerous colors and textures, some convincingly mimicking wood or other natural materials. However, vinyl can crack in extreme temperatures and may not add as much value to your home compared to other siding options.

Fiber Cement Siding: Durability Meets Versatility

Fiber cement siding has gained popularity as a durable alternative that combines the best features of multiple materials. This siding material typically costs $6-12 per square foot and offers exceptional resistance to fire, insects, and extreme weather. Fiber cement can mimic wood, brick, or stone appearances while requiring less regular maintenance than natural wood siding.

One significant advantage of fiber cement is its performance in harsh climates. It withstands high winds, extreme temperatures, and moisture without warping or rotting. While the initial cost per square foot is higher than vinyl, fiber cement's longevity and low maintenance requirements often make it cost-effective over time.

Metal Siding: Modern Appeal with Superior Protection

Metal siding, including aluminum siding and steel siding, offers contemporary aesthetics with outstanding durability. Aluminum siding typically costs $5-10 per square foot, while steel siding ranges from $4-8 per square foot. Both options provide excellent energy efficiency and can significantly reduce energy costs when properly installed with adequate insulation.

Metal siding excels in extreme weather conditions, resisting fire, insects, and severe storms. Steel siding offers superior dent resistance compared to aluminum siding, making it ideal for areas prone to hail or high winds. The main considerations include potential for scratching and the industrial appearance that may not suit all architectural styles.

Premium Siding Materials: Luxury and Longevity

Brick and Stone Options: Timeless Beauty with Lasting Value

Brick siding and stone siding represent premium choices that dramatically enhance home value and curb appeal. Solid brick construction costs $15-30 per square foot, while brick veneer offers similar aesthetics at $10-15 per square foot. Stone veneer siding and natural stone options range from $12-25 per square foot, depending on the stone type and installation complexity.

These materials offer several compelling advantages:

• Exceptional durability lasting 100+ years with minimal maintenance

• Superior fire resistance and energy efficiency

• Increased home value and aesthetic appeal

• Excellent performance in extreme weather conditions

Stone veneer and brick veneer provide the appearance of solid masonry at reduced costs and installation complexity. Both options require skilled labor, which increases overall labor costs, but the long-term benefits often justify the investment.

Stucco Siding: Mediterranean Charm with Climate Considerations

Stucco siding works exceptionally well in dry climates and complements Mediterranean, Spanish, and contemporary architectural styles. Costing $6-12 per square foot, stucco offers good energy efficiency and can last decades with proper maintenance. However, it requires careful installation to prevent moisture issues in humid climates.

Wood Siding Excellence: Natural Beauty with Versatile Options

Wood siding remains the gold standard for natural beauty and versatility. This siding material offers unmatched aesthetic appeal while providing good energy-efficient siding performance when properly maintained. Wood costs vary significantly, typically ranging from $8-20 per square foot depending on the wood species and style chosen.

Shiplap: Modern Farmhouse Appeal

Shiplap has become incredibly popular due to modern farmhouse design trends. This wood siding style features overlapping boards that create clean, horizontal lines. Shiplap offers excellent weather protection while adding distinctive character to any architectural style. The installation process is relatively straightforward, helping control labor costs.

Tongue and Groove: Superior Weather Protection

Tongue and groove siding creates seamless joints that provide exceptional weather resistance. This interlocking design minimizes gaps where moisture could penetrate, making it an excellent choice for harsh climates. While requiring slightly higher installation costs, tongue and groove offers superior longevity compared to other wood siding options.

Additional Wood Varieties

Wood shingles offer a classic New England aesthetic, while batten siding provides bold vertical lines perfect for contemporary designs. These natural materials can complement virtually any architectural style while providing the warmth and character that only wood delivers.

The main consideration with traditional wood siding is regular maintenance requirements. Most wood siding needs repainting or staining every 5-7 years to maintain appearance and weather protection. However, the natural beauty and versatility often make this maintenance worthwhile for many homeowners.

Choosing the Right Siding: Key Factors and Sustainable Solutions

Selecting the right siding involves balancing multiple factors, including climate, budget, maintenance preferences, and aesthetic goals. In regions with extreme weather conditions, durability becomes paramount. Areas prone to high winds, extreme temperatures, or severe storms require siding materials that can withstand these challenges without frequent repairs.

Cost Considerations Beyond Initial Price

While cost per square foot provides a starting point, consider long-term expenses, including energy costs, maintenance, and replacement needs. Some higher-priced options like fiber cement or stone veneer may offer better value over time due to their durability and minimal maintenance requirements.

The true cost of any siding material extends far beyond installation costs. Factor in these additional expenses when calculating your total investment:

• Labor costs: These vary significantly based on material complexity and regional availability of skilled installers. Simple vinyl installation typically requires less specialized labor than stone veneer or intricate wood siding patterns. In many areas of the United States, finding experienced installers for premium materials can increase both timeline and costs.

• Energy efficiency: This impacts your long-term energy costs substantially. Well-insulated siding systems can reduce heating and cooling expenses by 15-20% annually. Materials with better thermal performance may cost more initially but deliver savings that compound over decades.

• Maintenance expenses: These differ dramatically between siding options. While vinyl and fiber cement require minimal upkeep, traditional wood siding needs regular staining or painting. Calculate these recurring costs over 20-30 years to understand the true financial commitment.

• Insurance considerations: This factor also affects long-term costs. Fire-resistant materials like fiber cement, brick, or metal may qualify for homeowner's insurance discounts, while some wood siding options might increase premiums in fire-prone areas. A good solution for this is Centennial Woods’ A-rated flame retardant, Flame Stop II.

Consider these key factors when choosing new siding:

• Climate compatibility: How well does the material perform in your local weather conditions?

• Maintenance requirements: Can you commit to regular maintenance, or do you prefer low maintenance options?

• Energy efficiency: Will the siding help reduce heating and cooling costs?

• Architectural compatibility: Does the material complement your home's style?

• Long-term value: How will your choice affect resale value?

• Environmental impact: Does the material align with your sustainability goals?

• Local building codes: Are there restrictions on certain materials in your area?

Why Centennial Woods for Your Wood Siding Project

When choosing wood siding for your home's exterior, Centennial Woods offers a unique approach that sets us apart from traditional lumber suppliers. Our innovative use of reclaimed snow fence wood creates siding materials that combine environmental responsibility with superior performance characteristics.

What Makes Centennial Woods Different

At Centennial Woods, we specialize in repurposing wood from Wyoming's roadway snow fences, creating siding materials with distinctive advantages over conventional wood options. After 7–10 years of protecting Wyoming's highways from harsh weather conditions, these weathered boards develop remarkable properties that benefit homeowners.

The extreme Wyoming climate naturally conditions the wood, reducing its moisture content to just 4–8%—significantly lower than typical kiln-dried lumber. This ultra-low moisture content makes the wood naturally resistant to insects and reduces the risk of warping, cracking, or other moisture-related issues that often affect traditional wood siding.

Key advantages of our products include:

• No kiln drying required: natural weathering eliminates energy-intensive processing

• Superior stability: low moisture content prevents warping and movement

• Insect resistance: naturally conditioned wood is inhospitable to pests

• One-of-a-kind character: weather-beaten appearance adds charm and authenticity

• Sustainable impact: our carbon-negative, FSC certified product supports your environmental goals
  
  

When you choose Centennial Woods for your wood siding project, you're not just selecting a building material, you're investing in a sustainable solution that delivers natural beauty, long-term performance, and environmental responsibility. Our reclaimed wood products offer the timeless appeal of wood siding while solving many of the challenges that lead homeowners to consider synthetic alternatives.

The right siding choice protects your investment and reflects your personal style. Whether you’re comparing traditional options or exploring our sustainable reclaimed materials, our high-quality products will help ensure your home’s exterior is beautiful and protected. Contact us to learn more.