10 types of siding for your home's exterior and how to choose one

Whether you’re a new homeowner ready to improve your home’s appearance or a longtime owner considering an upgrade for resale value, there’s no doubt that siding can significantly alter a home’s appearance. Choosing the right type of siding can enhance the visual style of your home. But choosing the wrong type may lower your resale value or lead to expensive repairs down the road.

Let’s look at 10 types of siding options for improving the look of your home and boosting your home’s value.

10 different types of siding for your home

Updating the exterior of your home can vastly improve its appeal. Within the realm of home improvements, updating siding can be one of the simplest ways to add value to a house.

But which siding option is right for you? From the overall cost of materials and installation to the popularity of a particular design and style, there are several factors to consider and discuss.

1. Vinyl siding

Vinyl siding is easily the most popular option available due to its low cost and ease of maintenance. Expect to pay between $10,000 and $30,000 for an average single-family home at 2,500 square feet. On the low side, it’s $4 per square foot – think smooth traditional lap – and $12 per square foot for insulated vinyl.

Vinyl siding is the most popular siding in the U.S., second only to metal siding for affordability.

2. Insulated vinyl siding

Insulated vinyl is a type of siding that adds an insulating layer to the vinyl exterior. Expect to pay $12 or more per square foot for insulated vinyl.

3. Natural wood siding

Natural wood siding offers a look that can’t be recreated in a factory. And when properly maintained, it can last a long time.

Anticipate paying between $12,500 and $37,500 (for 2,500 square feet) to have wood siding installed on your home. Costs rely heavily on the type of wood you choose. The installation cost for natural wood siding starts at $5 and can go up to $15 per square foot.

4. Engineered wood

If you love the look of wood siding but want to avoid some of its downsides, engineered wood may be a good option. It offers the same effect at a lower price. Expect to pay $7 – $12 per square foot for engineered wood siding.

5. Fiber cement siding

Fiber cement siding comes in a variety of styles and textures at a relatively low cost, making it a versatile choice for your home.

Installing fiber cement siding costs between $15,000 and $37,500 for a house of 2,500 square feet. Anticipate the cost of installation to start at $6 and go up to $15 per square foot.

6. Stone siding

If you want to add texture and natural beauty to your home’s exterior, stone siding is an excellent luxury finish. Stone siding gives your home an air of permanence and grandeur but can be expensive to install and difficult to alter.

Expect to pay $25,000 – $112,000 to have a 2,500-square-foot home sided in natural stone. On average, you’ll pay $10 – $45 per square foot for natural stone siding.

7. Stone veneer

Stone veneer siding, also known as faux stone, looks and acts like real stone at a lower price. Its lightweight design allows easy replacing or repairing. Expect to pay between $10,000 and $20,000 to have your home resided in stone veneer. It’s between $4 – 8 per square foot for stone veneer.

8. Metal siding

Steel and aluminum siding have risen in popularity due to their durability. Project costs typically range between $15,000 and $40,000 for a home of 2,500 square feet.

Expect to pay between $6 and $10 for aluminum and $7 and $16 for steel per square foot. Insulated versions of these metals can increase the cost by about $1 per square foot.

9. Brick

Brick siding has been a staple for hundreds of years for a reason: It offers a classic look that can survive the test of time. Expect to pay between $20,000 and $45,000 for a home of 2,500 square feet, at between $8 and $18 per square feet.

10. Stucco

Stucco is made of lime, sand and cement and is highly customizable. You can paint it almost any color. Expect to pay $17,500 – $42,500 to stucco a 2,500-square-foot house. On average, stucco costs $7 – $17 per square foot.

Things to consider when choosing types of siding for homes

While the type of siding is an important choice, there are additional factors worth mulling as you contemplate the possibility of new siding. Costs, weather issues, maintenance and other topics should all play a part in your siding decision.

Budget

You’ll need to determine how much money you can spend on this home improvement. But the cheapest siding doesn’t necessarily translate into the most value for your money. You may decide that renovating your home’s exterior is a worthy and much-needed investment in your home.

One way to pay for major renovations, such as with new siding, is with a cash-out refinance. A cash-out refinance allows you to cash in on your home’s value to pay for home improvement projects. The cost of capital improvements to your home is added to your cost basis in the home, which extends your capital gains exemption when you sell your home.

Unless you have siding experience, it’s not recommended to make siding your house into a DIY project. Installing anything but the simplest, uninsulated vinyl siding is best left to professionals.

Energy cost savings

An insulating material’s resistance to conductive heat flow is measured or rated in terms of its thermal resistance or R-value. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. Compare R-values when choosing siding.

Aesthetic choices And curb appeal

Every time you turn into your driveway, you’ll take in the view of your home. If the view leaves you wanting something more aesthetically pleasing, consider new siding to increase your home’s curb appeal and resale value.

Future plans

How long do you intend to stay in the home? If you plan on moving in the next 5 years, factor that into your decision and perhaps forgo expensive home improvements. On the other hand, if you plan to rent your home when you move, you should heavily weigh durability in your calculation.

If you live in your forever home, it may make sense to invest in the design statement it will make on your block.

Climate and weather

In moisture-prone areas, waterproof siding is a good choice. In more moderate climates, breathable siding is a better choice. Consider whether the siding material can withstand temperature changes and weather extremes in your area.

Maintenance preferences

For many people, the goal of redoing their home’s siding is to avoid future maintenance. In that case, choosing natural wood siding would probably be a poor choice. On the other hand, if you crave a rustic wood home where you’re surrounded by the charm of the wood, the extra effort may be worthwhile.

FAQs: Types of house siding

Let’s look at answers to the most frequently asked questions about types of house siding to help you make the best decision for your property and finances.

What is the most affordable siding for a house?

Vinyl siding is usually the most affordable siding for homes. The material is popular with many homeowners because it’s easy to maintain, can be painted any color and normally lasts 20 – 40 years, depending on the climate. It generally won’t show its age or crumble like other types of siding.

What type of siding lasts the longest?

Fiber cement board siding tends to be the longest-lasting house siding. Portland cement is what contributes to its lengthy durability. Fiber cement protects against termites and offers fire and weather resistance, while also withstanding high winds. Fiber cement board siding is popular because it’s largely maintenance-free and can last up to 50 years.

Does the type of siding increase home value?

New siding can significantly increase the value of your home. How much your home value increases will depend on the type of siding you choose. Vinyl and fiber cement siding generally have the greatest return on investment, but any siding improvement can improve a home’s value.

What is lap siding and what are the benefits?

Lap siding consists of slats that are layered to specifically overlap each other. The benefit of lap siding is that it allows rain to easily run off the exterior, all while protecting the interior structure from water damage.

Is there a siding that will make my house look bigger?

Siding placed with a horizontal lap can use the increased effect of horizontal lines to potentially make a house look longer. Another way to increase a house’s prominence includes choosing light-colored siding over dark.

The bottom line: Siding improves a home’s aesthetics and value

Siding can drastically change the feel of your home and is one of the first things potential buyers and passersby will notice, so choosing the right siding is key. In addition to the pros and cons of each type of siding, you should also factor warranty terms and weather conditions into your final decision.

If you’re financing your siding project, consider a cash-out refinance to leverage the existing equity on your home at terms typically more favorable than other loans.

Start an application for a cash-out refinance with Rocket Mortgage^® today as you begin to choose your home’s new look.