Choosing the right house siding materials can be a challenge, there are so many options! Adding or changing your home siding on your home is a quick, easy way to boost your curb appeal and save on energy costs. It is one of the most immediate ways to change the look and feel of your home and, surprisingly, it doesn’t have to cost that much.

Depending on your architecture of your home, you’ll be able to determine what house siding styles you like. Although, you may feel overwhelmed when searching online or in a store. Fortunately, there are a few key things that each type of siding offers, and if you do a little research, you can always find the one that will work best for you and your home.

Top Tips for Choosing the Right House Siding Materials

Vinyl Siding is the Most Popular

Vinyl siding is by far the most popular siding. It has been used in the housing industry for decades because of its versatility and low cost. Vinyl is also very easy to clean and maintain, making it a great choice for many homeowners.

Vinyl siding offers a wide range of colors and textures, so there’s probably one out there that will fit your home perfectly. It’s lightweight and it can be installed over existing material, so Vinyl makes for a quick, cost-effective investment. Companies like Ferguson Roofing offer installment plans, so if money is tight, you can still give your home a makeover. Click here to get more wood siding ideas.

The only downside to vinyl siding is that many times, there are seams that show due to the length of the boards. However, most homeowners are willing to trade these seams for the ease of installment and low costs that are associated with vinyl.

Take a look at HGTV’s 6 Exterior Siding Options that may help you choose the right one for your home.

Wood Siding Materials Gives Character

Wood siding is a very impressive option that will give your home a unique look. Wood will lend an air of naturalness and tranquility to your home that many other materials may not.

Wood siding comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, depending on the species of tree that is used. Cedar, Pine, fir, and cypress are the most popular choices, and each one has a different look, so there’s going to one that works for you. You can also choose to use transparent or semi-transparent stain, which protects the wood from rotting and really shows off the grains and knots.

The biggest problem with wood siding is the cost. While not the most expensive material, it costs more than vinyl and many others, so if money is an issue, then you may need to look elsewhere. Also, the stain needs to be reapplied every few years, so maintenance can be an issue as well, with the cost of a refinishing reaching several thousand dollars.

Fiber-Cement Siding Materials have Low Maintenance

Fiber-cement siding is relatively new to the industry, but many homeowners are raving about its durability and low maintenance. The cost is comparable to wood siding, but less stress of upkeep make it a popular choice.

The siding is made from a mixture of cement, wood pulp, clay and concrete. Because it is manufactured, fiber-cement siding can be molded to mimic shingles, wood and even stucco, giving you many different options for style and color. It is also termite resistant and inflammable, so it can also offer peace of mind for future concerns.

The downside to fiber-cement siding is that it is very heavy and requires special tools to install, so you may have trouble finding a contractor that can do it in your area. It also cannot go over any existing material, so the cost of removing old siding may price some homeowners out of it.

Consumer Reports has good information to consider when looking for the best siding for your house.

Stone Siding Options

Nothing will set your house apart from the others in your neighborhood quite as much as real stone will. Stone offers a natural hardiness that requires very little maintenance and invokes a naturalness that you will love. It is very durable and helps protect your home.

Stone is one of the heaviest siding materials out there, so you must have a professional install it. It is also one of the most expensive options, so you need to make sure you love it before you buy it. There are several types of stone available, like granite and limestone, so you also have options for color and texture.

If real stone is too much, then you can also look into synthetic stone, which has the same look at a fraction of the cost. It will need to be cleaned more often, but it might be worth the price.

If you’re looking to change your home’s exterior, look into these options.

Leo Riley is a builder and all round handyman with a background in roofing. Currently working with a home maintenance company. Outside of work he enjoys writing and when time permits writes articles for home owners outlining best practices, DIY projects and maintenance tasks.

For more outdoor home ideas on Stagetecture, take a look through our archives!