Siding Materials Comparison
Compare vinyl, fiber cement, wood, and other siding options. Compare costs, lifespan, pros and cons to find the best option for your project.
| Material | Cost | Lifespan | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Siding | $3 - $7/sq ft installed | 20-40 years |
|
| Budget projects, low-maintenance preference |
| Fiber Cement (Hardie) | $6 - $13/sq ft installed | 30-50 years |
|
| Most homeowners, best balance of cost/durability |
| Engineered Wood | $5 - $10/sq ft installed | 20-30 years |
|
| Traditional look, moderate budget |
| Cedar Siding | $8 - $15/sq ft installed | 20-40 years |
|
| Traditional/craftsman homes, Pacific Northwest |
| Stone Veneer | $15 - $35/sq ft installed | 50+ years |
|
| Accent areas, foundations, upscale homes |
Vinyl Siding
$3 - $7/sq ft installedLifespan: 20-40 years
Pros
- • Most affordable
- • Low maintenance
- • Never needs painting
Cons
- • Can crack in cold
- • Fades over time
- • Less durable
Best for: Budget projects, low-maintenance preference
Fiber Cement (Hardie)
$6 - $13/sq ft installedLifespan: 30-50 years
Pros
- • Rot/termite proof
- • Fire resistant
- • Holds paint well
Cons
- • Requires painting
- • Heavy
- • Professional install needed
Best for: Most homeowners, best balance of cost/durability
Engineered Wood
$5 - $10/sq ft installedLifespan: 20-30 years
Pros
- • Wood appearance
- • Lighter than fiber cement
- • Good insulation
Cons
- • Moisture sensitive
- • Needs maintenance
- • Can swell
Best for: Traditional look, moderate budget
Cedar Siding
$8 - $15/sq ft installedLifespan: 20-40 years
Pros
- • Natural beauty
- • Good insulation
- • Naturally rot resistant
Cons
- • High maintenance
- • Expensive
- • Can split/warp
Best for: Traditional/craftsman homes, Pacific Northwest
Stone Veneer
$15 - $35/sq ft installedLifespan: 50+ years
Pros
- • Premium appearance
- • Very durable
- • Low maintenance
Cons
- • Expensive
- • Heavy
- • Professional install
Best for: Accent areas, foundations, upscale homes
Which Option Is Right for You?
Vinyl Siding
Budget projects, low-maintenance preference
Fiber Cement (Hardie)
Most homeowners, best balance of cost/durability
Engineered Wood
Traditional look, moderate budget
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