Types of House Siding and What They Cost
Choosing siding affects more than just how a house looks. Siding materials differ in upfront cost, installation complexity, durability, and long-term maintenance. Prices are usually discussed per square foot, but total cost depends heavily on material choice, labor, and how long the siding lasts before it needs repair or replacement.
Below is an overview of the most common residential siding types and how their costs generally compare. Each section explains what the siding is, why homeowners choose it, and where it typically falls in terms of cost. More detailed cost breakdowns for each option can be explored separately.
Vinyl siding
Vinyl siding is one of the most common siding materials used on homes. It is made from PVC and installed in overlapping panels.
Vinyl is often chosen because it has a lower upfront cost and requires little routine maintenance. It does not need to be painted, but it can crack in extreme cold and fade over time.
Cost position: Lower upfront cost
Long-term considerations: Fading, cracking, full panel replacement if damaged
For a detailed breakdown of material, installation, and long-term costs, see How much does vinyl siding cost for a whole house?
Fiber cement siding (Hardie Board)
Fiber cement siding is made from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. It is commonly referred to as Hardie Board, after the widely used James Hardie brand.
Homeowners often choose fiber cement siding for its durability and resistance to fire, insects, and moisture. It typically has a higher upfront cost than vinyl but provides a more solid, wood-like appearance.
Cost position: Moderate to higher cost
Long-term considerations: Painting, heavier material, longer installation time
For a detailed breakdown of material, installation, and long-term costs, see How much does fiber cement (Hardie Board) siding cost for a whole house?
Wood siding
Wood siding includes materials such as cedar planks, shingles, or clapboard. It is valued for its natural appearance.
Wood siding can be expensive to install and maintain. It usually requires regular painting or staining and is more vulnerable to moisture and pests if not properly maintained.
Cost position: Higher cost
Long-term considerations: Maintenance, rot, repainting or restaining
For a detailed breakdown of material, installation, and long-term maintenance costs, see How much does wood siding cost for a whole house?
Engineered wood siding
Engineered wood siding is made from wood fibers bonded with resins and treated for durability. It is designed to resemble traditional wood siding.
This option is often chosen as a compromise between real wood and fiber cement. Costs are typically moderate, with lower maintenance than natural wood but more than vinyl.
Cost position: Moderate cost
Long-term considerations: Painting, moisture protection, lifespan varies by product
For a detailed breakdown of material, installation, and long-term costs, see How much does engineered wood siding cost for a whole house?
Aluminum siding
Aluminum siding was more common in older homes but is still present on many houses today.
It does not rot and is resistant to insects, but it can dent easily and may fade or chalk over time. Aluminum siding usually falls into a moderate cost range, depending on thickness and finish.
Cost position: Moderate cost
Long-term considerations: Denting, repainting, fading
For a detailed breakdown of material, installation, and long-term costs, see How much does aluminum siding cost for a whole house?
Brick and stone veneer siding
Brick and stone veneer are installed as a non-structural exterior layer over a home’s framing.
These materials are chosen for appearance and longevity. They typically have the highest upfront cost among common siding options, largely due to labor.
Cost position: Highest cost
Long-term considerations: Long lifespan, limited maintenance, high installation cost
For a detailed breakdown of material, installation, and long-term costs, see How much does brick or stone veneer siding cost for a whole house?
Asbestos siding (found on older homes)
Asbestos siding is most commonly found on homes built from the 1920s through the 1960s. It was manufactured as cement-based shingles reinforced with asbestos fibers.
Homeowners typically do not choose asbestos siding today, but many still live in homes where it exists.
Cost position: Not installed today
Long-term considerations: Removal, encapsulation, and disposal costs
Asbestos siding is durable and fire-resistant, but disturbing it can release hazardous fibers. Removal or replacement usually requires specialized handling and significantly increases project cost.
For a detailed breakdown of asbestos siding removal and encapsulation costs, see How much does asbestos siding removal or encapsulation cost?
How to think about siding cost overall
Siding cost depends on more than material price alone. Installation labor, wall preparation, insulation upgrades, and long-term maintenance all affect the total cost of ownership. Comparing siding options works best when considering both initial installation cost and how the material performs over time.
Where to go next
Each siding type has a different cost structure and lifespan. For more detailed breakdowns, including square footage examples and real cost calculations, explore individual siding cost guides for each option.