House Siding Options Buying Guide

- Written by: jlbmdev
If you want to refresh the look and feel of the outside of your home, new siding is a great place to start. But with the wide range of house siding options available, it can be difficult to find the right product. This buying guide is designed to simplify the process of buying new siding by breaking down the pros and cons of each option. You’ll also find information about how to calculate the correct amount of siding and the benefits of professional installation.
Before you select the type of house siding you want to purchase, you’ll need to determine the quantity you need. This helps you choose the right product for your budget and calculate the average cost to side a house. Keep in mind that siding is sold by the square, which is the amount of material necessary to side 100 square feet of a structure.
While professional installers will calculate exactly how much siding you need, you can use the following steps to get a rough estimate on your own:
Once you’ve calculated how much siding you need, you’re ready to take a closer look at each style. We’ve put together information on the pros and cons of each house siding option below.
Brick is traditionally made from dried clay or shale that’s fired in an oven. The most common types of natural stone used for house siding are granite, limestone, and sandstone.
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Cellular polyvinyl chloride (PVC) siding is growing in popularity and is a step up from traditional vinyl.
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Composite wood siding is made of wood byproducts that are compressed into planks or shingles and bonded with resin.
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Fiber cement siding is made from a composite of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers.
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There are many types of metal siding, including copper, corrugated metal, galvanized steel, snap batten panel, and aluminum.
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Natural wood siding comes in many species, including cypress, redwood, cedar, fir, spruce, and pine.
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Stone veneer is made from Portland cement, lightweight natural aggregates, and iron oxide pigment.
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Stucco is made from a mixture of Portland cement (or lime), sand, and water.
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While vinyl siding is sometimes made from PVC resins, it’s often produced with polymers.
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Once you’ve selected the right type of house siding for your home, hire a professional contractor to install it. This is a safer option than DIY and can help you avoid costly errors or issues in the long run.
If your existing siding is flat and structurally-sound, your contractor can install the new siding directly on top of it. If the contractor has to remove the existing siding, they’ll install a moisture barrier under the new siding. They’ll also flash around all of your doors and windows.