Siding Styles & Materials

Clapboard siding is the type of siding you’re most likely to see on homes today. This siding is made of long, narrow boards that are installed horizontally across the exterior wall. It comes in a large range of colors and textures as well as insulated and non-insulated styles. Clapboard is a wood plank and typically costs between $5 and $8 per square foot. It is a sustainable product that can last for decades. However, the maintenance is higher since it's wood.

Traditional lap siding is a subset of clapboard siding. Like clapboard siding, lap siding is also made of wood and nailed horizontally across the wall. The main difference between the two is that clapboard tends to be flat, with no shadow line showing, while lap siding will project a bit further out. The siding is layered one over the other starting from the top. Traditional lap siding is sustainable and has a long life. However, it has a higher maintenance need.

Dutch Lap siding is another one of the most popular home siding styles. It also has long horizontal planks. However, instead of being laid one over the other they have shallow valleys between each board. Dutch lap is more expensive because it requires more labor to install, so it’s at the higher end of the average clapboard siding in cost.

Wood grain siding is vinyl siding manufactured to look like it has a wood grain. It is very versatile and durable. For example, it can be installed both vertically and horizontally for a wide range of designs. Wood grain vinyl siding will typically last longer than wood siding and has an overall lower maintenance cost. Most vinyl siding will cost between $5 and $12 per square foot to install.

Beaded seam siding is another horizontal style of siding. This siding has a shadow line on the bottom of each panel. That line adds depth to the siding and makes it look like craftsmen hand cut the planks. It comes in many colors which makes it very versatile. Plus, beaded seam siding comes in vinyl, so it has a low maintenance cost.

Board and batten siding is also known as barn siding. It is the widest style of siding and can be installed both vertically and horizontally. When installed vertically, it can make a house or building seem taller. Board and batten siding also comes in a range of different materials, including wood, vinyl, and engineered wood. The type of material you choose will determine the final cost of installation.

Cedar shakes are made from sawn wood to create a less uniform covering. The shakes are thicker and more durable than regular wood siding. Cedar shakes add a more textured look and it comes in a variety of colors. Real cedar shakes come in a rich color, but they can go grey over time. You’ll need to add a fresh stain every few years to maintain their appearance, which adds to the maintenance cost. It can also be a bit more expensive, with the average cost of installation ranging between $8 and $13 per square foot.

Straight edge shingles are similar to cedar shakes except they are more uniform. This style of shake siding comes in multiple materials, which means the maintenance level and cost of installation will vary depending on what type of material is used.

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular options for siding because it is strong, durable, and comes in a wide range of colors and textures. It is also affordable, typically costing between $5 and $12 per square foot to install. Minor scratches don’t show and it is very low maintenance. Plus, vinyl siding is easy (and thus less expensive) to install. Vinyl siding comes in both insulated and non-insulated types, so it’s even possible to improve your home or building’s energy efficiency if you want. It is a good option for most climates, although extreme heat or cold can cause vinyl to crack or wear faster than in milder climates.

Metal or aluminum siding is another popular option for both homes and businesses due to the many benefits it offers. For example, aluminum siding can last up to 35 years without needing replacement, is very low maintenance, and insulates better than vinyl siding. Aluminum siding is also a great choice for properties in humid or coastal climates. Aluminum is waterproof, doesn’t rust, and unlike wood, won’t rot or grow mold. Because aluminum siding comes in a wide range of colors and styles, it is easy to get the look you want. On the other hand, aluminum siding does tend to dent easily and can be noisy in wind or other weather conditions. Still, it’s one of the more affordable siding types, costing on average between $2 and $7 per square foot to install.

Wood siding is naturally beautiful, but that designer look does tend to come at a cost. Cedar shake siding, for example, can cost between $8 and $13 per square foot to install. But there are also higher maintenance costs to keep in mind. Wood siding is more susceptible to water and insect damage, making it a poor choice for humid climates. On the other hand, wood siding does have a long life span and it is biodegradable. It is also naturally insulating, making it a very energy-efficient choice.

Stone veneer siding is made from a mixture of cement, sand, and aggregate, and then molded to look like stone. It’s most often used as an accent siding. Because it is a composite and not natural stone, stone veneer siding is typically less expensive and easier to install. It costs an average of $20 to $40 to install, much lower than natural stone although higher in price than other siding types. Stone veneer is also more lightweight, making it easier to use in creative designs, and is fire and insect resistant. This makes it a great option for homes in areas at risk of wildfires or in climates that experience extreme temperatures. Perhaps the biggest downside to stone veneer siding is that it does not insulate very well.

Fiber cement siding is very stable and low maintenance. It’s a mix of wood pulp, clay, cement, and sand, and can be made to look like wood, stucco, or masonry. It’s resistant to changes in temperature and humidity, and is resistant to fire, termites and rot. It also does a great job of insulating homes and buildings, making it one of the best choices for improving energy efficiency. However, it is heavy and requires a special installation. It also costs a bit more to install, typically between $6 to $12 per square foot, and requires that all the old siding is removed.