We’ve put together a comprehensive residential siding guide to assist you in researching your options for replacement and new construction projects.
Kaycan DaVinci Siding
What’s Included: Seven possibilities ranging from affordable to upscale – Vinyl, steel & aluminum, fiber cement & composite, genuine wood, stucco, brick & stone and faux stone.
The information for each siding type includes:
- Materials and installation cost
- Tables that allow you to compare these materials at a glance in all key areas
- An introduction to each material, its construction and options
- Pros and cons such as durability/longevity, maintenance and repair requirements and appearance including the home styles that each siding types is best suited to
- Final summaries that might help you make your decision
- Tips for saving money on a siding project
Cost
| Siding Type | Materials | Installation | Total Cost per sq.ft. |
| Vinyl | $2.55 – $4.50 | $1.60 – $4.00 | $4.15 – $8.50 |
| Aluminum & Steel | $3.15 – $5.65 | $1.95 – $5.00 | $5.20 – $10.65 |
| Fiber Cement & Composite | $1.80 – $5.50 | $4.00 – $6.50 | $5.80 – $12.00 |
| Wood | $2.35 – $7.50 | $1.80 – $6.50 | $4.15 – $14.00 |
| Stucco | $4.90 – $6.50 | $3.00 – $6.00 | $7.90 – $12.50 |
| Brick & Stone Veneer | $7.35 – $15.00 | $6.30 – $11.00 | $14.65 – $26.00 |
| Faux Stone | $6.15 – $20.00 | $8.55 – $11.00 | $14.70 – $31.00 |
Breakdown of costs by materials and installation
* The materials column in the table above includes siding, trim and the supplies needed to install it.
* The installation column in the table above reflects the cost of professional labor.
The last column is the total installed cost for comparison.
Note: Each siding type in the table above is normally available in a wide range of quality and style options that affect material costs. Installation ranges from easy to difficult due to onsite factors which affect installation cost. Your project’s geography and local economy will also have a major impact on costs.
Types of Siding Material
This table summarizes the information in this section:
| Siding Type | Options | Weatherproof | Durability |
| Vinyl | Excellent | Good | 20-30 years |
| Aluminum & Steel | Good | Good | 30-50 years |
| Fiber Cement & Composite | Good | Good | 35-50 years |
| Wood | Excellent | Fair | 50+ |
| Stucco | Fair | Good | 50+ |
| Brick & Stone | Good | Excellent | 75+ |
| Faux Stone | Good | Good | 30-50 years |
The next section provides more details for each siding type, including its options and pros and cons.
Vinyl Siding
This is an extruded plastic material made from PVC resin for durability and resistance to the elements. The material is tinted in the production process, so the color goes all the way through.
There are three appearance options: Horizontal, vertical and shingle/shake panels.
Horizontal siding comes in Dutch lap, smooth and beaded styles. Panels are typically formed into single, double and triple board profiles.
Vertical siding in board & batten, cedar plank, beaded and additional styles are produced in a more limited range of options.
Board and batten vinyl siding via Alside
Vinyl shake and shingle panels feature 2 or 3 rows with up to 6 shakes or shingles per row. These panels are used either as the primary siding or accent siding in gables or above brick or stone.
Shake & Shingle Polymer Vinyl Siding Cedar Shake Impressions via CertainTeed
You have a wide array of colors to consider from white and light shades to deep reds, greens, blues and charcoals. Complimentary trim colors allow you to customize the look you want for your home.
Pros and Cons
The appeal of vinyl siding is its relatively affordable cost and low maintenance.
Pluses:
- Affordability
- Style and color options
- DIY-friendly installation
- Moisture and insect resistance
- Good fire rating, though it will melt in high heat
- Reduced fading with new color technology
- Very low maintenance
Insulated (R2 to R3) options, though not a good value compared to attaching siding to wall sheathing beneath the siding
Minuses:
- Shingle and shake styles cost up to 100% more than panels
- Brittleness and cracking with age/impact
- Falls short of “genuine wood” look
- Potential leaks, buckling and cracking with faulty installation
- Warranties of 25 years to “lifetime,” but expected longevity of 18 to 30 years
- Recyclable – but few locations accept it
Top Brands:
CertaintTeed, Georgia Pacific (GP), Alside / ABTCO, Kaycan, Mastic, Mitten, Timbercrest
