There may be nothing more important in creating a lasting character and impression of your home than the siding you choose. The feel and appearance of your home is largely dependent on what type of siding your home adorns, as can be seen in the differences between wooden, stone and vinyl siding. Each gives a unique look and atmosphere that is drastically different from the other.

Below we explore just a few types of siding options that are commonly found on homes.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is a durable option that is designed to resist damage that can result from moisture and inclement weather. It can mimic other siding options, like wood, but without some of the more significant maintenance that other types of siding require. It comes in a variety of colors and styles, with options sure to fit the aesthetic needs of any prospective homeowner.

It can be cleaned with soap and water, offering an easy-clean material for homeowners who aren’t looking to regular pay for repeated maintenance.

Stucco

Stucco frequently comes in two options; traditional and synthetic. Traditional is made from Portland cement, sand lime and water, while synthetic stucco siding is multilayered with foam insulation board, synthetic stucco, fiberglass mesh and a top coat.

Synthetic stucco is an extremely energy efficient material, but traditional stucco is less likely to absorb water in wet conditions, whereas synthetic stucco is prone to absorbing moisture and damaging from it.

Stone

Stone is a durable and low maintenance siding option, available in a multitude of styles, colors and sizes. These options make stone an extremely versatile material, able to be used along with various home styles.

Depending on the quality of stone, prices for stone siding may be on the higher side. However, stone quarries offer thin stone veneers that have lowered the cost of stone siding options.

Wood

Wood siding may be one of the most attractive siding options on the list, offering a rich, natural look to homes. Wood can come in clapboard, shakes and shingles, offering multiple aesthetic options for homeowners to choose from.

The primary drawback of wood siding is the maintenance it requires. It needs to be chalked, painted or stained periodically o prevent damage and wear. The amount of time wood siding lasts mainly depends on the attention it receives in regard to maintenance.

Brick

Brick offers a traditional, refined look that can really fit a variety of home styles. Brick gives a classy, beautiful look and has numerous functional benefits as well. Out of all the siding options on the list, brick is arguably the most durable and is an extremely low maintenance siding material.

The only disadvantage to choosing brick for your home: the price. Out of all the options on this list, it is definitely one of the most expensive choices.

Fiber Cement

Fiber Cement uses water, wood pulp, fly ash and Portland cement to create a versatile siding material that is aesthetically pleasing, durable and friendly on the wallet. Plus, fiber cement requires less maintenance than other siding options, making it a prime option for home siding no matter what type of weather or outdoor conditions your home endures.

Metal

Metal isn’t a very common siding material, but it can offer a unique industrial look to modern homes. Types can vary, with metal siding ranging from copper to steel. It is often a very low maintenance and durable material like its stone and brick counterparts.

Cost can vary significantly depending on what type of metal you choose, so there isn’t much of an industry standard in terms of what metal siding usually costs.

While not a comprehensive list of siding options for prospective homeowners, these siding options detailed above offer a starting point for people unsure of what type of siding to pursue for their homes.