What Are The Best House Siding Options? How To Choose
- srcustommasonry
- Aug 13
- 7 min read
Choosing the best siding options for your home is a big decision that can affect both how your house looks and how well it’s protected. When you think about it, siding is meant to shield your home from the elements for years and years. Where you live and your local climate play a huge role in picking the right material. So let’s break down which siding works best for different situations and talk about combinations that balance great looks with lasting function.
Best Types of Siding For Homes
1. Wood Shingle Siding
Wood shingles have a cozy, timeless vibe that makes any home feel warm and inviting. Think of those charming cottages or classic beach houses where wood shingles add a bit of texture and character. These shingles are often made from cedar or redwood because they naturally resist rot and bugs better than other woods. Still, wood siding isn’t a “set it and forget it” kind of deal. It needs regular care and upkeep, like painting or staining, to keep it looking great and to protect it from weather damage. If you like the idea of your house aging gracefully and showing natural wood grain, wood shingles are a great choice.
That said, wood shingles can be a bit high-maintenance compared to vinyl or fiber cement. If you’re okay with the upkeep, you’ll enjoy a look that’s hard to beat. Also, they can be pricier upfront, so it’s worth weighing the investment.
Pros:
● Gives a warm, natural look
● Good insulation qualities
● Eco-friendly if sustainably harvested
Cons:
● Needs regular staining or painting
● Prone to moisture damage if not maintained
● Installation and materials can be on the pricey side
2. Stone Veneer Siding
Stone veneer gives your home that rich, high-end feel without the hassle of heavy real stone. It’s basically thin pieces of stone glued or mortared onto your house. You get the rugged, natural look of stone without the extra weight or cost. It’s a smart option if you want your home to stand out with a strong, durable exterior that can handle harsh weather. It holds up well against wind, rain, and sun, so you won’t have to worry much about wear and tear.
One thing to keep in mind is that stone veneer needs a skilled installer to make sure it looks seamless and stays put for years. While the material itself is tough, it can chip or crack if hit hard by something like a stray ball or branch. Still, with proper care, it adds real curb appeal and resale value to your home.
Pros:
● Elegant and timeless appearance
● Durable against weather and impact
● Lighter and easier to install than real stone
Cons:
● Can be expensive to install
● Needs professional installation
● Potential for chips if struck hard
3. Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is often a favorite because it’s affordable and easy to care for. It comes in a huge range of colors and styles, so you can find something that fits your home’s personality. One of the best things about vinyl is that it doesn’t rot or attract bugs like wood can. Cleaning it is a breeze, too. It’s usually just a quick rinse with the hose and some soap. If you want a no-fuss, budget-friendly option, vinyl is tough to beat.
On the flip side, vinyl doesn’t always have the most natural look, especially close up. It can sometimes feel a bit plastic or cheap compared to real wood or stone. Plus, extreme weather like hail or high heat might cause it to crack or fade over time. But for many people, vinyl’s low maintenance and cost savings outweigh these downsides.
Pros:
● Very affordable and low maintenance
● Wide selection of colors and textures
● Resistant to rot and insect damage
Cons:
● Can fade or crack with weather extremes
● Less natural look and feel
● Damage can be hard to repair
4. Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is like the tough, reliable friend of the siding world. It looks a lot like wood, but it won’t rot, warp, or get eaten by bugs. It’s made from a mix of cement, sand, and fibers, so it’s super strong and fire-resistant. You’ll see this siding on homes where durability is a top priority, but where people still want a natural wood look. It still needs painting, but not as often as regular wood siding.
Because fiber cement is heavier and harder to cut, installing it can be a bit of a challenge. It also costs more than vinyl or some engineered woods. But if you’re planning to stay put for a while and want a siding that can stand up to harsh weather, fiber cement is a great option.
Pros:
● Extremely durable and fire resistant
● Looks very similar to natural wood
● Low risk of insect or rot damage
Cons:
● Heavy and harder to install
● Requires occasional painting
● Higher cost compared to vinyl
5. Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding blends the natural beauty of wood with modern
technology to make it last longer. It’s made from wood fibers combined with resins and other materials, which makes it stronger and more resistant to moisture and pests. Compared to real wood, it’s lighter and easier to install but still offers that authentic wood look that most homeowners love. This siding is a nice middle ground if you want something that looks good but won’t require tons of upkeep.
You’ll still need to paint or stain engineered wood to keep it protected and looking fresh. It won’t last as long as fiber cement, but it can give you more warmth and charm.
Pros:
● Authentic wood appearance
● Better moisture resistance than real wood
● Lightweight and easier to install
Cons:
● Needs regular painting or staining
● Not as durable as fiber cement
● Can be damaged by water if not sealed properly
6. Cedar and Pine Siding
Cedar siding stands out because it naturally resists insects and decay, and it weathers to a lovely silver-gray if you don’t stain it. Pine is a bit softer and less expensive, but needs more protection against weather and bugs. Both give your home a warm, organic feel that many people find appealing. The catch is that both need regular maintenance. You’ll want to paint, stain, or seal them every few years to keep them in good shape.
Pros:
● Beautiful natural wood look
● Cedar naturally resists bugs and rot
● Can be painted or stained any color
Cons:
● Requires regular sealing or painting
● Pine is less durable than cedar
● Higher maintenance than synthetic siding
7. Stucco Siding
Stucco gives homes a smooth, clean look that works especially well in warm, dry climates. It’s a type of plaster made from cement, sand, and lime that’s applied in layers over a wire mesh. Stucco can be textured or smooth and painted in nearly any color you want. It’s common in southwestern and Mediterranean-style homes because it handles heat and sun exposure really well. Plus, it’s fire-resistant and doesn’t attract pests.
However, stucco isn’t great for places with a lot of rain or humidity. It can crack over time if the home shifts or if moisture gets behind it. Fixing those cracks is important to avoid bigger problems. Stucco installation also requires skilled labor, and it can take longer than other siding options.
Pros:
● Smooth, customizable look
● Great for hot, dry climates
● Fire-resistant and pest-resistant
Cons:
● Can crack if exposed to moisture
● Needs skilled installation
● Not ideal for wet or humid areas
8. Brick Veneer Siding
Brick veneer offers the charm and toughness of real brick but without the massive weight. It’s a single layer of bricks attached to your home’s exterior, giving that classic, solid brick look. This siding is low maintenance and stands up well to weather, fire, and pests. It also adds curb appeal and can increase your home’s value. Plus, brick doesn’t fade or need painting, so it stays looking great for decades.
The main drawback is the upfront cost. Brick veneer siding can be expensive to install because of the materials and labor. Also, it’s not as insulating as some other options, so you might want to add extra insulation behind it. Repairing damaged bricks can be tricky, but overall, it’s a long-lasting siding choice that looks fantastic on many homes.
Pros:
● Classic, elegant appearance
● Durable and low maintenance
● Fire and pest resistant
Cons:
● Higher initial cost
● Less insulation without added layers
● Repairs can be difficult
Best Siding Combos
Combining different siding materials can really elevate your home’s style. It’s a smart way to add curb appeal without the cost of using expensive siding everywhere. A popular look is pairing stone veneer with wood shingles or cedar siding. The stone adds a sturdy, grounded feel at the base, while the wood brings warmth and texture higher up. This combo works especially well on craftsman or rustic-style homes, giving a balanced mix of natural elements that stand out without clashing.
For those more focused on function, combining fiber cement with vinyl siding is a smart move. Fiber cement can be used on the front or high-impact areas for durability and style, while vinyl covers the sides and back to keep costs down and maintenance easy. This mix lets you get the best of both worlds: strength where you need it and budget-friendly simplicity where you don’t.
Another great combo is using brick veneer along with engineered wood or fiber cement. The brick adds classic toughness and low maintenance, while the wood or fiber cement can provide color variety and design flexibility. This blend often suits traditional and modern homes alike, offering a timeless look that holds up well through different seasons and weather conditions.
What Are The Best House Siding Options Conclusion
Choosing the right siding is about more than just looks. It’s about finding a solution that fits your lifestyle, climate, and budget while making your home feel like your own. Whether you want something low maintenance, durable, or uniquely stylish, the options and combinations are endless. If you’re thinking about updating your siding or tackling any other home renovation project, our experienced team at S&R Masonry in Salt Lake City is here to guide you. We don’t just handle the installation. We work closely with you during the design process to bring your vision to life and make sure the final result feels just right.
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