Wood Siding
Wood siding is a high-quality siding choice known for its timeless beauty and versatility, making it a popular choice for homeowners looking for the best siding material for their house. With options like Pine, Spruce, Fir Clapboard, Cedar, or Redwood, you can choose a style and grain that fits both your unique style. Each wood type brings its own unique texture, durability, and character to your home’s exterior.
Average Lifespan
When properly cared for, wood siding is ideal for custom-built homes in Ohio because it can last 40 to 60 years or more. Regular maintenance like painting or staining every few years, sealing against moisture, and inspecting for pests will significantly extend its lifespan.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Organic Charm: Wood offers a warm, classic look with rich textures and grain patterns that enhance curb appeal.
- Versatile Style: Match your high-quality wood siding to your style by customizing it with paint or stain.
Cons:
- Needs Regular Attention: Wood siding requires regular sealing, painting, or staining to protect against harsh weather, moisture, and insects.
- Less Durable: Compared to other types of siding, wood can be prone to rot, pests, and warping when exposed to harsh weather and without proper maintenance.
Cost & Installation Fees
Material Costs* (per square foot):
- Standard Wood Siding (Pine, Spruce, or Fir Clapboard): $2.00–$3.50
- Premium Wood Siding (Cedar or Redwood): $4.00–$8.00
Installation Costs* (per square foot):
- Standard Wood Siding: $2.50–$5.00
- Premium Wood Siding: $4.00–$7.00
*Installation and material costs may vary depending on the complexity of the project and the specific wood siding used.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a popular choice for homeowners seeking an affordable, low-maintenance exterior solution. Known for its durability and resistance to weather, it offers a variety of colors and styles to complement any home design. Vinyl siding is also easy to clean, making it a practical option for those looking for types of siding that are low maintenance yet stylish.
Average Lifespan
With proper maintenance, vinyl siding can last between 20 to 40 years. You can extend its lifespan by cleaning it regularly, maintaining gutters and downspouts, inspecting for damage, clearing away debris, and taking steps to shield it from extreme weather conditions. For example, in areas prone to heavy storms and tornadoes, temporary protective panels or storm screens can be used to reduce the risk of impact damage.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Minimal Upkeep: Vinyl siding is popular among home siding options because it is low maintenance. Homeowners love that it doesn’t need to be painted and is resistant to rot, pests, and mold.
- Durable: This is the best type of siding for holding up against harsh weather conditions, including rain, snow, and UV rays, without fading or warping.
Cons:
- May Crack Over Time: Without proper maintenance, there is potential for vinyl siding to crack or become discolored in extreme weather conditions.
- Limited Aesthetics: While aesthetics are subjective, vinyl siding does lack the natural texture that homeowners may prefer.
Cost & Installation Fees
Material Costs* (per square foot):
- Standard Vinyl Siding: $3.47
- Insulated Vinyl Siding: $6.00–$15.00
Installation Costs*: $3.40–$11.54 per square foot
*Installation and material costs may vary depending on the complexity of the project and the specific vinyl siding used.
Natural Stone
Natural stone siding is a high-quality siding option known for its timeless elegance and exceptional durability. Each stone is uniquely textured and colored, giving homes a unique high-end appearance that can last for generations. Out of all the home exterior options, natural stone is the best siding material for homeowners looking to make a generations-long investment in their property.
Average Lifespan
With proper care, natural stone siding can last 100 to 200+ years. It is exceptionally durable, resistant to weather, fire, and pests, and requires minimal maintenance.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Long Lifespan: Natural stone is one of the most durable home exterior options on the market, able to resist harsh weather, fire, and pests for centuries.
- Timeless, Elegant Style: This is the best siding material for homeowners who desire a luxurious and unique look that won’t go out of style.
Cons:
- Expensive: Natural stone is an investment, both in terms of materials and installation.
- Difficult Installation: The weight of natural stone requires professional installation and may need additional structural support, increasing time and cost.
Cost & Installation Fees
Material Costs* (per square foot):
- Slate: $4.50–$10.00
- Basalt: $7.00–$11.00
- Granite: $15.00–$35.00
- Limestone: $20.00–$28.00
- Sandstone: $15.00–$30.00
Installation Costs*: $9.00–$15.00 per square foot
*Installation and material costs may vary depending on the complexity of the project and the specific natural stone used.
Stone and Brick Veneer
Stone and brick veneer are popular alternatives to natural stone options, offering a similar style at a lower price point. Made from lightweight materials like concrete or manufactured stone, this high-quality siding is easy to install while still providing exceptional curb appeal. Ideal for both full facades and accent areas, stone veneer blends seamlessly with any style.
Average Lifespan
Veneer options have an average lifespan of 50 to 75 years when properly installed and maintained. With regular inspections, proper sealing, and protection from moisture infiltration, homeowners can maximize their veneer’s lifespan.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Cost Effective: Stone and brick veneer provide the premier look of natural stone at a fraction of the cost.
- Simple Installation: This type of siding is lighter than natural stone, meaning faster installation and less need for structural reinforcement.
Cons:
- Potentially Vulnerable to Moisture: Without proper sealing and installation, moisture can get behind the veneer, leading to damage or mold issues.
- Shorter Lifespan: Though veneer is extremely durable, it does have a shorter lifespan compared to its counterparts, natural stone and brick.
Cost & Installation Fees
Material Costs*: $4–$21 per square foot
Installation Costs*: $6–$24 per square foot
*Installation and material costs may vary depending on the complexity of the project and the veneer used.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement is a durable, high-quality siding material that combines the strength of cement with the look of wood, stucco, or masonry. It’s known for its resistance to fire, pests, moisture, and harsh weather, making it the best siding material for homeowners.
Average Lifespan
With proper installation and maintenance, fiber cement siding typically lasts 50 to 100 years. Its resistance to rot, fire, insects, and extreme weather makes it one of the most durable and low-maintenance siding options available.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Strong and Durable: Fiber cement can withstand harsh elements, pests, fire, and moisture without warping or cracking.
- Versatile Style: This type of siding can mimic the look of wood, stucco, or masonry, giving homeowners flexible design options.
Cons:
- Labor Intensive: Due to its weight, fiber cement requires professional installation and may take longer to apply.
- Higher Cost: While more affordable than natural stone, fiber cement tends to cost more than vinyl or wood in both materials and labor.
Cost & Installation Fees
Material Costs* (per square foot):
- Standard Fiber Cement Planks: $3.00–$9.00
- Decorative Shingles & Panels: $6.00–$10.00
Installation Costs* (per square foot):
- Basic Installation: $4.00–$5.00
- Complex Installations (intricate designs, multiple stories): $8.00–$14.00
*Installation and material costs may vary depending on the complexity of the project and the specific fiber cement used.
Brick
Brick siding is a timeless and durable choice that adds character and lasting value to any home. Known for its classic appearance and exceptional strength, brick requires minimal maintenance and stands up well to fire and harsh weather.
Average Lifespan
Brick siding can last 75 to 100+ years with minimal maintenance. Its natural durability, resistance to harsh elements, and ability to withstand extreme weather contribute to its impressive longevity.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Durable, Low-Maintenance: Brick is resistant to fire, pests, and weather, and rarely needs repairs or upkeep.
- Energy Efficient: This is the best type of siding for regulating indoor temperatures thanks to its thermal mass.
Cons:
- Pricey Installation: Due to labor and material costs, brick can be one of the more expensive types of siding.
- Limited Design Flexibility: Once installed, it is difficult to change the look or color of brick without major renovations.
Cost & Installation Fees
Material Costs* (per square foot):
- Standard Clay Brick: $0.50–$3.50
- Interlocking Brick: $6.00–$25.00
Installation Costs* (per square foot):
- Standard Clay Brick: $5.00–$7.00
- Interlocking Brick: $3.00–$6.00
*Installation and material costs may vary depending on the complexity of the project and the specific brick used.
Steel Siding
Steel siding is a sleek, modern home exterior option known for its durability and low maintenance. Resistant to fire, pests, rot, and extreme weather, it’s a practical choice for homeowners who want long-lasting protection with a contemporary look.
Average Lifespan
Steel siding typically lasts 40 to 100+ years with proper care. Its resistance to rust, fire, pests, and weather makes it one of the best siding materials when it comes to durability, especially when coated or galvanized for added protection.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Extremely Durable: Steel holds up against harsh elements, making it a long-lasting, protective home exterior option.
- Low Maintenance: This high-quality siding doesn’t warp, crack, or rot, and requires very little upkeep compared to other types of sidings.
Cons:
- Potential for Rust in Humid Climates: Ohio residents who live near Lake Erie or in areas with high moisture levels should be cautious about the potential for rust formation if steel siding is not properly treated.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Without proper installation, steel siding may warp or become noisy from Ohio’s constantly changing temperatures.
Cost & Installation Fees
Material Costs* (per square foot):
- Standard Steel Siding Panels: $4.25–$6.50
- Premium Steel Siding Options: $6.00–$10.00
Installation Costs*: $4.33–$5.48 per square foot
*Installation and material costs may vary depending on the complexity of the project and the specific steel siding used.
Build a Durable Home with Weaver Custom Homes
If you’re ready to build your dream home, Weaver Custom Homes is ready to bring your vision to life! As one of the most trusted home builders in Ohio, our team of experts will work closely with you to understand your goals and guide you to the best home siding options on the market. Schedule an appointment to begin discussing your custom home!
