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Choosing siding is like choosing a suit for your home: it changes first impressions, protects what's underneath, and sets the tone for years. Siding shields your house from rain, wind, sun, and pests while improving curb appeal and resale value. Pick the wrong material and you might be repainting, repairing, or replacing sooner than you'd like. Pick the right one and you get a durable, low-maintenance exterior that ages gracefully.
Not all siding is made equal. Some materials prioritize looks, others durability, and some balance cost and maintenance. Below I walk through the common options so you can match your priorities—budget, appearance, lifespan, and climate—to the right material.
Vinyl is the go-to for many homeowners because it's affordable, low-maintenance, and available in many colors and profiles. Panels often come in 12- to 16-foot lengths and measure about 0.040 to 0.055 inches thick for standard grades, with premium options up to 0.090 inches. Costs typically range from $2 to $7 per square foot for materials, depending on grade and style. Vinyl resists rot and insects, but it can fade or crack in extreme heat or after impacts.
Fiber cement blends cement, sand, and cellulose fibers into panels or planks that mimic wood without the rot. Thickness is commonly 5/16 to 1/2 inch, and planks often come in 12- to 16-foot lengths. Expect $3.50 to $12 per square foot for materials. Fiber cement stands up well to fire, wind, and moisture, but it’s heavy—often 2 to 4 pounds per square foot—so installation usually requires professional crews and power tools.
Wood gives a timeless look, from cedar shakes to lap siding. Plank widths vary from 4 to 8 inches and thicknesses from 3/8 to 1 inch. Cost for quality wood siding ranges widely—typically $6 to $13 per square foot for materials. Wood offers natural insulation and beauty, but it needs regular staining or painting and is vulnerable to rot and insects if not cared for.
Engineered wood combines wood fibers with resin to create durable, paintable panels and planks. Thickness commonly runs from 7/16 to 5/8 inch. Engineered wood usually costs $3 to $8 per square foot, offering a middle ground between natural wood and fiber cement: better dimensional stability than natural wood, lighter than fiber cement, and often simpler to install.
Metal siding comes in panels or shingles and excels in durability and minimal maintenance. Aluminum panels are light and resist rust; steel is heavier but tougher, with galvanized or coated finishes. Typical panel widths are 12 to 16 inches, thickness measured in gauges—20 to 26 gauge is common. Material costs often range $4 to $10 per square foot. Metal can dent, but it’s fire-resistant and excellent for modern, industrial, or coastal homes.
Brick and stone veneer offer a solid, upscale look without the weight of full masonry. Veneer panels or thin bricks are usually 1 to 2 inches thick and applied over sheathing and a moisture barrier. Costs range from $6 to $20 per square foot for materials. Veneer is durable and low maintenance but typically one of the higher-cost siding choices.
Where you buy siding matters—retailers vary by price, selection, installation services, and contractor networks. Below are reputable U.S. stores and suppliers that homeowners frequently use for siding materials and services.
The Home Depot is a nationwide resource for siding, carrying vinyl, fiber cement (brands like James Hardie), engineered wood, and trim. You’ll find both materials and installation services through Home Depot’s contractor network. They offer measured pricing per square foot online and often run seasonal promotions that lower initial outlay for DIYers and homeowners hiring installers.
Lowe’s competes closely with Home Depot, stocking a broad siding assortment including vinyl, wood, fiber cement, and metal panels. Lowe’s also offers design tools, free in-store consultations, and an installation service network. If you prefer a hands-on buying experience, their showrooms let you compare textures and colors in person.
Menards serves many Midwestern homeowners and carries competitive-priced vinyl and engineered siding, plus trims and accessories. Menards often appeals to budget-conscious shoppers and contractors seeking bulk pricing. Their inventory suits both DIY installers and pro crews.
ABC Supply is one of the nation’s largest distributors to contractors, offering a wide selection of professional-grade siding from major manufacturers. If you’re working with a contractor, they may source materials through ABC Supply for access to volume discounts and hard-to-find profiles.
84 Lumber and Builders FirstSource specialize in building materials for professionals and serious DIYers. Both carry fiber cement, engineered wood, specialty trims, and installation accessories. They’re an excellent choice if your project needs custom lengths, bulk orders, or on-site delivery for new construction.
Don’t overlook local suppliers and specialty siding dealers who often stock regional favorites and provide personalized advice. Local shops can be a great resource for matching historical profiles, ordering custom colors, or arranging local contractor referrals.
Sites like BuildDirect, manufacturer websites (James Hardie, CertainTeed, Ply Gem), and trade-focused marketplaces let you compare styles and order specialty panels. Online buying makes sense for exact-match projects or when you’re combining a DIY install with professional touches.
Estimating costs doesn’t have to be scary. First, measure the exterior wall area in square feet: multiply wall length by wall height for each wall, subtract openings like windows and doors (each window often reduces about 15 to 25 square feet). For a 1,800-square-foot house, you might have roughly 1,200 to 1,600 square feet of siding depending on roofline and openings.
Example: If you buy vinyl siding at $4 per square foot for materials and the house needs 1,400 square feet, materials cost = 1,400 × $4 = $5,600. Add labor: professional installation for vinyl often runs $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot, so expect $2,100 to $4,900 labor. Total = $7,700 to $10,500. Fiber cement or wood will be higher because materials and labor typically cost more per square foot.
Are you the type to tackle weekend projects? DIY can save several hundred to several thousand dollars, especially on vinyl or engineered wood. But remember: siding requires straight walls, proper flashing, and breathable barriers to prevent rot and water intrusion. Mistakes can turn into costly repairs.
Professional installers bring speed, warranty options, and experience with tricky details like corners, window flashings, and transitions to different materials. For fiber cement and heavy cladding, professionals are usually the safer bet because of the weight and need for specialized cutting tools.
Climate should guide your choice. Coastal homes often favor fiber cement or vinyl with reinforced fastening systems to resist wind and salt spray, while cold climates benefit from insulated siding options that help reduce heat loss. Historic homes may call for natural wood or engineered wood profiles that match period details. Think of siding as both armor and fashion—pick materials that protect and complement the architectural style.
Insulated siding sandwiches a foam layer behind the cladding to increase R-value and cut drafts. While insulated siding costs more up front—often $1 to $3 extra per square foot—it can reduce heating bills and improve comfort. If energy efficiency is a priority, ask retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, or your local supplier about insulated siding systems.
Color and texture transform siding from bland to beautiful. Vinyl and fiber cement come in smooth, wood-grain, and cedar-shake textures, with profiles ranging from 4-inch clapboard to 12-inch Dutch lap. Lighter colors reflect heat, which matters in hotter climates, while darker tones can show heat expansion on vinyl—so choose wisely.
Many stores provide color samples or virtual visualization tools; take advantage of those to see how a color reads at different times of day. Small swatches can look great in a store but read differently under full sun on your house.
Some materials practically maintain themselves, while others ask for regular attention. Vinyl typically needs only occasional washing with a garden hose and mild detergent. Fiber cement requires repainting every 10 to 15 years if you choose painted finishes. Wood demands annual inspections and a fresh stain or paint every few years to prevent rot and insect damage. Metal resists rot and pests but may need touch-up for scratches to avoid corrosion over time.
Warranties vary by material, brand, and retailer. Ask whether the warranty covers fading, structural failure, or installation errors. Some manufacturers void warranties if a certified installer isn’t used. Retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe’s often list manufacturer warranty details and may offer extended protection plans. Read the fine print and confirm whether color matching will be available years down the road.
Want to get the best value? Start with these practical tips: get at least three quotes, compare material and labor separately, and factor in trim, underlayment, fasteners, and disposal. Ask retailers about bulk discounts and seasonal sales—siding often goes on promotion during late spring and summer. If you’re working with a contractor, have them source samples or order through pro-oriented suppliers like ABC Supply to access professional-grade products.
Big-box stores provide convenience, consistent pricing, and return policies that help homeowners who change their minds. Specialty suppliers and distributors often offer a wider selection of high-end or custom profiles and may provide better support for unique projects. Choose based on whether you need custom orders, volume discounts, or the convenience of same-day pickup.
Before you sign a contract or place an order, check local building codes, historic district guidelines, and HOA rules. Some neighborhoods require specific materials or colors. Also consider long-term resale: neutral, time-tested colors and durable materials can increase marketability. If you’re unsure, pick a mid-range product from a well-known manufacturer sold at major retailers—this balances cost, warranty, and availability of replacement pieces.
Siding is one of the most visible and functional upgrades you can make to a home. Whether you prioritize budget, curb appeal, longevity, or sustainability, there’s a siding material and supplier that fits. National retailers like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, Menards, and supplier networks such as ABC Supply and Builders FirstSource provide choices for both DIYers and professionals. Take time to measure accurately, compare materials and total costs, and talk to local suppliers or pro installers when needed. With the right siding, your house will look sharper, stay drier, and perform better for years to come.
