What Are Your House Siding Options? A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Material

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and remains one of the most widely installed exterior siding materials in the country. With a typical lifespan of 20 to 40 years, it’s a popular choice for homeowners who want an affordable way to refresh their home’s exterior.

Why Homeowners Choose Vinyl

• Affordability: One of the least expensive siding options per square foot.
• Low maintenance: No painting or staining needed. A simple wash keeps it looking clean.
• Wide variety of colors and styles: Vinyl can mimic the look of wood grain, cedar shakes, and even stone.
• Lightweight and easy to install: This keeps labor costs lower than heavier materials.

Things to Keep in Mind

Vinyl can crack in extreme cold and may warp under intense heat. In areas prone to high winds, upgraded fastening systems can help. It holds up well in moderate climates like South Carolina.

Average cost per square foot: $3–$8 installed

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding is made from a blend of portland cement, cellulose fiber, sand, and water. James Hardie is the most recognized manufacturer. Fiber cement typically lasts 30 to 50 years, making it one of the longer-lasting options available.

Why Homeowners Choose Fiber Cement

• Fire resistant: Fiber cement is noncombustible and carries a Class A fire rating, the highest available for building materials.
• Pest resistant: Unlike wood, fiber cement won’t attract termites or woodpeckers.
• Holds paint well: It holds color longer than most wood siding.
• Handles humidity: A major advantage in the Southeast, where moisture and heat can wear down other materials quickly.

Things to Keep in Mind

Fiber cement is heavier than vinyl and costs more to install. It also needs repainting every 10 to 15 years. The upfront cost is higher, but long-term maintenance costs tend to stay reasonable.

Average cost per square foot: $6–$13 installed

Natural Wood Siding

Natural wood siding has been used on homes for centuries and offers a classic appearance that’s hard to replicate. Options include cedar shingles, cedar shakes, pine, spruce, and redwood, available in horizontal planks, vertical siding, or shingle patterns. Depending on the species and upkeep, wood siding can last 15 to 40 years.

Why Homeowners Choose Wood

• Timeless aesthetic appeal: Real wood brings warmth and rustic charm that many homeowners love.
• Architectural style flexibility: Wood works well with traditional, craftsman, farmhouse, and coastal designs.
• Paintable and stainable: You can change the look whenever you want.
• Eco-friendly. Wood is a renewable resource and biodegradable.

Things to Keep in Mind

Wood siding demands regular upkeep. It needs painting or staining every 3 to 7 years and should be inspected for rot, insect damage, or moisture intrusion. In humid climates, this is especially important.

Average cost per square foot: $6–$14 installed

Metal Siding

Metal siding, including steel siding and aluminum siding, is gaining popularity in residential applications. It comes in standing seam panels, corrugated sheets, and designs that mimic wood or stone, with a typical lifespan of 40 to 70 years.

Why Homeowners Choose Metal

• Stands up to harsh weather: Metal resists high winds, hail, and heavy rain better than many other materials.
• Minimal maintenance: Metal doesn’t rot, warp, or attract pests.
• Energy efficiency: Reflective coatings can reduce cooling costs, a real benefit in South Carolina’s warm summers.
• Recyclable: Most metal siding is made from recycled content and is fully recyclable at end of life.

Things to Keep in Mind

Aluminum can dent on impact, and steel siding may rust if the protective coating is compromised. Metal tends to cost more upfront than vinyl.

Average cost per square foot: $7–$15 installed

Stone Veneer and Natural Stone Siding

Stone veneer siding gives you the look of natural stone without the weight or cost of solid stone. It can be made from real stone slices or manufactured materials, and routinely lasts 50 years or more. Full natural stone is also available, though significantly more expensive.

Why Homeowners Choose Stone

• Unmatched curb appeal: Stone adds an upscale, timeless look to any home’s exterior.
• Weather resistant: Stone handles moisture, heat, cold, and UV exposure without fading.
• Works as an accent or full application: Many homeowners use stone veneer on a front-facing wall or lower portion of the home for a dramatic effect.

Things to Keep in Mind

Stone veneer is one of the more expensive siding options. Professional installation is a must, as improper mounting can trap moisture behind the veneer.

Average cost per square foot: $11–$25+ installed (natural stone can go even higher)

Brick and Brick Veneer Siding

Brick siding is a longtime favorite in the Southeast, and you’ll see it on homes throughout Columbia, SC. Traditional full brick is structural and can last well over 100 years, while brick veneer is a thinner layer applied over a frame wall with a typical lifespan of 50 to 75+ years. Either way, brick outlasts most other siding materials on the market.

Why Homeowners Choose Brick

• Low maintenance: Aside from occasional mortar repointing, brick needs very little attention:
• Fire resistant: Brick is noncombustible and does not ignite, spread flames, or produce smoke.
• Pest proof: Insects and rodents cannot burrow into or damage brick.
• Strong home’s curb appeal. Brick gives a home a refined, established look.

Things to Keep in Mind

Brick is one of the most expensive options upfront and is difficult to modify once installed. If you want to change your home’s exterior color or style later, brick limits your flexibility.

Average cost per square foot: $10–$20+ installed

Composite Siding and Engineered Wood

Composite siding is made from a mix of materials designed to mimic real wood with less upkeep. Some use wood fibers as a base, while others are fully synthetic. Engineered wood, sometimes called LP SmartSide, is one of the most well-known options in this category. Most composite products last 20 to 30 years.

Why Homeowners Choose Composite

• Looks like wood, acts like vinyl: You get the aesthetic appeal of natural wood siding with far less maintenance.
• Resists moisture and insects: Composite materials are treated during manufacturing to hold up against the conditions that break down real wood.
• Cost-effective middle ground: Typically costs less than fiber cement and natural wood but more than vinyl.

Average cost per square foot: $5–$11 installed

Choosing the Right Siding for Your Climate