4 Types of Siding: Comparing Vinyl, Wood, Metal,
and Fiber Cement

Home siding material is the protective and decorative cladding that covers the exterior of a home or other building. Few home improvements or repairs can enhance the performance, curb appeal, and value of your house like new siding. Various siding materials have come and gone over the years, but a handful of standards have remained, along with the occasional newcomer. For example, no one uses asbestos siding anymore, and fiberglass and hardboard composite siding have been largely replaced with vinyl and a new standard, fiber cement. The four types of exterior siding for houses explored below include:

• Vinyl

• Wood

• Metal

• Fiber cement

When deciding on siding, you'll find a range of colors, but the style of your house will influence what you choose. For example, classic colors look best on Colonial styles while pastels and brighter colors feel at home on Victorian houses. You'll also want to consider your budget. Though vinyl is the cheapest and fiberboard is the most expensive, your house will benefit from the update. Siding also adds R-value to your home, which means the material can help improve the energy efficiency of your house. But not all siding has the same R-value, and it can be surprising to learn which materials have good and not-so-great R-values.

Here's a more in-depth look at the cost of siding, features, and maintenance considerations of these popular materials, as well as the timeless options of wood and metal.