The Definitive Buyer’s Guide To Exterior Siding

what is stone veneer
Stone Veneer vs. Natural Stone: Which is Best For Your Home
July 29, 2021

Choosing new siding for your home is an exciting and important decision. The siding is one of the first things people notice as they turn into your driveway and your home comes into view. If you’re struggling to decide which type of exterior siding adds to the beauty of your home, you’ve come to the right place.

Many wonder if siding a house will leave their pockets empty. The burning question that comes to mind as people choose a design is: how much does siding cost?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question isn’t black and white. We can say that it shouldn’t be unreasonably expensive, though! That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive buyer’s guide to exterior siding to help you better understand your options. We will go over the cost to side a house, different materials, and quality factors.

Top Types of Exterior Siding

There are plenty of options when it comes to exterior siding. With various price points and different styles, it can be difficult to choose the right siding for your home. We will cover the top types of siding along with their associated costs and pros and cons.

Vinyl

Vinyl is a popular choice among homeowners, and for a good reason. It is lightweight but durable and resists knicks and scratches. The material comes in many different panel styles, including ones that mimic wood grain. The siding installation cost is low for vinyl siding because it is easy to install and isn’t too heavy.

Insulated vinyl is another option that will help make your home energy efficient. This kind of vinyl boasts a polystyrene foam that provides an insulation value of R-2 to R-6. Pricewise, it usually runs about 15% more than regular vinyl siding so take that into consideration.

Cost: The average installation cost of vinyl siding is $7.50 per square foot.
Pros: Durability, color options, lightweight
Cons: It is not as long-lasting as other options, may permit moisture below the surface

Fiber Cement

Fiber cement siding wins the award for being durable and low maintenance. Made from wood pulp, cement, clay, and sand, this siding material can be molded in different styles. You can easily paint fiber cement siding, and it comes in many varieties of panels. Some of the best things about fiber cement are it is termite-proof, fire-resistant, and will not rot over time.

When thinking about how much siding costs, this option is not the most cost-effective as it is expensive to install. The material is heavy, and special tools are needed to install it properly.

Cost: The average installation cost of fiber cement siding is $9.25 per square foot.
Pros: Long-lasting, low maintenance, paintable
Cons: Installation cost, heavyweight

Stucco

Stucco is a very long-lasting exterior siding option because of the epoxy in its mixture. The epoxy prevents stucco from cracking and chipping to ensure a lasting finish. It is resistant to fire and insects as well as beautifully colored. Toners are mixed into the stucco to create organic colors that are easy to maintain.

Cost: The average installation cost of stucco siding is $7.50 per square foot.
Pros: Long-lasting, low maintenance
Cons: Absorbs moisture, chance of mold or dark spots

Wood

Natural wood is a gorgeous exterior siding option if you are dedicated to taking care of it. Depending on the finish you choose, it will need to be reapplied as frequently as every two years. Wood siding is relatively easy to install and can sometimes be made into a DIY project. It is easy to cut and is highly sustainable which is a plus. However, high-quality grades of wood can become pricey, so you may need to budget carefully with this option.

Costs: The average installation cost of wood siding is $9.25 per square foot.
Pros: Aesthetic-looking, sustainable
Cons: High maintenance, can get expensive

Stone Veneer

Achieve the timeless aesthetic of natural stone with stone veneer siding. These panels come in varying colors and textures that mimic natural stone. Give your home an organic or modern feel with stone veneer siding. Stone veneer siding is an easy-to-maintain and long-lasting option for exterior siding.

The cost to reside a home with stone veneer can actually be quite affordable. You just need to find the right company to work with. It is much less expensive than installing truly natural stone because it is manufactured to be lighter and thinner.

Costs: The average installation cost of stone veneer siding is $8.12 per square foot.
Pros: Beautiful natural appearance, affordable price, many options
Cons: Not as strong as real stone

As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to every type of exterior siding. To answer “How much does siding cost?” with a single answer wouldn’t be accurate. Hopefully, this guide helped you compare the prices and qualities of several popular siding options.

Upgrade Your Home with Stone Veneer From Be.On Stone

Be.On Stone is the perfect solution for adding a stone aesthetic to your home. We take pride in our revolutionary approach to stone veneer that is cost-effective, quick to install, and high-quality.

All of our products are backed by a 50-year warranty to deliver peace of mind to our customers. Our streamlined installation process eliminates the need for mortar or grout, and siding can be installed in any weather conditions. Be.On Stone is approved by the IAPMO (International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials) and the CCMC (Canadian Construction Materials Centre).

Serving both the United States and Canada, find where to buy Be.On Stone today! For questions or more information, please feel free to contact us.