Your home’s siding is more than just a pretty face—it’s the first line of defense against the elements, a key player in energy efficiency, and a major contributor to your home’s curb appeal. Whether you’re building a new home or giving your current one a facelift, the siding you choose plays a huge role in how your home looks, performs, and stands up to the test of time.
But let’s be honest: choosing the right siding material can feel overwhelming. With so many options out there, how do you know which one is best for your home, your budget, and your lifestyle? The truth is, the decision impacts everything from durability and maintenance to long-term costs and even your home’s resale value. That’s why it’s so important to get it right.
In this article, we’ll break down the four most popular siding materials—fiber cement, vinyl, wood, and engineered wood—to help you understand the pros, cons, and unique features of each. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of which option might be the best fit for your home.
Fiber cement siding is made from a mix of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, which gives it a unique combination of strength and versatility. It’s tough, durable, and designed to stand up to just about anything Mother Nature throws at it.
If you’re looking for siding that can handle extreme weather, resist fire, and keep pests at bay, fiber cement is a top contender. Plus, it has a true wood-like look without the headaches of real wood.
It’s made from a blend of three primary materials:
The result is a siding material that combines the best qualities of cement (strength and durability) with the workability and aesthetic appearance of wood.
The unique composition and manufacturing process give fiber cement siding a unique combination of strengths:
Like all great products, however, there is one downside: fiber cement tends to cost more than traditional options like vinyl.
Fiber cement siding is ideal for homeowners who want a durable, low-maintenance option that doesn’t sacrifice style. If you’re looking for a siding material that can handle extreme weather, resist pests, and give your home a high-end look, fiber cement is your best option.
Fiber cement siding performs well in almost any climate. It won’t warp in humidity, crack in freezing temperatures, or fade under intense sunlight. Whether you live in a region with harsh winters, hot summers, or frequent rain, fiber cement siding is designed to hold up beautifully over time.
The undisputed leader in fiber cement siding, James Hardie is known for its durability, wide range of styles, and ColorPlus® technology that resists fading. It’s a top choice for homeowners who want a premium product that stands up to harsh weather.
Another contender, Allura offers fiber cement siding that’s more affordable than Hardie but tends to be more brittle. It’s a decent option if you’re looking for a balance of performance and value.
Known for its innovative designs, Nichiha offers fiber cement siding with unique textures and finishes that mimic wood, stone, and other materials. It’s perfect for homeowners who want a high-end, custom look.
Alright, let’s talk vinyl siding. It’s made from PVC—basically a tough plastic—and it’s been the go-to siding for a lot of homeowners because it’s affordable, easy to take care of, and comes in a bunch of colors and styles. It’s everywhere, honestly. Drive through just about any neighborhood, and you’ll see it. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done.
Vinyl siding is great if you want an affordable option. Some people call it low-maintenance, but that’s only true if you live in a mild climate. If you’re looking for a quick, no-fuss way to spruce up your home’s exterior and you don’t get many hailstorms or temperature extremes, vinyl siding is a decent pick.
Like we’ve been saying, vinyl siding works best in places with moderate weather. If you’re in a super sunny area, UV-resistant vinyl can help prevent fading, but it’s still not ideal for extreme heat. And if you’re dealing with freezing winters, vinyl can get brittle and crack under pressure.
For tougher climates, you might want to look into thicker, premium vinyl options, but honestly, materials like fiber cement are a better bet if you’re dealing with harsh weather.
CertainTeed is one of the most trusted names in vinyl siding, offering a wide variety of colors, styles, and textures. Their insulated vinyl siding is a standout for improving energy efficiency.
Mastic is known for its durability and affordability, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners. They also offer a range of designer colors and profiles.
Royal Building Products is another top brand, offering vinyl siding that’s both stylish and durable. Their products are designed to resist fading and cracking, even in tough climates.
Unlike a lot of synthetic siding products that go in and out of style (aluminum siding was all the rage in the 70s), wood siding is truly timeless. It’s the kind of siding that gives your home a warm, natural look—think cedar, pine, or redwood, each with its own personality. You’ve probably seen it on cottages or historic homes where it fits perfectly.
Like fiber cement, it comes in different styles, like clapboard, shingles, or board-and-batten, so you can get the exact vibe you’re going for, whether that’s rustic, traditional, or something in between.
But wood, like a lot of old-fashioned charm, is a labor of love. You have to take good care of it or you could wind up with rot, termites, mold, or all three!
Wood siding is perfect if you love the natural look and don’t mind putting in the work to keep it that way. It’s especially great for older homes or places with a lot of character, where it just seems to fit right in.
If you’re someone who appreciates the beauty of real wood and you’re willing to take care of it, this could be the siding for you.
Wood siding does best in dry, mild climates where it’s not constantly dealing with moisture or extreme temperatures.
If you live in a place with a lot of rain or humidity, you’ll need to stay on top of sealing and staining to prevent rot and mold. In areas with really hot summers or freezing winters, wood can expand and contract, which might lead to cracks or warping over time.
If you’re set on wood siding in a tougher climate, go for a durable species like cedar or redwood and make sure you’re ready to keep up with the maintenance. But if you’re in an area with harsh weather, you might want to think about other options that can handle the elements with less fuss.
Maibec specializes in cedar siding and shingles, offering a range of finishes and styles. Their products are known for their natural beauty and durability, making them a favorite for traditional and rustic homes.
Boral offers premium wood siding options, including cedar and redwood, that are sustainably sourced and designed to last. They’re a great choice for homeowners who want the authentic look of wood.
TruWood offers engineered wood siding that combines the beauty of real wood with added durability. It’s a solid option for those who want the wood look with lower maintenance.
If you love the look of natural wood but not the constant upkeep, engineered wood siding might be just what you’re looking for. It’s made from a mix of wood fibers and resin, giving you that classic woodgrain appearance with a boost in durability. Plus, it’s more budget-friendly than solid wood, so you can get the style you want without stretching your wallet too thin.
Engineered wood siding comes with plenty of perks that make it a popular choice for homeowners who want a balance of beauty and practicality:
Of course, no siding is perfect. Here are a few things to consider before making your decision:
Engineered wood siding is a great fit if you’re:
With engineered wood siding, you get that inviting, rustic charm without the headaches of constant maintenance. It’s a great option for homeowners who want their home to look beautiful without having to worry about endless upkeep.
Engineered wood siding performs well in many climates, but it does have its sweet spots—and a few challenges:
LP SmartSide is one of the most popular brands for engineered wood siding. Their products are treated to resist moisture, pests, and rot, and they come in a variety of styles and finishes.
Weyerhaeuser’s engineered wood siding is known for its strength and durability. It’s a great choice for homeowners who want a low-maintenance alternative to real wood.
Nova offers engineered wood siding that’s both affordable and eco-friendly. Their products are designed to mimic the look of natural wood while offering better performance
You want siding that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it. So, which one lasts the longest?
The Verdict: If durability is your top priority, fiber cement is the clear winner.
As much as you might love your new siding, we're sure you don’t want to spend your weekends working on it. Some options make life easier than others.
The Verdict: If you want easy and you live in a moderate climate, vinyl siding is your best friend. If you live in a more extreme climate (like, for example, Texas), fiber cement is the winner here.
Let’s talk numbers—what will hit your wallet the hardest upfront and down the road?
The Verdict: If you're watching your upfront budget, vinyl siding wins. When it comes to total cost of ownership, fiber cement is usually the winner.
We talk a lot about durability in siding, but looks are at least as important. Your siding plays a big role in curb appeal, so which one stands out?
The Verdict: If you’re all about that natural beauty, wood siding is the way to go. But if you want style with less work, fiber cement is a the best choice.
Our goal is to give you the most complete, straightforward answers to your home exterior questions, which is why we’re happy to discuss other products and brands.
But it would be remiss of us not to tell you exactly what we recommend when it comes to siding, particularly if you’re in the San Antonio area: James Hardie.
In our view, James Hardie is simply the best siding on the market, and without a doubt the best for San Antonio. We believe this so strongly that we stopped selling any other product about 20 years ago. If someone insists on another product, like vinyl, we simply refer them elsewhere.
That’s why we recommend that you check out our Ultimate Guide to James Hardie Siding by clicking the link right above.
James Hardie is the gold standard in fiber cement siding, and our guide breaks down everything you need to know—from its unbeatable durability to its stunning design options. Whether you’re just exploring or ready to take the next step, this guide has you covered.