When it comes to home exterior options, the choice between vinyl and wood siding represents a significant decision for homeowners. Each material offers distinct advantages in terms of aesthetics, durability, maintenance requirements, and cost considerations. Vinyl siding dominates approximately 32% of the U.S. siding market due to its affordability and low maintenance, while wood siding commands about 5% of the market but remains highly valued for its natural beauty and traditional appeal. This comprehensive comparison examines the critical factors including pricing, installation costs, leading manufacturers, and the essential pros and cons to help guide your exterior cladding decision.
Vinyl siding is manufactured primarily from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a synthetic plastic polymer that provides durability and weather resistance. Modern vinyl products often feature added UV inhibitors and impact-resistant formulations. This material comes in various thicknesses (typically 0.040 to 0.046 inches), with thicker panels generally offering better durability and insulation properties.
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Wood siding, by contrast, consists of natural timber products that have been used for centuries. Common wood species include cedar, redwood, pine, spruce, and cypress. Each species offers different characteristics regarding appearance, natural resistance to decay, and price point. Cedar and redwood remain premium choices due to their natural oils that resist moisture and insect damage. Wood siding comes in various forms including clapboard, shiplap, board-and-batten, and shingles.
Cost Comparison: Vinyl vs Wood Siding
Material Costs
Vinyl siding typically costs between $3 and $12 per square foot for materials alone, with the national average hovering around $4.50 per square foot. Premium vinyl products with enhanced features like insulation backing or specialized textures fall at the higher end of this range.
Wood siding represents a more premium option, with material costs ranging from $6 to $15 per square foot depending on the species. Cedar, one of the most popular choices, averages $6 to $12 per square foot, while premium redwood can cost $12 to $20 per square foot. Engineered wood products offer a middle-ground option at $4 to $9 per square foot.
Installation Costs
| Siding Type | Labor Cost (per sq ft) | Total Installed Cost (per sq ft) | Average 2,000 sq ft Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $2 – $5 | $5 – $17 | $10,000 – $34,000 |
| Wood | $3 – $8 | $9 – $23 | $18,000 – $46,000 |
Installation of wood siding typically requires more skilled labor and time compared to vinyl, contributing to its higher overall cost. The natural variations in wood also create more waste during installation, often requiring a 10-15% material overage versus 5-10% for vinyl.
Top Brands in the Market
Leading Vinyl Siding Manufacturers
- CertainTeed – Known for their premium quality and wide color selection, including the popular Monogram and Cedar Impressions lines
- James Hardie – While primarily known for fiber cement, they offer HardiePlank products that compete in this market
- Ply Gem – Offers excellent value with their Mastic Home Exteriors line and innovative insulated options
- Royal Building Products – Recognized for their cedar-look Haven products and lifetime warranties
- Alside – Popular for their Charter Oak and Prodigy insulated vinyl siding systems
Premium Wood Siding Brands
- Maibec – Specializes in pre-finished cedar siding with factory-applied coatings
- Wausau Siding Systems – Known for high-quality cedar products and custom options
- Real Cedar – Industry association representing quality western red cedar products
- LP SmartSide – While technically engineered wood, offers wood appearance with enhanced durability
- Cedar Valley – Specializes in premium cedar shingle panels
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Siding
Advantages of Vinyl
Low maintenance is vinyl’s most compelling benefit, requiring only occasional cleaning with soap and water rather than the painting cycles wood demands. Most manufacturers offer warranties ranging from 25 years to lifetime coverage, demonstrating confidence in the product’s durability.
Vinyl’s cost-effectiveness extends beyond initial installation to virtually eliminate ongoing maintenance expenses. Modern manufacturing techniques have dramatically improved vinyl’s appearance, with premium options convincingly mimicking wood grain textures.
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For energy efficiency, insulated vinyl siding can add R-value of 2.0-3.0 to your walls, potentially reducing heating and cooling costs. Vinyl also maintains excellent moisture resistance without additional treatments, preventing issues like rot, mold, and insect infestations that plague wood options.
Disadvantages of Vinyl
Despite improvements, vinyl still lacks the authentic character and depth of real wood siding. It can become brittle in extreme cold, making it susceptible to cracking from impact during winter months. Environmental concerns persist as vinyl is petroleum-based, non-biodegradable, and can release toxic compounds if burned.
Repair challenges arise since vinyl panels typically interlock, making individual section replacement difficult. Additionally, color fading remains an issue, particularly with darker shades in sunny climates.
Pros and Cons of Wood Siding
Advantages of Wood
Wood siding provides unmatched aesthetic appeal with natural variations in grain, texture, and color that create a distinctive, high-end appearance. Its versatility allows for endless customization through different profiles, finishes, and painting options.
From an environmental perspective, wood represents a renewable, biodegradable resource that can be sustainably harvested. It also offers natural insulation properties with an R-value about twice that of uninsulated vinyl.
One significant advantage is wood’s repairability, where damaged sections can be easily replaced without disturbing surrounding areas. Wood siding can also increase home value, with studies showing wood-sided homes often command higher resale prices than those with vinyl exteriors.
Disadvantages of Wood
Maintenance requirements represent wood’s primary drawback, typically needing repainting or restaining every 3-7 years depending on climate and exposure. This regular upkeep adds significant lifetime costs beyond the initial installation.
Wood’s vulnerability to moisture, insects, and rot necessitates vigilant maintenance to prevent structural damage. Fire susceptibility also poses concerns, although treatments can improve resistance.
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Environmental factors like sun exposure and precipitation can cause wood to warp, split, or cup without proper maintenance. The higher initial cost combined with ongoing maintenance expenses makes wood significantly more expensive over its lifetime.
Durability and Lifespan
Vinyl siding typically lasts 20-40 years depending on quality, installation, and climate conditions. Premium vinyl products can reach the upper end of this range with minimal maintenance beyond occasional cleaning. Most vinyl products maintain their appearance reasonably well during this period, though some color fading is inevitable.
Wood siding, when properly maintained, can last 50-100 years or more. Cedar and redwood specifically contain natural oils and tannins that resist decay and insect damage. Historical homes with original wood siding that has survived for centuries demonstrate wood’s potential longevity under ideal conditions. However, this exceptional lifespan depends entirely on consistent maintenance.
Appearance and Design Options
Vinyl offers numerous profile options including horizontal lap, Dutch lap, board and batten, and shingle styles. Color selection has expanded dramatically with most manufacturers offering 25-40 standard colors and some providing custom color matching. Texture technologies have advanced significantly, with premium vinyl products featuring realistic wood grain embossing that’s visible from normal viewing distances.
Wood siding provides unrivaled authenticity with natural variations that create unique character. It comes in diverse styles including traditional clapboard, shiplap, tongue and groove, board and batten, and shingles. Wood’s greatest aesthetic advantage is its unlimited finish optionsâit can be painted any color, stained to highlight natural grain, or left natural to weather to a distinctive silver-gray patina.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Climate considerations should significantly influence your decision. In harsh environments with extreme temperature variations, high humidity, or salt exposure, vinyl often performs better with less maintenance. However, in moderate climates with proper maintenance, wood can thrive for generations.
Budget constraints typically favor vinyl for immediate affordability and lower lifetime costs. For those prioritizing authentic aesthetics and willing to invest in maintenance, wood delivers unmatched character that many homeowners find worth the additional expense and care.
Architectural style should also guide your selectionâhistoric or craftsman-style homes generally benefit from wood’s traditional appearance, while contemporary designs may work equally well with either material. Finally, consider your long-term plans, as wood might provide better return on investment for upscale neighborhoods where authentic materials command premium value.