Wood vs. Vinyl Siding: Which Is Better for Your Home?

First impressions have a powerful effect on how we remember events and details. Your home’s first impression is its exterior. The exterior reflects your style and personality. As the first thing people see, it should show off the house’s most remarkable qualities. 

But the exterior also needs to be functional and usable. So, what kind of siding should you use to achieve these goals? Ultimately, it comes down to wood vs. vinyl siding. 

Keep reading this article to learn more about these two siding options and how to choose between them. 

Wood vs. Vinyl Siding

There are several different types of siding you can use for your home. However, wood and vinyl siding are the two most common types homeowners use.

These sidings come in various styles, such as traditional, horizontal lap siding, shingles, and decorative siding. Yet, there are many differences between the two. 

Looking at the pros and cons of each will help you decide if you should use wood vs. vinyl siding. 

The Pros and Cons of Wood Siding

Wood siding is timeless and attractive, giving your home curb appeal. If you will be putting your house on the market, wood siding has an excellent resale value. But unfortunately, wood siding can be more than 3x as expensive as vinyl siding. 

It also takes longer to install wood siding because all the boards must be cut, primed, and painted before being nailed into place.

And although wood siding is durable and environmentally friendly, you must maintain the siding every five years. This means scraping and repainting regularly. If you don’t, the siding can rot or become susceptible to wood-eating insects. 

Additionally, excess humidity can cause wood siding to warp and crack. 

The Pros and Cons of Vinyl Siding

Although vinyl siding doesn’t have the same look like wood siding, it is much more affordable. The installation process is faster and easier too.

Vinyl siding is more durable than wood siding. It is not susceptible to wood-eating insects or rot, as manufacturers make vinyl siding from plastic. Yet, it isn’t environmentally friendly. But, it does help protect your home from insects and decay. 

However, insets and rot can still affect the home’s wooden frame, so maintenance for vinyl siding is necessary, especially because vinyl is prone to cracks. If you don’t take care of vinyl siding when problems occur, it can start to warp.

Luckily, with proper maintenance, the siding can last more than 40 years. 

Both wood and vinyl siding have pros and cons. If you’re still unsure which siding is for you, consider choosing a siding contractor to work with. These professionals can assess your situation and help you make the best choice for your home. 

Which Siding Do You Choose?

As you can see, the best siding for your home depends on several different factors. When considering wood vs. vinyl siding, contemplate the cost, value, maintenance, and look before deciding. 

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