Curious what it would cost to build in your area? We produce line-item estimates by ZIP code, plan size, and finish level — from nearly 20 years of construction data.
By Rob Mackle, Founder & Lead Cost Estimator · Updated August 24, 2026
Home Siding Comparison | Vinyl, Hardie Board, Wood, Brick & Stone
Home Siding Comparison
Choose the right siding for your new home
Siding protects your home from the elements, adds curb appeal, and affects maintenance, durability and value. Compare popular siding materials to find the best fit for your style, budget, and performance needs.
Vinyl Siding
A popular, affordable choice with low maintenance and a wide range of colors and styles.
Key Features
Made from PVC (plastic)
Resistant to rot, insects and moisture
Never needs painting
Wide variety of colors and profiles
Lightweight and easy to install
Best For
Budget-friendly homes
Quick installation
Moderate climates
Pros
Low cost
Low maintenance
Fade-resistant
Easy to clean
Cons
Can crack in extreme cold
Less impact resistant
Not as rigid as other materials
Typical Cost*$
Hardie® Board SidingFiber Cement
Engineered for durability and beauty. Resists fire, rot, pests and harsh weather.
Key Features
Made from fiber cement
Very durable and impact-resistant
Fire-resistant and non-combustible
Holds paint well
Available in lap, panel and shingle styles
Best For
Long-term value
Fire-prone areas
Harsh climates
Pros
Very durable
Fire, rot & pest resistant
Great curb appeal
Retains value
Cons
Higher initial cost
Heavier; requires proper installation
Needs periodic painting
Typical Cost*$$
Wood Siding
A natural, timeless look with unmatched warmth and character.
Key Features
Natural wood (cedar, pine, redwood, etc.)
Can be stained or painted
Good insulation properties
Allows for custom designs
Environmentally friendly (renewable)
Best For
Natural look lovers
Custom designs
Eco-conscious builds
Pros
Beautiful, natural appearance
Can be repaired easily
Good insulation
Renewable material
Cons
High maintenance
Susceptible to rot, insects & fire
Can be costly
Typical Cost*$$
Brick Siding
Classic, elegant and extremely durable. Offers superior protection and value.
Key Features
Made from clay brick
Extremely durable and long-lasting
Fire-resistant
Low maintenance
Excellent insulation mass
Best For
Premium homes
Noise reduction
High resale value
Pros
Very long lifespan
Low maintenance
Fire & weather resistant
High resale value
Cons
High initial cost
Heavy; needs strong foundation
Limited design flexibility
Typical Cost*$$$
Stone SidingNatural or Manufactured
Premium beauty with exceptional durability. Brings a natural, high-end look.
Key Features
Natural stone or manufactured stone
Extremely durable
Fire, rot & insect resistant
Unique, high-end appearance
Adds structural strength
Best For
Luxury homes
Natural settings
Extreme durability
Pros
Stunning appearance
Very long lifespan
Low maintenance
Increases home value
Cons
Very high cost
Heavy; requires structural support
Professional installation required
Typical Cost*$$$$
Siding at a Glance Comparison
Feature
Vinyl
Hardie® Board
Wood
Brick
Stone
Durability
Good
Excellent
Good
Excellent
Excellent
Maintenance
Very Low
Low
High
Low
Low
Lifespan (Approx.)
20–40 years
30–50+ years
20–40 years
50–100+ years
50–100+ years
Fire Resistance
Low
High
Moderate
High
High
Cost (Installed)
$
$$
$$
$$$
$$$$
Best For
Budget-conscious homes
All climates / Long-term value
Custom / Natural look lovers
Classic / High value
Luxury / Premium look
Siding Maintenance Tips
Keep siding clean: Wash annually to remove dirt, mold and mildew.
Inspect regularly: Check for cracks, loose pieces or damage.
Repaint or reseal as needed: Protects and extends lifespan.
Keep vegetation trimmed: Prevents moisture and pest issues.
Ensure proper drainage: Keeps water away from siding and foundation.
Important Considerations
Climate: Choose materials that perform well in your local weather.
Maintenance: Consider the time and cost of upkeep.
Style: Match siding to your home’s architecture and neighborhood.
Budget: Balance upfront cost with long-term value and durability.
Installation: Proper installation is key to performance and longevity.
Free instant estimate · ~30 seconds
Quick Estimator
No sign-up
Finish / material level
2,000 sq ft
440 sq ft
120 sq ft
Estimated construction range
$498,000 – $596,000
“Better” finish · national avg — enter zip / postal code to localize
A free, grouped preview. Your full report breaks each of these into line items with labor + materials.
Foundation (all types & garage slab)$55,000
Framing rough shell$98,500
Dry-out shell$66,000
Mechanicals (electrical / plumbing / HVAC)$82,000
Finish shell$120,500
Cabinets & vanities$44,000
Everything else$82,000
Your full line-item report19 sections · 60+ items · labor + materials, locked
General soft costs
Plans / architect / modifications$0,000$0,000
Engineering$00,000$00,000
Building permit / impact fees$0,000$000
Pre-construction services$00,000$0,000
Sitework & utilities
Site work$000$0,000
Water / well$0,000$00,000
Sewer / septic$0,000$0,000
Electric / phone / cable$00,000$00,000
Gas / oil$0,000$000
Driveway$00,000$0,000
Temp facilities / power$000$0,000
Foundation
Foundation (all types & garage slab)$0,000$00,000
Framing rough shell
Framing rough shell$0,000$0,000
Fireplace$00,000$00,000
Balconies, decks, porches & other$0,000$000
Finish basement / bonus room$00,000$0,000
Roofing
Roofing$000$0,000
Gutters$0,000$00,000
Dry-out shell
Exterior doors$0,000$0,000
Windows / sliders / French doors$00,000$00,000
Siding$0,000$000
Garage doors$00,000$0,000
Electrical
Electrical$000$0,000
Electrical fixtures$0,000$00,000
Plumbing
Plumbing$0,000$0,000
Plumbing fixtures$00,000$00,000
Fire proofing$0,000$000
HVAC
HVAC$00,000$0,000
Insulation
Insulation$000$0,000
Finish shell
Drywall$0,000$00,000
Interior doors and trim$0,000$0,000
Stairs$00,000$00,000
Shower doors / mirrors / accessories$0,000$000
Cabinets & vanities
Cabinets & vanities$00,000$0,000
Kitchen counter & vanity tops$000$0,000
Appliances$0,000$00,000
Painting
Painting — interior$0,000$0,000
Painting — exterior$00,000$00,000
Flooring
Flooring$0,000$000
Special equipment
Special equipment needs$00,000$0,000
Contractor / project manager
StartBuild construction services$000$0,000
Project manager fee$0,000$00,000
General contractor fee$0,000$0,000
Land & financing
Land payoff$00,000$00,000
Interest reserve$0,000$000
Contingency reserve$00,000$0,000
Closing costs$000$0,000
Get your exact cost to build — $32.95
Priced to your plan, zip, and foundation. Adjust any line, then export to PDF or Excel.
Ready in ~2 business days 60 days of edits Human-reviewed
Rough planning range based on your inputs and current regional cost indices — not a quote. Your plan, lot, and selections move the number; the full report prices all 60+ items to your exact zip.
✓ Free — no sign-up · ✓ 60+ line items · ✓ ZIP-localized · ✓ Planning figures, not bids
Every home is different. A Cost To Build report gives you a line-item breakdown for your specific ZIP code, plan size, and finish level — from a company with nearly 20 years of construction cost data.
