The right exterior siding protects the structure, defines the home’s style, and contributes to long-term performance. Material choice affects not only appearance, but how a home resists heat, moisture, and daily wear. Builders and homeowners can now choose from both conventional materials and advanced solutions like hardwood, thermowood, and composite siding—each offering different advantages.
Understanding Siding: Function, Form, and Long-Term Value
Siding does more than just complete a home’s exterior—it’s a key part of protecting the structure. It shields against rain, wind, and UV rays, adds insulation, and plays a big role in shaping the overall style. The material you choose for this outer layer impacts everything from curb appeal to how often you’ll need maintenance and how energy-efficient your home will be.
While cost and appearance are usually top priorities, factors like durability, weather resistance, and environmental impact also matter over the long run. That’s why it’s worth taking the time to understand all the different types of siding before making a final choice.
Common Types of Siding Used in Residential Construction
The residential market offers a wide range of house siding options, each with its own strengths and trade-offs. These options vary in terms of cost, aesthetics, maintenance needs, and performance in different environments.
1. Vinyl
Vinyl remains a staple of budget-friendly residential projects. It’s lightweight, available in many colors, and requires very little upkeep. However, it can become brittle over time, fade with sun exposure, and lacks the structural durability of more robust materials.
2. Fiber Cement
Favored for its toughness, fiber cement performs well against fire, moisture, and insects. It can replicate the look of wood or masonry and holds paint effectively. That said, it’s heavy to handle, requires specialized tools, and often involves a higher installation cost.
3. Engineered Wood
This material aims to deliver the warmth of wood with fewer vulnerabilities. Treated to resist decay and pests, it offers improved longevity compared to natural softwoods. Still, it must be properly maintained and doesn’t match the lifespan of high-end hardwoods.
4. Metal
Aluminum and steel options bring a contemporary edge and strong resistance to fire and mold dangers. Their rigid profiles resist warping, though they can dent easily and may not suit every architectural style.
5. Stucco
Stucco is common in arid climates for its insulating properties and smooth, uniform appearance. When applied correctly, it can last for decades, but in regions with heavy rainfall or ground movement, cracking and crumbling can become an issue.
6. Stone Veneer and Brick
With their classic look and lasting durability, both materials are a popular choice for accent walls and full façades in premium builds. They’re built to stand the test of time, but it’s worth noting that they typically involve higher installation costs and may require extra structural support.
Lumber Plus: Premium Siding Solutions for Modern Homes
For builders and homeowners prioritizing long-term performance and design flexibility, Lumber Plus offers a collection of premium siding materials engineered to outperform conventional house siding options.
7. Hardwood Siding
Lumber Plus supplies several dense hardwoods ideal for demanding climates.
Ipe is known for its exceptional hardness, fire resistance, and natural ability to repel insects and decay.
Garapa offers a lighter golden tone and smooth grain that weathers to a soft silver when left untreated.
Cumaru stands out for its rich reddish-brown hue and high dimensional stability, performing well in both humid and dry conditions. These hardwoods require minimal upkeep and can last for decades with proper installation.
8. Thermowood Siding
Thermally modified wood delivers the look and feel of traditional timber with significantly enhanced performance. Thermowood Ash offers a darker tone and superior resistance to moisture and movement, while Thermowood Pine provides a lighter, cost-effective option that still resists warping and cracking. Both are treated using only heat and steam, making them a chemical-free, sustainable solution for builders who need stability across seasons.
9. Composite Siding
Composite siding from Lumber Plus combines wood fibers and recycled polymers to produce a sleek, low-maintenance finish. These boards resist fading, moisture intrusion, and pests without requiring regular sealing or staining. With uniform profiles and modern color options, they’re a practical solution for residential and multifamily projects that prioritize simplicity and durability.
Beyond Appearance: Performance, Longevity, and Sustainability
The advantages of these siding options go well beyond looks. Their longevity, resistance to moisture, and lower environmental impact make them a smart choice—especially for homeowners who are thinking about long-term value.
- Natural hardwoods like Ipe and Cumaru are dense enough to resist rot and insect damage without added treatments. They require only occasional maintenance to preserve their original color, or they can be left to develop a natural gray patina over time.
- Thermowood offers many of the same benefits with fewer environmental costs. Its non-toxic treatment enhances resistance to swelling, warping, and decay—making it suitable for variable climates and high-exposure applications.
- Composite siding, meanwhile, is engineered for consistency. It resists splitting and surface breakdown, holds its color longer than painted wood, and minimizes maintenance costs over time.
Many of these products are manufactured using recycled inputs, supporting green building goals without sacrificing performance.
Lumber Plus sources its hardwoods from responsibly managed forests, uses thermally modified woods that avoid chemical processing, and offers composites that help reduce landfill waste. Across all three categories, the emphasis remains on reliability, longevity, and material integrity.
Explore Exterior Siding Options With Lumber Plus
Lumber Plus offers expertly sourced siding solutions for projects that demand performance and aesthetic appeal. Their collection includes hardwood, thermowood, and composite products designed to meet a range of needs. Contact us today for more information.
