Vertical Siding Types

Costs
Durability
History
Maintenance

Pictures
Popular Siding Topics
Pros and Cons
Questions and Answers

References
Related Articles

Vertical siding lends a more traditional look to the house. There are several different types, the most common being board and batten, although that is often replaced by newer composite or concrete products that mimic the look of true wood vertical siding. Here’s a quick look at the different vertical siding types, as well as all the basics to help you decide if it’s right for your home.

Costs

The total cost of vertical siding depends on the material used, cost of labor, and the size of the home. For vinyl siding, expect to pay $2,500 to $8,750 for 1,250 exterior square feet. Aluminum will cost $3,100 to $4,500 for the same amount of space, while fiber cement will cost a bit more at $5,600 to $13,750. On average, wood siding runs you about $3,000 to $5,000. Ask a siding installer in your area about the different material types—he or she will also be able to provide more specific cost estimates.

Pictures

Vinyl Siding

Pros

Board and batten approach is perfect for creating a cabin or rustic style home.

T1-11 (designed to mimic board & batten) comes pre-primed, ready to paint and is cheaper to produce and easy to install.

Fiber cement is more durable than wood or wood composite products.

Vinyl and aluminum siding come in a variety of colors.

Cons

Board and batten siding is high-maintenance and requires a fair amount of time to install.

T1-11 can be susceptible to water damage and must be properly sealed.

Fiber cement comes with high installation and labor costs.

Durability

The durability of your vertical siding depends solely on the type of material used. Fiber cement, although more costly than other materials, is also more durable and is usually warranted for up to 50 years.

Maintenance

The maintenance required is also dependent upon the material used. Any wood siding, or wood composite siding, must be routinely sealed and stained or repainted. Fiber cement should also be re-painted periodically. Ask the manufacturer or contractor what maintenance is suggested for your material of choice.

Common Questions and Answers

Can the board and batten style be mimicked without using wood?

Yes, fiber cement siding, vinyl siding and aluminum siding can all be used to mimic the board and batten style without the added maintenance of wood.

What’s the difference between board and batten and T1-11?

T1-11 is a plywood panel, while traditional board and batten is created with wood boards. T1-11 can also be fastened directly to the studs rather than butt-jointed together, and it’s faster and cheaper to install.

History

Board and batten dates back centuries as a simple and easy way to keep out the elements, while T1-11 didn’t really become popular until the 1970s. Aluminum siding came out in the 1940s because it was lightweight and easy to work with, although today, vinyl is taking its place. Fiber cement is one material that has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years and is expected to keep on going.