Vinyl siding or wood siding – which side should you take?

Siding is a protective skin that protects your home from the elements including harsh UV rays, rain, snow, and wind. But that is only half of the story. Siding can also add to the aesthetic value of your home and make your property more attractive and desirable to potential buyers. So, it can be an investment that can add tremendous value, too. With two key types of siding on the market – vinyl siding and wood siding – if you are intending to install siding, you have an important decision to make: vinyl siding vs wood siding? It’s a straight choice, but is it a straightforward one? Let’s explore both options.

What is vinyl siding and wood siding?

Siding, whether vinyl or wood, is available in a variety of different styles and grades, but essentially, it is usually individual pieces of wood or vinyl that clad the side of a building to offer protection and improve its appearance. There are numerous different styles of siding which you can use to achieve a particular look.

Vinyl Siding Styles

• Dutch Lap – for a traditional or colonial style similar to clapboard siding but with a decorative groove.
• Log Cabin – imitation log siding which has a rounded profile to recreate a rustic cabin-style.
• Shake & Shingle – designed to mimic cedar shingles or shakes for a coastal, Cape Cod or craftsman look.
• Vertical – tall vertical “board and batten” style siding for a striking modern or farmhouse design aesthetic.
• Insulated – available in a variety of styles, it has built-in foam insulation to improve energy efficiency.

Wood Siding Styles

• Clapboard – horizontal overlapping planks that can be painted or stained to create a traditional, colonial, Cape Cod, or farmhouse style.
• Cedar Shingles – small, square rectangular pieces of wood for a coastal, cottage, or craftsman style.
• Log Siding – recreates the look of a cozy log cabin or rustic mountain lodge.
• Board & Batten – this vertical siding of boards and narrow strips creates a striking contemporary look.
• Tongue & Groove – available smooth or beveled and mounted vertically or horizontally, these interlocking wood boards create a seamless design.

Side by side, how do vinyl and wood siding look?

The aesthetic appeal of siding differs according to whether you choose wood or vinyl. If you want natural beauty, then wood siding is the obvious choice, also it can be painted or stained in any color you wish. Wood siding fades over time, which can be an attractive natural look, however, if painted or stained, it could need repainting or restaining after several years. If not maintained properly, wood siding could warp or split.

Vinyl siding is quite different. Whilst it can mimic the look of wood, shingles and other textures, it can look artificial. It tends to work better for more modern properties, and whilst it doesn’t need repainting, it’s not easy to change the colour if you wanted to refinish or repaint it.

How long does vinyl siding last vs wood siding?

When weighing up vinyl siding vs wood siding, maintenance and upkeep need to be carefully considered. How long does vinyl siding last is an obvious question. Vinyl siding is relatively low maintenance, fade-resistant, doesn’t attract insects and requires occasional washing with soapy water. The downsides are it can crack or warp in extremes of temperature and if you live in a humid area, moisture can get trapped and mold can develop.

Depending on the type of wood it is made of, wood siding may need repainting or treating to protect from termites, moisture and mold every 5-7years. Sealing the wood also protects against cracking and warping. The big advantage of wood siding though is that it is easily repairable and if you want a new look, you can paint or stain it a different color. If you choose Accoya, a modified wood, as your siding, it will out-perform even the most durable tropical hardwood siding and be covered by an industry-leading warranty of up to 50 years.

How about installation?

If you are a skilled DIYer and have some experience of carpentry, there’s nothing to stop you installing wood siding. Yes, it does require precise cutting, nailing, and sealing, but the end result can look stunning. You can of course hire a professional carpenter to clad your home with wood siding for you. Vinyl siding is lightweight, flexible, and comes as interlocking panels. It does require proper tools and expert knowledge to fit. So, unless you are an advanced DIYer, we advise a professional installer to do the job which will avoid gaps or inadequate sealing that could lead to damage by water.

Wood siding vs vinyl siding

Cost is a factor when it comes to choosing between siding types. Vinyl siding prices are typically lower than wood siding, however, you have to look at the wider picture. If you want siding that looks natural, authentic, is customizable, and will add more value to your property, then investing in wood siding is the answer. If budget is top of your agenda along with low maintenance, then vinyl siding, whilst looking artificial, could be for you. The key thing to consider is the long-term cost, which is why Accoya modified wood, that has a significantly longer lifespan that traditional wood siding and a warranty to back it up, can add beauty and value to a property.

Is wood siding better than vinyl?

Wood siding and vinyl siding both have their own individual strengths, but one final thing you need to consider, especially in today’s changing climate, is sustainability. Wood siding and vinyl siding have quite different environmental impacts.

Wood siding is biodegradable, renewable, recyclable and, if FSC-certified, can be sustainably harvested and responsibly sourced. Vinyl siding, however, is made from plastic-based PVC that is non-biodegradable and tricky to recycle. Also, if in a fire, harmful chemicals in vinyl siding can produce toxic fumes.

The verdict

To summarize, if you want premium authentic siding with a natural look that can be re-painted or re-stained to whatever color you desire or keeping it natural to lower maintenance requirements, invest in wood siding that will add value. Working to a tight budget? Vinyl siding is cheaper and lower maintenance but looks artificial and won’t add anywhere near as much value to your home.

For more information, visit our siding page or contact us.