Some synthetic stuccos have been problematic because poor quality or improperly installing the material can lead to trapped moisture.

However, a quality synthetic stucco will prove durable.

Tint the stucco the color you want, and you may never need to paint.

Back Patio and Fireplace

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Granite, limestone, slate, and other types of stone are beautiful and nearly impervious to the weather.

Unfortunately, they are also extremely expensive.

Fiber cement siding is fireproof, termite-proof, and may have a warranty of up to 50 years.

Brown stucco home with white trim against a blue sky

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Warning

Someolder homeshave cement asbestos siding made from Portland cement and asbestos fibers.

As with cedar shingle siding, wood clapboards can be stained rather than painted.

Many wood frame houses built centuries ago still look beautiful today.

House with stone veneer siding lit up in early evening

Kimberlee Reimer / Moment Mobile Collection / Getty Images

Older brick homes may have stucco siding, which should be maintained because of its historical accuracy.

Quality brick veneers are also attractive and durable, although they don’t have the longevity of solid brick.

Shakes offer the natural look of real wood, but usually, require less maintenance than wood clapboard.

Suburban Home circa 1971 near Pittsburgh with HardiePanel-like vertical siding

Patricia McCormick / Moment Mobile Collection / Getty Images

By using stain rather than paint, you’re able to minimize peeling.

Engineered wood usually comes in panels that are easy and inexpensive to install.

The panels may be molded to create the look of traditional clapboards.

American Flag Hangs From the Clapboard Siding on a Colonial Home in Boston, Massachusetts

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Because the textured grain is uniform, engineered wood does not look exactly like real wood.

Still, the appearance is more natural than vinyl or aluminum.

you might purchase steel siding with a wood-look texture.

Brick veneer in the back of a suburban home near Dallas, Texas

Jeff Clow / Moment Mobile Collection / Getty Images

Vinyl is usually less expensive to purchase and install than most other siding materials.

There are, however, drawbacks.

Vinyl is also controversial because of environmental concerns during the manufacturing process.

Cape Cod style home with wood shingles and green shutters

Lynne Gilbert / Moment Mobile Collection / Getty Images

Liquid PVC became widely available in the mid-1980s, and reviews are mixed.

The damage resulting from a poor app can be devastating.

Learn about chemistry before you choose.

This home is sided with "T 1-11" siding panels, which have shiplapped edges and parallel grooves

The Engineered Wood Association (APA)

It’s an affordable material ranging between $3 and $7.25 per square foot.

Both aluminum and vinyl materials come with insulation, are easy to maintain, and are fairly durable.

Aluminum can dent and fade, but it won’t crack the way vinyl will.

Seamless Steel Siding from Northwoods Collection, United State Seamless

United States Seamless

Also, aluminum is not usually considered harmful to your health or the environment.

Although vinyl can be recycled, the manufacturing process is known to be hard on the environment.

Seamless steel siding is another popular alternative.

Vertical Exterior Siding on the Mendocino County Cottage by Architect Cathy Schwabe, AIA

David Wakely / Houseplans.com

Corrugated iron has been used for siding but it is more popular today as a roofing material.

Split or half-log siding materials can cost between $3.50 and $5 per square foot.

Cedar half logs are more expensive and cost $5.50 to $13 per square foot.

Synthetic Siding on a Queen Anne Victorian Hides Architectural Details

J.Castro / Moment Mobile/Getty

Half logs are about 3 inches thick so they still look quite substantial.

Quarter logs are even less expensive, and they can be a DIY installation.

In addition, installation is easy and quick, which further reduces labor costs.

Bright red colourful house white picket fence pretty gardens

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Fiber cement siding is one of the newest types of siding for homes.

It’s durable and looks great but it’s very heavy and requires professional installation.

Bricksiding can last hundreds of years on your home.

Siding in a beautiful, rich blue-grey color

J.Castro / Moment Mobile Collection / Getty Images

For the first 25 years, it likely won’t need any care.

How Much Does Siding Cost?HomeAdvisor.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Stone Veneer Siding?HomeAdvisor.

A-Frame log cabin with outdoor seating on wooden deck

JamesBrey / Getty Images

How Much Does Cedar Shake and Shingle Siding Cost?HomeAdvisor.

How Much Does Metal Siding Cost?HomeAdvisor.

How Much Does Aluminum Siding Cost?HomeAdvisor.

How Much Does Log Siding Cost?HomeAdvisor.