Making the best house siding decision will probably require a bit of research on your part. This article should make things a little easier since it will give you a brief comparison of four different types of siding that you might be considering for your home. Price, attractiveness, color options, durability, and amount of maintenance will probably all need to be considered when making this sort of decision.
Cedar shake siding can be a nice natural material for those who prefer a more rustic look. However, you don't have a lot of options when it comes to styles and the final look of your home. If you don't live in an area where there is a lot of cedar, it can also get quite expensive, particularly since some prep work is usually required before it can be installed on the exterior of your home. However, it can last a long time without huge amounts of maintenance being required.
Vinyl siding, on the other hand, tends to be relatively inexpensive and gives you a plethora of options when it comes to the final look of your home. You can get horizontal, vertical, or seamless options in a large number of different colors, with the finish of the siding made to look like any type of wood or other natural material. It is also relatively durable and almost maintenance free.
Seamless steel siding can provide you with a very durable product. It has a somewhat higher installation cost, however, due to the nature of the material and the fact that it needs to be finished on site and installed by professionals familiar with the product. There are a number of different finishes available, including PVC coatings that mimic the look of wood and make repainting not necessary.
Aluminum siding is also an option that many people consider. It is a bit stronger than vinyl, though it does dent if care is not taken during installation or if something bangs into it hard. It is also lighter and has less of a risk of corrosion than steel does. Options for styles and colors tend to be greater when it comes to aluminum than steel as well.