Vinyl siding can drastically change the look of a home, and it comes in an array of shapes, colors, sizes, and overall aesthetics. With so many different designs of vinyl siding, it’s important for the homeowner to choose the right vinyl siding style. Between vertical, Dutch lap, and smooth, the decision can feel overwhelming.
As a siding contractor, you’re not only providing the labor and materials for the project—you’re also providing years of experience and expertise. It’s your duty to give customers the information they need to choose the right exterior siding for a job.
Help your customers see which vinyl siding types will work for their home and are the best value.
In this guide, we’ll go over the most common types of vinyl siding, their prices, and how you can manage customers through siding software.
What Is Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl is an inexpensive and popular siding choice. It provides exterior protection to residential and commercial buildings. The durable plastic is designed to weatherproof buildings and be low maintenance.Benefits of Vinyl Siding
- Compared to wood siding, vinyl is easier to install and requires less maintenance over its average 40-year lifespan.
- Vinyl siding is extremely easy to clean with a rag and some soap.
- It efficiently insulates a home, leading to cheaper heating and cooling bills.
- Vinyl siding is water resistant.
- You can have the look of wood without having to worry about rot, repainting, or upkeep.
11 Types of Vinyl Siding
There are many different types of vinyl siding around. Let’s take a look at the different types of vinyl siding. We’ve rounded up 11 of the most popular vinyl siding styles and how much they cost on average here.Traditional Lap
This style of siding has flat, slightly overlapping horizontal planks arranged in rows. Traditional lap siding disposes of water easily, thanks to its shape and overlapping bottom panel. Clapboard siding is a variation of this style and was commonly used in the U.S. during the Colonial period. Clapboard siding is a more subtle option than other vinyl siding types with overlapped planks. Average cost per square foot: $1–3.Dutch Lap
Dutch lap is very similar to traditional lap but with a more decorative touch. This type of vinyl siding has an indentation on the horizontal planks that gives it more depth and contrast between panels. Average cost per square foot: $1.50–2.75.Scalloped Siding
Scalloped siding is made up of uniform U-shaped panels organized in horizontal rows on top of one another. This siding design resembles the scales on a fish. Average cost per square foot: $7.Brick Veneer
Despite its name, brick veneer siding is still made of vinyl material. It’s manufactured to imitate the look of a brick exterior but is made with continuous vinyl pieces. Average cost per square foot: $8–16.Vinyl Stone Siding
Like brick veneer, vinyl stone siding was also created to mimic the look of stone siding but for a fraction of the cost. Artificial stone siding is durable and low-maintenance. Average cost per square foot: $6–9.Cedar Shakes
Unlike horizontal and vertical vinyl siding, the cedar shake style is made up of smaller squares arranged in a row. This style used to be made from real cedar trees, which is why vinyl cedar shakes have a textured surface. Average cost per square foot: $3–6.Hand-split Shakes
Hand-split shakes are a variation of the cedar shake style. A traditional shake style has a straight edge, but this siding style has slightly mismatched shingles with an uneven edge. Average cost per square foot: $4–6.Log Vinyl Siding
Log vinyl siding gives you the look of a rustic cabin without the hassle of upkeep that usually comes with it. Typical log cabins are more expensive than a vinyl alternative. Vinyl also doesn’t rot, splinter, or welcome insects and mold. Average cost per square foot: $3–5.Board and Batten
Board and batten siding can be installed vertically or horizontally. The panels are very wide and have a dramatic indentation between each plank. Thin pieces of wood are installed in between the gaps. Average cost per square foot: $2–4.Smooth
Smooth vinyl doesn’t have a texture, providing a clean and sleek look for homes. Smooth vinyl is available in many different colors. Average cost per square foot: $2–5.Vertical
The vertical type of vinyl siding is arranged vertically as opposed to horizontally. Indentations surround each plank to give the siding depth and shadows. Average cost per square foot: $3–8.Managing Siding Customers
Helping customers choose the right vinyl siding for their home is just one step of the process. As a siding contractor, you’ll also need to:- Win bids
- Manage jobs and schedules
- Make and send invoices
Making the Right Vinyl Siding Choice
Your customer has the final decision for which vinyl siding type to use. But it’s up to you as the siding contractor to outline what choices would work best for the project.
These 11 popular vinyl siding styles each bring something unique to the table—some have more complex designs, while others offer a sleek and modern look. Showing customers how each vinyl siding choice works in the context of their project will give them the information they need to find the right siding fit.
What style of vinyl siding is most popular in your service area? Let us know in the comments below!
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