How to Choose Exterior Materials for Your New Home: Siding, Stone, Brick, and More

The materials you choose for your home's exterior will be seen every day for the next 30-50 years. They protect your investment from weather, establish your home's visual character, and influence long-term maintenance costs. Yet many homebuilders make this decision based solely on initial cost rather than total cost of ownership.

In this guide, we'll compare the most common exterior materials, explain their tradeoffs, and help you choose wisely.

01Overview of Exterior Material Options

Modern homes use a mix of materials. Most designs combine a primary siding material (covering the majority of exterior walls) with accent materials (stone, brick, or natural wood on specific areas).

Primary siding materials:

• Vinyl siding
• Fiber cement boards
• Wood siding (cedar, pine)
• Brick veneer
• Stone veneer
• Stucco
• Metal panels

Accent materials:

• Natural stone
• Brick
• Natural wood
• Metal accents
• Composite materials

Most homebuilders use a combination. For example, a farmhouse-plan might have fiber cement board as primary siding with brick veneer on the main entry and natural stone on a chimney.

02Material-by-Material Comparison

Vinyl Siding

What it is: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) boards that replicate the appearance of wood siding. Vinyl is lightweight, affordable, and factory-finished in various colors and wood-grain textures.

Cost per square foot: $6-$12 installed Typical cost for 2,000 sq ft home: $12,000-$24,000

Lifespan: 20-30 years

Maintenance:

• Annual washing with garden hose
• No painting required
• Minor color fading over time
• Susceptible to impact damage in high-wind areas

Climate suitability:

• Excellent in temperate climates
• Good in moderate cold (vinyl becomes brittle below -15°F; installation requires special considerations)
• Good in warm climates
• Not ideal in extreme heat (can warp) or coastal areas (salt air can degrade some products)

Advantages:

• Lowest upfront cost
• Minimal maintenance
• Durable in most climates
• Consistent color and finish
• Easy for contractors to install

Disadvantages:

• Visible seams (every board edge is visible)
• Can look plastic-y at close range
• Not repairable (damage requires board replacement)
• Limited design options
• Environmental concerns (PVC)

Best for: Budget-conscious builders in temperate climates who prioritize low maintenance and won't be bothered by the plastic appearance.

Fiber Cement Board Siding

What it is: A blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. Fiber cement is engineered to replicate wood siding's appearance while offering better durability and lower maintenance.

Cost per square foot: $10-$18 installed Typical cost for 2,000 sq ft home: $20,000-$36,000

Lifespan: 25-40 years (one of the longest of common materials)

Maintenance:

• Periodic painting or staining (every 7-10 years)
• Occasional power washing
• More durable than wood; resists rot and insects
• Can develop hairline cracks near seams (cosmetic, usually)

Climate suitability:

• Excellent in humid climates (resists moisture better than wood)
• Good in cold climates (doesn't become brittle)
• Good in coastal areas
• Works in all but the harshest climates

Advantages:

• Beautiful wood-like appearance
• Better durability than vinyl or wood
• Paintable (you can change colors)
• Resists rot, insects, and rot
• Fire-resistant
• Holds value well at resale
• Professional appearance

Disadvantages:

• Higher cost than vinyl
• Requires periodic painting (ongoing expense)
• Installation requires skilled labor
• Heavier than vinyl (structural considerations)
• Dusty installation (requires respiratory protection)

Best for: Homebuilders prioritizing appearance, durability, and long-term value. Common on craftsman-house-plans and farmhouse-plans.

Wood Siding (Cedar, Pine)

What it is: Actual milled wood boards. Cedar is premium (naturally resistant to rot and insects); pine is more affordable (requires treatment).

Cost per square foot: $12-$22 installed (cedar), $8-$15 installed (pine) Typical cost for 2,000 sq ft home: $24,000-$44,000

Lifespan: 15-25 years (cedar), 10-20 years (pine, untreated)

Maintenance:

• Painting or staining every 3-5 years (essential)
• Annual inspection for rot and insect damage
• Caulking maintenance
• Can develop warping and splitting
• Professionally demanding to repair

Climate suitability:

• Best in dry climates (moisture is wood's enemy)
• Problematic in humid or coastal areas (requires aggressive maintenance)
• Acceptable in temperate climates with good maintenance
• Not ideal in areas with heavy freeze-thaw cycles

Advantages:

• Authentic, beautiful wood appearance
• Naturally warmth (real material, not synthetic)
• Paintable to match any color scheme
• Repairable and patchable
• High-end aesthetic appeal
• Works beautifully on farmhouse-plans and cottage designs

Disadvantages:

• Highest maintenance burden
• Highest ongoing cost (painting, staining, repairs)
• Susceptible to rot, insects, weather damage
• Shorter lifespan than engineered alternatives
• Significant long-term commitment
• Environmental considerations (harvesting, treatment)

Best for: Homebuilders in dry climates who appreciate authentic materials and commit to regular maintenance. Cedar siding elevates craftsman-house-plans and cottage designs but demands ongoing care.

Brick Veneer

What it is: Real clay bricks applied as a veneer (thin exterior layer) over a structural backing (usually concrete block or wood frame). Brick is load-bearing in some traditional designs but modern construction typically uses veneer brick for appearance.

Cost per square foot: $15-$25 installed (veneer) Typical cost for 2,000 sq ft home (assuming 40% brick): $12,000-$20,000

Lifespan: 50-100+ years (one of the longest)

Maintenance:

• Minimal (not zero)
• Mortar repointing needed every 20-30 years ($5-$15 per square foot)
• Occasional cleaning
• Caulk at flashing areas

Climate suitability:

• Excellent in virtually all climates
• Superior in freeze-thaw regions (superior to vinyl or wood)
• Good in humid climates
• Good in coastal areas (certain brick types)

Advantages:

• Extremely durable
• Timeless, classic appearance
• Excellent thermal mass (helps with energy efficiency)
• Low maintenance
• High resale value
• Protects underlying structure
• Works beautifully on traditional designs

Disadvantages:

• Higher upfront cost than vinyl or fiber cement
• Installation requires skilled masons
• Expensive repairs (matching new bricks to existing)
• Slightly lower insulation value than some other materials (though thermal mass helps)
• Not ideal for modern minimalist aesthetics

Best for: Homebuilders wanting long-term durability and timeless appeal. Standard on colonial-house-plans and farmhouse-plans. Excellent for accent on craftsman-house-plans.

Stone Veneer (Manufactured and Natural)

What it is: Thin stone layers attached to the exterior. Manufactured stone is man-made (lightweight, consistent, affordable). Natural stone is actual quarried stone (heavier, more expensive, more unique).

Cost per square foot:

• Manufactured stone: $12-$18 installed
• Natural stone: $20-$40+ installed

Typical cost for 2,000 sq ft home (40% stone accent):

• Manufactured: $9,600-$14,400
• Natural: $16,000-$32,000+

Lifespan:

• Manufactured: 30-50 years
• Natural: 50-100+ years

Maintenance:

• Manufactured stone: Minimal (occasional cleaning)
• Natural stone: Periodic sealing, cleaning
• Both: Mortar repointing needed eventually

Climate suitability:

• Both excellent in virtually all climates
• Superior in freeze-thaw regions
• Good in coastal areas
• Works everywhere

Advantages - Manufactured Stone:

• Lower cost than natural
• Lightweight (easier installation)
• Consistent appearance
• Wide design options
• Durable and low-maintenance

Disadvantages - Manufactured Stone:

• Looks slightly artificial at close inspection
• Limited authentic character
• Can feel mass-produced

Advantages - Natural Stone:

• Authentic, unique appearance
• High-end aesthetic
• Extremely durable
• Great insulation value (thermal mass)
• Increases perceived value

Disadvantages - Natural Stone:

• Very high cost
• Heavy (requires structural consideration)
• Installation challenging
• Sourcing consistency difficult
• Environmental impact of quarrying

Best for: Premium accent material on craftsman-house-plans, farmhouse-plans, and estate-house-plans. Natural stone on high-end designs; manufactured stone for budget-conscious builders wanting stone's appearance.

Stucco

What it is: A finish system of cement, sand, and lime (or acrylic-based alternatives). Applied in layers to create a durable textured or smooth finish.

Cost per square foot: $8-$15 installed Typical cost for 2,000 sq ft home: $16,000-$30,000

Lifespan: 25-40 years (traditional cement stucco), 20-30 years (acrylic)

Maintenance:

• Periodic caulking at cracks
• Recoating every 10-15 years (depending on climate)
• Cleaning to remove dirt and mildew
• Repair of cracks (common in freeze-thaw regions)

Climate suitability:

• Excellent in warm, dry climates (Southwest, California)
• Problematic in freeze-thaw regions (expansion/contraction causes cracking)
• Acceptable in temperate climates with proper installation
• Not ideal in high-moisture regions (moisture can get behind stucco)

Advantages:

• Beautiful, distinctive appearance
• Good insulation value
• Durable in appropriate climates
• Fire-resistant
• Custom colors and finishes
• Complements farmhouse-plans and Mediterranean designs

Disadvantages:

• Prone to cracking in freeze-thaw climates
• Moisture management is complex
• Requires skilled installers
• Difficult to patch (visible repairs)
• Ongoing maintenance
• Not ideal for high-impact areas

Best for: Homebuilders in warm, dry climates (Southwest, California coastal). Adds character to Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial designs.

03Comparison Table

04Total Cost of Ownership Calculation

Don't just compare upfront cost. Calculate total cost of ownership over 30 years.

Example: 2,000 sq ft home, no accent materials

Vinyl Siding:

• Installation: $18,000
• Maintenance (30 years): $1,500
• Replacement at year 25: $18,000
• Total: $37,500

Fiber Cement Board:

• Installation: $28,000
• Painting/maintenance (every 8 years): $8,000
• Total: $36,000

Brick Veneer:

• Installation: $30,000
• Maintenance/repointing: $3,000
• Total: $33,000

In this scenario, brick wins on total cost despite higher upfront expense, because it lasts longer and requires less maintenance.

05Reading Elevations and Material Specifications

When you receive your house plans, the elevation drawings show exterior materials. Look for:

• Material callouts: Text labels indicating "Fiber Cement Board," "Brick," "Stone," etc.
• Material patterns: Brick is shown as a grid pattern; stone as irregular blocks
• Color notes: Specifications for paint color or brick color
• Trim materials: Often wood or composite

Review the elevation drawings carefully. Sometimes the rendering looks one way, but the material specification is different. Make sure you understand exactly what materials are specified before construction begins.

For detailed information on reading these drawings, see our guide on understanding house plan elevations.

06Making Your Material Choices

When designing your exterior, consider this framework:

Step 1: Identify your climate zone This eliminates impractical options immediately. Stucco in Minnesota? Impractical. Untreated wood in coastal Florida? Problematic.

Step 2: Determine your budget If you're working with tight project budgets, fiber cement board or vinyl makes sense for primary siding. If budget allows, consider brick for parts of the elevation.

Step 3: Evaluate maintenance commitment Be honest: Will you maintain wood siding every 3-5 years? Most homeowners won't. Choose materials matching your maintenance tolerance.

Step 4: Consider the architectural style

• Traditional farmhouse-plans: Wood, brick, or fiber cement
• Craftsman: Fiber cement, wood, stone accents
• Colonial: Brick, stone chimney, wood shutters
• Modern designs: Fiber cement, stone, metal accents

Step 5: Plan for accent materials A monochromatic vinyl siding exterior looks one-dimensional. Consider stone or brick accents around entries, chimneys, or lower walls. This adds visual depth without extreme cost.

Step 6: Get contractor input Before finalizing material choices, ask local contractors about:

• Regional availability
• Installation costs and timeline
• Warranty and durability in your specific area
• Their experience with each material

07A Practical Material Strategy

Here's an effective approach used by many thoughtful builders:

Primary siding: Fiber cement board (good balance of durability, appearance, maintenance, and cost)

Accent materials: Mix of brick and stone on high-visibility areas (entry, fireplace, lower walls)

Trim: Wood or composite boards around windows and doors (coordinates with siding)

Details: Metal (gutters, downspouts) in neutral tone

This strategy creates visual interest while managing cost. A 2,000 sq ft home might be 70% fiber cement siding, 20% brick accent, 10% stone accent, resulting in attractive, durable, moderately-priced exterior.

08The Long-Term Perspective

Your home's exterior is an investment that serves you for decades. Choose materials you'll be proud of 20, 30, even 50 years from now.

The cheapest option today might be the most expensive over time if it requires constant maintenance or replacement. Conversely, premium materials might deliver better value through durability and lower maintenance.

Think in decades, not dollars. Choose materials that age beautifully, require manageable maintenance, and work with your climate and architectural style.

Your exterior deserves careful thought. After all, it's the first impression your home makes every single day.