Beyond the Surface: Choosing the Right Siding for Your Custom Home's Style and Durability

Kenyon Kores
Sep 18
5 min read

Here at Generations Custom Homes, we know that every detail of your new home matters. And one of the most significant decisions you'll make—one that defines your home's character and protects it for decades—is choosing the exterior siding.

Think of siding as your home's signature. It dictates its architectural style, influences its curb appeal, and serves as the first line of defense against sun, wind, and rain, especially here in Maine. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one?

Let's break down some of the most popular and effective siding materials to help you find the perfect fit for your vision, budget, and lifestyle.

1. Fiber Cement Siding

This is a true champion in the world of siding, and for good reason. Composed of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, it's a durable composite that can be molded to mimic wood lap siding, shingles, or even stucco.

Best Architectural Styles: Incredibly versatile. Perfect for Modern Farmhouse, Craftsman, Colonial, and Coastal homes.
Pros:
- Highly Durable: Resistant to rot, insects, and fire.
- Low Maintenance: Holds paint exceptionally well (often comes with a factory finish and a 15-year warranty) and is easy to clean.
- Weather Resistant: Stands up beautifully to harsh weather, including wind, rain, and fluctuating temperatures.
Cons:
- Higher Upfront Cost: More expensive than vinyl.
- Requires Professional Installation: It's heavy and requires specialized tools and techniques to install correctly.
Long-Term Outlook: A fantastic long-term investment. With proper installation, you can expect it to last 50 years or more with minimal upkeep beyond occasional cleaning.

2. Engineered Wood Siding

Engineered wood gives you the timeless warmth of natural wood without the intense maintenance. It's made by binding wood strands with resins and treating them to resist moisture and insects.

Best Architectural Styles: Traditional, Ranch, Cape Cod, and Rustic Cabin styles.
Pros:
- Authentic Look: Offers deep, realistic wood grain patterns.
- Cost-Effective: Less expensive than real wood and often faster to install.
- Durable: Designed to resist fungal decay and termites.
Cons:
- Moisture Sensitivity: While resistant, it can be damaged if water gets behind the siding due to improper installation or flashing.
Long-Term Outlook: A great middle-ground option that typically comes with excellent warranties (up to 50 years). It will need repainting eventually, but far less frequently than natural wood.

3. Natural Stone & Stone Veneer

For a look that is timeless, grand, and deeply connected to the earth, nothing beats stone. You can use full-bed natural stone for ultimate longevity or a high-quality manufactured stone veneer for a similar look with less weight and cost.

Best Architectural Styles: Rustic Lodge, Tudor, Craftsman (especially as an accent), and grand European-style homes.
Pros:
- Unmatched Durability: Fireproof, insect-proof, and will last for a century or more.
- Zero Maintenance: Natural stone requires virtually no upkeep.
- Stunning Aesthetics: Provides texture, color variation, and a sense of permanence that no other material can match.
Cons:
- Very High Cost: This is a premium material, and installation is labor-intensive.
- Weight: Full-bed stone requires a reinforced foundation, adding to the structural cost.
Long-Term Outlook: The ultimate "forever" material. It's an investment that pays off in longevity and unparalleled beauty.

4. Natural Wood Siding (Clapboard & Shingles)

The classic choice that never goes out of style. From cedar shingles to pine clapboards, natural wood offers an organic, rich beauty.

Best Architectural Styles: Cape Cod (shingles), Craftsman, Victorian, and Rustic homes.
Pros:
- Classic Beauty: The authentic look is hard to replicate.
- Lightweight: Easy to work with and repair if a single board is damaged.
- Eco-Friendly: Wood is a renewable resource.
Cons:
- High Maintenance: Requires regular staining or painting every 3-7 years to prevent rot, warping, and insect damage.
- Vulnerable: Susceptible to pests (like woodpeckers and carpenter ants) and moisture.
Long-Term Outlook: With meticulous maintenance, wood siding can last a lifetime. However, the cost and effort of that maintenance should be a primary consideration.

5. Metal Siding

Increasingly popular for its clean lines and industrial-chic aesthetic, metal siding (typically steel or aluminum) is a sleek and durable option.

Best Architectural Styles: Modern, Contemporary, Industrial, and as an accent on a Modern Farmhouse.
Pros:
- Extremely Durable: Fire-resistant, rot-proof, and insect-proof.
- Low Maintenance: Modern finishes are highly resistant to fading and chalking.
- Longevity: Can easily last 50+ years.
Cons:
- Can Dent: Susceptible to denting from hail or impact.
- Specialized Installation: Requires a skilled crew familiar with metal systems.
Long-Term Outlook: A fantastic, low-worry option for homeowners seeking a modern aesthetic.

The Breakdown

Siding Material	Best Architectural Styles	Pros	Cons	Long-Term Outlook
Fiber Cement	Modern Farmhouse, Craftsman, Colonial, Coastal	- Highly durable: rot, insect, and fire-resistant - Low maintenance and holds paint well - Excellent weather resistance	- Higher upfront cost than vinyl - Requires specialized professional installation	A fantastic long-term investment. Expect 50+ years of life with minimal upkeep.
Engineered Wood	Traditional, Ranch, Cape Cod, Rustic Cabin	- Authentic, deep wood grain appearance - More cost-effective than natural wood - Treated to resist rot and insects	- Can be susceptible to moisture if not installed perfectly	A great middle-ground option with warranties up to 50 years. Will require repainting, but infrequently.
Natural Stone & Veneer	Rustic Lodge, Tudor, Craftsman, European	- Unmatched durability: fireproof, weatherproof - Virtually zero maintenance required - Timeless, high-end aesthetic	- Very high material and labor cost - Heavy (full stone) and requires a special foundation	The ultimate "forever" material. An investment that lasts for a century or more with no upkeep.
Natural Wood	Cape Cod, Craftsman, Victorian, Rustic	- Classic, authentic beauty - Lightweight and easily repaired - A renewable, eco-friendly resource	- High maintenance: needs frequent staining/painting - Vulnerable to rot, insects, and moisture damage	Can last a lifetime, but only with consistent and costly maintenance every few years.
Metal Siding	Modern, Contemporary, Industrial	- Extremely durable: fire, rot, and insect-proof - Very low maintenance with modern finishes - Long lifespan (50+ years)	- Can be dented by hail or impact - Requires installers skilled with metal systems	A sleek, low-worry option for a modern aesthetic that will last for decades.

Making the Final Choice

Choosing your home's siding is about finding the perfect balance between your architectural dream, your long-term maintenance goals, and your budget. The best approach is often to mix materials—using durable fiber cement for the main body of the house with accents of natural stone or warm engineered wood to add character and focus.

Ready to explore the possibilities for your own custom home? Contact the team at Generations Custom Homes today. We can walk you through these options and help you choose a material palette that you'll be proud to come home to for years to come.