Whether you’re renovating or building a new home, deciding on which siding material to use is a major decision, not to mention a major expense. Siding is more than just an exterior finish for your home. It is a major component of the exterior “envelope” of your home, which protects its interior from being damaged by water infiltration or inclement weather.

From maintenance to costs per square foot, here is an overview of five siding material options that you might want to consider. Keep in mind that although prices for the siding materials are fairly consistent throughout the United States, labor costs can vary significantly.

Wood
Wood is a traditional siding material that has been used in America since colonial times. There are two types of wood siding, shingles and clapboards. Shingles, or shakes as they are sometimes called, are typically made from cedar. They are not painted, but are left to weather naturally and are virtually maintenance free. Clapboards are typically made from Douglas fir, spruce, or pine and are usually painted or stained. Wood siding is an excellent choice for siding but, with the exception of masonry siding such as brick or stone, wood siding is more expensive than other siding options, costing about $5 to $8 per square foot.

Vinyl
Vinyl is one of the most popular siding materials for new homes. Made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic, it is quite durable, although less so than wood or masonry. It is maintenance free and is easy to keep clean simply by hosing it down once a year. It will not deteriorate and colors in the newer versions rarely fade. It can crack if accidentally hit with a lawn mower or weed whacker or come loose under conditions of frequent high winds. Vinyl siding costs about $2 to $5 per square foot.

Aluminum
Aluminum siding made its debut in the 1950s and is often used over wood siding in older homes to modernize them, much to the chagrin of old-house purists. Like vinyl, aluminum siding is touted as maintenance free and for the most part it is. It is easy to clean and fire resistant, and power washing will not harm the aluminum. It may dent (for instance in a hail storm), and the color may fade in strong sunlight or with time. Nonetheless it is a popular alternative to vinyl siding for many people. Aluminum siding costs about $3 to $6 per square foot.

Brick
Masonry siding made of brick refers to the use of brick to face the exterior of a home. Bricks are made from clay fired in a kiln and come in a range of colors and types. Some types of bricks are used for paving while others are used for walls or siding for homes. Brick masonry siding is durable and long lasting. It is also relatively maintenance free but should be cleaned periodically to remove pollutants that accumulate on the surface, which can cause deterioration of the brick over time. Brick is one of the more expensive siding options, starting at about $9 per square foot.

Fiber cement
Fiber cement siding is often referred to by its brand names, HardiPlank or HardiBoard. It is made from a composite of concrete materials that include Portland cement, sand, and cellulose. A relatively new product, it has become a popular alternative to wood, stucco, and certain types of masonry siding because of its ability to imitate them at a fraction of the cost. It is virtually maintenance free and does not rot or crack, nor is it damaged by hail or heavy rains. Fiber cement siding is fire resistant and maintenance free as well. It is more expensive than vinyl siding but less expensive than masonry siding, at about $4 to $7 per square foot.