Overwhelmed by siding options for your Wichita home? This guide breaks down popular siding materials, styles and costs to help you decide on the best choice for your home. And remember, Star Lumber’s Wichita siding specialists are always here if you need expert guidance on the right options for your siding replacement project.
Popular Siding Materials
Vinyl Siding
Pros:
- Affordable and cost effective
- Low maintenance and easy to repair
- Easy to install, allow for DIY opportunities
- Wide variety of colors and styles that mimic other siding materials
- Insulated vinyl siding can improve energy efficiency
Cons:
- Susceptible to impact damage
- Less durable than other options
- Color may fade over time
- Not ideal for extremely hot climates
- Can warp and become brittle
Cost:
Vinyl tends to be one of the most affordable siding materials. According to Home Advisor, vinyl siding is around 30-50% less expensive than fiber cement siding. On average, mid-range vinyl siding typically costs between $4 – $7 per square foot. However, this price can fluctuate depending on the quality of vinyl, thickness, insulation and finishing.
Wood Siding
Pros:
- Natural, classic look that can improve resale value
- Can be painted or stained allowing for more customization
- Eco-friendly and often sourced sustainably
- Easy to repair and energy efficient as a natural insulator
Cons:
- High maintenance, requires, painting, staining and sealing
- Susceptible to rot. insect infestation and fire
- Expensive upfront and requires specialized installation
- Sensitive to moisture if not sealed and treated properly
Cost:
Wood siding is considered a mid range to expensive siding material, depending on the type of wood you choose. Softwood siding like pine are your best bet for budget-friendly wood siding materials at around $3 – $7 per square foot. On the other hand, hardwood siding like oak and premium versions of softwood, such as pressure treated pine, offer more durability and protection. These higher end types of wood siding range from $12 – $20 per square foot.
Metal Siding (Aluminum or Steel)
Pros:
- Long lifespan and high durability, lasts up to 40-60 years with proper care
- Low maintenance
- Does not absorb heat or moisture
- Pest resistant
- Energy efficient by reflecting the sun, cutting summer energy bills
- Most metal siding is recycled making it eco-friendly
Cons:
- High upfront cost
- Needs specialized installation
- Prone to denting and shows damage clearly
- Can be noisier than other siding materials during thunderstorms and rain
- Difficult to repair and will need professional siding replacement
- Can corrode and rust over time without proper care
Cost:
There are a ton of variables that impact metal siding cost, but the average lands between $4 – $15 per square foot. However, this price can change given the gauge of the metal, the type of finish and whether it’s insulated. In general, tin siding is the least expensive, followed by aluminum and steel as the most expensive out of the three.
Fiber Cement Siding
Pros:
- Incredibly durable
- Can withstand high winds
- Pest, fire, fade and moisture resistant
- Can mimic wood and other materials
- Low maintenance, only needing periodic cleaning and painting
Cons:
- Higher cost than vinyl siding
- Not as DIY friendly as vinyl siding
- Difficult to install due to heavy weight and complex installation
- Can begin to crack and fall apart if not installed correctly
- Not as eco-friendly as other siding options
Cost:
Fiber cement siding is one of the more expensive siding materials due to its weight and required special installation. Typically, contractors will have to cut and drill the pieces of siding on the job site using special tools, leading to higher installation costs. Although fiber cement siding has a higher upfront cost, its long lifespan can save you money on maintenance and replacement over time.
Brick or Stone Veneer
Pros:
- High-end luxury look that can increase home resale value
- Extremely durable
- Long lifespan at 50+ years
- Resistant to moisture, insects, fire and fading
- Requires little to no upkeep
- Comes in a wide variety of colors, sizes and textures
Cons:
- High upfront cost
- Difficult to make minor repairs
- Difficult to change styles and colors after installation
- Heavy, and requires special reinforcement and installation
- Offers little insulation
- Less sustainable than other eco-friendly siding materials
Cost:
Brick and stone veneer siding are both premium options with expensive price tags. While brick and stone do cost more upfront, the benefits like low maintenance, high durability and long lifespan can help increase home value, offsetting some of the initial costs. For example, Home resale value can increase by between 5% – 10% according to the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA). Stone siding is a great long term investment but it may not be the right fit for every budget because of the high initial costs.
Factors That Affect Siding Costs
Material Choice:
Material choice has a huge impact on the cost of siding. Each material has its own unique cost and series of benefits different from the others. For example, vinyl siding is typically the most affordable due to its easily available materials and simple manufacturing, while premium options like fiber cement cost more because of their production and specialized installation.
Square Footage of Your Home:
The larger your home, the more siding you’ll need, and siding is typically priced by square foot. Knowing your home’s size beforehand helps you estimate costs and choose siding styles that fit your budget. Additionally, larger homes often mean more labor time for installation, adding to the overall bill.
Labor Costs in Wichita:
Local siding contractor rates are often influenced by factors like demand, experience, cost of living and availability. All of these factors make up a large portion of the overall labor expenses and determine costs for siding in Wichita. Getting multiple quotes from local siding contractors can help you compare prices and find competitive rates for your project.
Removal of Existing Siding:
Before putting up the new siding you’ll have to toss out the old. However, there are times when professional removal is required to prevent damage to the home’s structure. Removal fees can be expensive since it involves labor and disposal costs. According to Modernize, home siding removal costs between $2,000 – $3,700.
Tips for Choosing the Right Siding for Your Wichita Home
- Consider your home’s architectural style
- Factor in Wichita’s climate
- Set a realistic budget
- Prioritize durability and maintenance needs
- Think about curb appeal and resale value
- Consult with a reputable siding contractor
Explore Wichita Siding Options
Choosing the right siding can be overwhelming, it’s important to weigh the long term costs vs. the short term costs when choosing siding. But you don’t have to navigate the decision alone. Fortunately, Star Lumber’s siding specialists are here to help you every step of the way. With their extensive knowledge and experience, they can guide you through the various siding types, discuss the pros and cons of each and help you make a perfect decision for your home. Schedule a free consultation with Star Lumber’s siding specialists for expert guidance on choosing the best new siding for your home.
