9 Cheap Siding Options For Your House In 2024

Aaron holding a ladder with his Global Exterior Experts gear on.
Aaron Venegaz
3
min read
Vinyl Siding in Naperville, IL in a light brown color.

Picking the right type of siding for your home that doesn't break the bank is a big decision. We'll walk you through the most affordable siding options for your home, along with average costs per square foot. After you read this article, you'll know exactly what affordable siding materials to consider for your home.

Now, before you pick a siding material, it's essential to consider factors such as climate, aesthetics, and durability. Let's go over each factor more in-depth so that you know what siding material to choose.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Your Home Siding

Climate & Weather

Pick a siding material that can handle the temperature swings in your area without warping or cracking. For example, older vinyl siding can become brittle in extreme cold, while natural wood siding may expand and contract with temperature shifts.

Aesthetics

The siding material you pick should complement your home's overall style and architecture. The color, texture, and style of the siding should all go well with your home's windows, doors, and roof.

Durability

When leaning towards the cheaper side of siding, it's important to pick an option that's not only affordable but also durable. Some runner-ups for durable and affordable siding that are often mentioned are vinyl and aluminum.

Energy Efficiency

To avoid high energy bills and enhance your home's comfort, consider opting for siding with built-in insulation or ensure your contractor installs additional insulation during the siding installation. This proactive step can significantly improve your home's energy efficiency and lower those energy bills.

Why is Siding Important?

Siding isn't just about looks; it's your home's first line of defense and can make or break the value of your home. Siding shields against extreme weather and debris. Additionally, siding enhances energy efficiency if properly insulated, reducing energy bills.

Last but not least, siding has a huge impact on your home's curb appeal. That's why it's important to pick a siding material that's not only affordable but also goes well with your home's style.

Baby blue James Hardie fiber cement siding.

Cheapest Siding Options For Homes

We'll be going over nine of the cheapest siding materials on the market right now. Costs can range anywhere from $3 per square foot all the way to $28 per square foot.

1. Vinyl Siding

If you didn't already know, vinyl siding is the most popular siding choice in the United States. It's mainly due to its versatility in styles/color, decent durability, and, most notably, affordability.

Vinyl siding costs, on average, $3 to $7 per square foot. There are several popular vinyl siding manufacturers to pick from as well.

2. Fiber Cement Siding

If you're looking for a stylish option for your home at a fraction of the cost, fiber cement siding by James Hardie is a great option if you're trying to emulate materials such as stone or wood. Fiber cement siding also has a longer lifespan of about 50 years compared to its counterparts like vinyl siding.

The average cost for fiber cement siding is between $5 to $10 per square foot.

3. Aluminum Siding

One of the most durable forms of siding is aluminum, which can last more than 40 years when properly maintained. Aluminum siding also doesn't rust, which is a big plus compared to steel siding, which can indeed rust over time.

Costs for aluminum siding range from $5 to $12 per square foot.

What really drives prices up for aluminum siding is the labor cost of getting it installed.

4. Engineered Wood Siding

Made from wood fibers and resin, engineered wood siding provides a natural wood-like look but even better durability! However, it does require periodic sealing and painting in order to protect against moisture damage.

You can plan on spending anywhere from $6 to $14 per square foot for engineered wood siding.

5. Metal Siding

Metal siding has increased in popularity over time for two main reasons: its modern aesthetic and durability. Some popular metal siding materials are aluminum, steel, copper, and zinc. Metal siding can last for more than 50+ years compared to vinyl siding, which lasts 20-40 years.

The average cost for metal siding in 2024 is $7 to $15 per square foot, but the pricing increases for higher-end metals like copper.

6. Wood Shingle Siding

If you're looking for siding that'll provide good insulation properties and a natural look, wood single siding is a great choice. Out of all the siding that we've discussed so far, wood shingle siding requires the most maintenance, such as sealing and staining, to prevent wood rot and insect damage.

Wood shingle siding costs, on average, $10-$17 per square foot.

7. Stucco Siding

Stucco is a traditional type of siding that can be customized to an array of textures and colors. Stucco siding is a popular choice in the Southwest United States. Fun fact: over 50% of homes in the Southwest have stucco siding.

Prepare to spend $11 to $18 per square foot on average for stucco siding.

8. Brick Siding

The most classic of all is brick siding, which can last for more than 100+ years and provides great fire resistance. It's important to pick an experienced siding contractor that understands how to install a brick siding.

Solid brick siding costs $12-$22 per square foot on average.

9. Stone Veneer Siding

The cost of stone veneer siding can largely depend on the type of veneer, but the average cost ranges from $14-$28 per square foot.

In simple terms, stone veneer siding is a thin layer of natural or manufactured stone. It's composed of Portland cement and natural lightweight aggregates and is colored with iron oxide pigments.

One big perk of stone veneer siding is that it provides the look of real stone, which is why it's a choice to consider.

Global Exterior Experts team member installing siding.

Get Affordable Siding Options In Illinois

If you're looking for a siding contractor in Illinois who has over a decade of experience under their belt, contact Global Exterior Experts today, and we'll provide you with a free siding installation estimate. Our team specializes in several affordable siding options, such as vinyl siding, fiber cement siding, metal siding, and much more.