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What’s the Difference Between Horizontal and Vertical Siding?​
Weigh the pros and cons to choose the right siding
Photo: kardaska / Adobe Stock
Photo: kardaska / Adobe Stock
Highlights
Vertical siding is more water resistant than horizontal siding.
Horizontal siding is more common than vertical siding.
Vertical siding costs slightly more to install.
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Your home’s siding makes a big impact on its curb appeal, so it’s a good idea to carefully weigh your options before committing to a type. Horizontal siding is what you see on most houses—it has a classic appearance that’s been around for decades. But vertical siding is also having a moment, offering a modern twist on its horizontal counterpart.
Use this guide to learn all about the differences between horizontal and vertical siding so you can make an informed choice for your home.
What Are the Differences Between Horizontal and Vertical Siding?
Horizontal and vertical siding differ by factors like cost, appearance, and installation complexity. The right choice for your home heavily depends on your personal needs and priorities.
| Type of Difference | Vertical Siding | Horizontal Siding |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Modern look | Classic look |
| Cost | Slightly more expensive | Slightly less expensive |
| Durability | More durable | Less durable |
| Installation | More complex installation | Simpler installation |
| Maintenance | Lower maintenance | Higher maintenance |
| Insulation | Slightly better insulator in some cases | Slightly worse insulator in some cases |
Horizontal vs. Vertical Siding: Differences in Appearance
Photo: Jason / Adobe Stock
The biggest difference between the two siding options is their appearance. Just as the name implies, vertical siding is vertically oriented on a house, or up and down, while horizontal siding is horizontally oriented, or left to right. Horizontal siding is more popular than vertical siding, so it’s what you see on most homes. However, vertical siding is gaining popularity as a modern alternative.
Cost Differences
Horizontal and vertical siding both have similar price points, which vary depending on the material. But vertical siding tends to cost a bit more to install since, unlike horizontal siding, it requires furring strips between each piece of siding to create a flat surface and provide a weather-resistant barrier. This added material and time can increase installation costs.
Durability Differences
Vertical siding’s orientation means that water easily drips off rather than collecting at the seams, so it tends to be more resistant to water damage than horizontal siding. For the same reason, vertical siding is also less prone to accumulating dirt and debris than horizontal siding, which can reduce its maintenance needs and prolong its life span compared to horizontal.
Installation Differences
Vertical siding typically involves a more complex installation process than horizontal siding since it requires furring strips to create a flat surface, adequate support, and a weather-resistant barrier. This is why installing vertical siding is usually slightly more expensive than horizontal siding, but the cost differences aren’t typically very significant.
Maintenance Differences
Photo: Olena Rudo / Adobe Stock
It’s easier for water, dirt, and debris to accumulate on horizontal siding, which can create problems like rot and mold, particularly in wood siding. That means horizontal siding requires more frequent maintenance in the form of cleanings. However, both types of siding should be cleaned at least annually to maintain their condition and appearance.
Insulation Differences
When moisture seeps behind siding, it can compromise its insulation properties. Vertical siding’s more efficient water drainage can reduce the risk of moisture accumulation, so it might be a slightly better insulator than horizontal siding. However, the main factor involved in how well siding insulates is the material from which it’s made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, vertical and horizontal siding both come in the same materials, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, and engineered wood. The material you choose can significantly affect your siding’s overall price, lifespan, insulation properties, and maintenance costs.
If you have significant home construction experience under your belt, you can install siding yourself. However, most homeowners don’t have the skills and expertise required to properly install siding, particularly vertical siding which requires more labor and materials than horizontal siding. So in most cases, it’s best to hire a pro for this job.
Yes, you can mix siding types to create a unique design. However, it requires thoughtful planning to execute properly. The installation process will also be more time-consuming than if you were to choose either vertical or horizontal for the entire home, so it will cost you more in labor and design costs.
Yes, siding orientation can affect a home’s resale value, but in what way and by how much really depends on the prospective buyer. For instance, some buyers prefer the more modern appearance that vertical siding offers, so having it can increase your home’s value in their eyes. However, other buyers prefer the classic, more common appearance of horizontal siding, so having vertical siding can decrease your home’s value in their eyes.
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