Get matched with top siding pros in Sleepy Eye, MN

The living space of a home doesn’t correlate directly with how many square feet of siding you’ll need, but on average, a 2,000-square-foot home will need 1,700 square feet of siding or 17 squares of siding. Your siding measurements will vary depending on the layout of your home, the number of stories, the size of your doors and windows, and even your roof style.

Siding underlayment varies based on the type of material, but most siding is installed on top of a vapor barrier, a moisture-resistant house wrap, sheathing made from plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), and a layer of insulation sheeting. Having the correct underlayment is a critical part of properly installing siding and will protect your home from water intrusion, structural damage, and energy loss.

You should restain or refinish your home's cedar siding every three to seven years to maintain its appearance and ensure maximum protection. The precise frequency depends on several factors, including your local climate, the siding's exposure to severe weather like direct sunlight, rain, and wind, the quality of the initial stain application, the type of stain used, and the condition of the wood.

Homeowners in harsh climates with high humidity and significant direct sunlight should plan on restaining every three years, while those in milder locations can wait up to seven years. For the longest-lasting protection in particularly harsh environments, consider using an opaque stain.

If you're looking for a lower-maintenance alternative, vinyl or aluminum siding are options to consider. Although their installation cost may be higher, they don't require as much upkeep over time, which can provide more value, especially in areas with excessive rainfall or high humidity.

Vinyl, brick veneer, stucco, steel, stone veneer, and composite siding are popular alternatives to wood siding. Which siding material is best for your home boils down to your budget, aesthetics, lifestyle, and climate. For example, stone veneer offers a timeless charm and is low maintenance but may have too high of a price tag. Meanwhile, some homeowners love vinyl siding for its low cost, while others dislike it for its appearance and shorter life span.