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Different types of siding provide unique aesthetic and structural features, with each material commanding its own cost. Availability of materials and shipping costs also factors largely into the cost. The common types of siding materials include:

• Stucco: $7–$9 per square foot

• Wood: $1–$15 per square foot

• Engineered wood: $1–$6 per square foot

• Aluminum: $3–$6 per square foot

• Fiber cement: $5–$14 per square foot

• Brick: $10–$20 per square foot

• Brick veneer: $3–$10 per square foot

• Stone: $7–$30 per square foot

• Stone veneer: $5–$11 per square foot

Vinyl can withstand many different cleaning methods, but there are two things you need to be wary of. First, particularly harsh chemicals will damage your vinyl siding and reduce its lifespan. Second, be careful about pressure washing your vinyl siding. Vinyl can resist powerful washing damage more than softer siding like wood, but high levels of pressure can still crack it. Use the lowest level of pressure for power washing vinyl, or hire a siding professional to do it.

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.

Choosing siding combinations that look good together comes down to finding textures and colors that complement each other. You want some contrast so that your home doesn’t look boring or too uniform, but you also want the materials to play off of each other so that each makes the other stand out. It’s a good idea to hire a siding professional to create 3D renderings for you so you can get a sense of what your home will look and feel like before you get started.