The most significant benefit to mixing siding styles is the visual appeal and intrigue you can create. Multiple colors or textures will make your home stand out, boosting curb appeal and home value. Mixing siding styles also lets you take advantage of the high resale value of stone without having to pay the high cost of covering your entire home with it. Coupling stone and vinyl means pairing affordability and value. Plus, you’ll often only have to pay for a partial siding replacement when it comes time to replace one of the materials.

Concrete log siding is not the same as fiber cement siding. Fiber cement siding is made from a mixture of cement and cellulose fibers, while GFRC is made from cement, glass fibers, and polymers. The materials are similar in their durability, longevity, and curb appeal, and the main difference is that concrete log siding is available in more styles that resemble traditional log siding. Fiber cement is also less expensive, with materials costing around half what you’d pay for concrete log siding.

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.

You cannot install clapboard siding on a bare, unprepared surface. Clapboard siding requires a clean, sturdy base made from plywood or similar materials, sometimes called backerboard. Then, it needs an underlayment or sheathing, a moisture membrane to help protect the exterior wall.

Note that sometimes clapboard siding is caulked as it’s installed for additional protection. We don’t suggest this: Caulking the siding can trap moisture inside the clapboards and lead to moisture damage over time. The siding needs some space to “breathe,” especially in rainy weather.