Curb appeal is an integral element of home design. It’s what pulls people in and provides a first impression of your house. While this doesn’t necessarily mean adding the most expensive features, you still have to make sure you don’t overlook any critical details.

One way to dramatically enhance curb appeal is by installing the right siding. And if you’re designing a modern home, the key is choosing siding that’s both aesthetically pleasing and functional. That said, here are popular siding types you should consider.

Wood Siding

A perpetual winner, wood siding is a timeless design choice that’s environmentally friendly and durable. Like most other siding types, wood offers a variety of colors to fit your desired theme. Its shiny surface and sophisticated texture perfectly complement natural backgrounds, such as trees or massive green lawns. It’s also one of the most popular material choices for 3D interior design.

If you’re not too keen on painting your house every season or two, wood siding might be the right decision for you! However, this siding type leans on the more expensive side, so prepare to spend a fortune to make it happen.

Another downside to wood is rotting due to moisture. Plus, wood is susceptible to termites who can feast on it from the inside. Be sure to keep your home exterior well-maintained, especially if you live in wet regions.

Metal Siding

While metal siding has always been a popular material for commercial buildings, it’s becoming more popular among homeowners. You see, metal siding is attractive and can withstand the elements. Its stylish and sleek design reflects modern home styles, making it the perfect material to stand out in your neighborhood.

Firstly, this type of exterior will last much longer than other options, such as wood or vinyl. When it comes to durability, metal is pretty much the king. You won’t have to worry about the weather, insects, or moisture destroying the material. This low-maintenance exterior requires little to no upkeep.

But here’s the bad news. Metal can rust, so it might not be a good choice if you live near the coast. Plus, when the noon rays constantly bombard its surface, the material can heat up to searing temperatures. In order words? Vinyl or fiber cement does a better job at insulation. And be sure to keep children away from metal walls to avoid accidents!

Fiber Cement Siding

Every homeowner wants their home to be as durable and beautiful as possible. Unfortunately, not everyone can’t afford expensive exterior claddings like wood, brick, or stone. Fiber cement siding provides an excellent option for those looking for a sleek, long-lasting exterior that won’t break the bank.

Fiber cement siding comes in multiple colors to meet your needs. Its texture might resemble that of wood, but it’s challenging to differentiate between the two at first glance! It’s also resistant against typical siding adversaries. If maintained properly, fiber cement can last up to 50 years. That’s more than half a lifetime!

The downside? Fiber cement requires professional contractors to install, which can add to its expense. Plus, it’s pretty heavy, so it’ll cost more to pack and transport. You also have to make sure that your home structure will be able to support the material.

Brick

Brick might look quite basic, but this all-natural material is a sought-after exterior. Gone are the days when bricks were just something to keep fire risks at bay. It’s now a popular exterior known for rustic appeal.

Contemporary homeowners are often drawn to brick because they want an aesthetic that speaks authority without being overly flashy. The reddish-brown tint also makes it an excellent exterior cladding to use in combination with wood siding. If you don’t like the look of traditional red bricks, you can choose from a range of color options or give your brick façade a modern paint job in neutral white.

So much for the looks, brick also provides plenty of insulation against extreme weather conditions. You won’t have to worry about uncomfortable temps and absurd energy bills. With proper maintenance, it can last up to several decades.

Prepare for some drawbacks, though. Bricks do not provide much protection from water damage. The mortar used to keep it all together can also crack during earthquakes. Lastly, it’s pretty expensive—even more so than wood!

Stone Veneer

Stone might be one of the oldest building materials, but it has moved into the modern era in the form of stone veneer. Depending on the type of stone veneer, it can be a cheaper or more expensive alternative to brick. Natural stones, like granite or limestone, are pricier than their synthetic counterpart, which is manufactured faux stone.

Unlike bricks, stone veneers will take longer to wear down with time. However, you’ll see chipping along the edges over the years due to severe weather conditions. Chemicals can also damage the siding severely. This can make repairing your home expensive since you need someone specialized in masonry to work on installation and repairs.

With plenty of options to choose from, determining the ideal siding type for your home can be difficult. Eventually, it all comes down to your budget and the final look that you want to achieve. It’s a good thing that you’re doing your research. Be sure to put the above information to good use!