Most people who choose vinyl siding over wood siding do so because it is considerably more affordable and requires considerably less maintenance. Those who prefer wood like it because its uniqueness and natural beauty adds value to the house, especially if the wood is well preserved and maintained.

Appearance

Most people agree that wood sidings are the most beautiful sidings available. They give the home a uniqueness that stems from the variations in its natural grain. Vinyl appears contrived by comparison. There are some vinyl sidings manufactured to mimic wood. However, the inherent uniformity from panel to panel gives it away upon closer scrutiny.

Wood may be painted. This allows one a wide variety of color choices. It can be treated so that its beautiful grain can be displayed. Unlike wood, vinyl sidings are very tricky to paint. This siding type easily expands or contracts depending on the climate. This is where the difficulty stems from. A wide variety of color choices and designs are available and every year more options are added.

Maintenance And Durability

Vinyl is very easy to maintain. It does not require yearly repainting or treating like wood does. If it is repainted, it takes much longer to fade compared to wood. Usually, all it needs is to be washed with water and a mild detergent in order to restore the vividness of its color.

In order for wood to last long, it has to be protected from insects, moisture (which causes rot), and chipping. Owners need to inspect the siding on a regular basis so damaged portions can be replaced early and prevent the damage from spreading. Vinyl is inherently more durable, as it is man-made. However, the weather can cause it to warp or become brittle given time.

Environmental Impact

Between these two sidings, wood has the least negative impact on the environment. It is readily biodegradable once the preservatives it is treated with wear off. Waste wood can also be used to make other products. This helps decrease the number of trees that should be cut in order to meet the demand for various wood products.

On the other hand, vinyl is toxic to the environment. It is a petroleum-based product whose complete chemical name is polyvinyl chloride. If it is burned, it emits a dioxin that is harmful to both humans and the ecology. It also takes years to completely degrade.

Cost

Vinyl is the most affordable siding available. This makes it a popular choice among those who need to prioritize their budget above other factors like aesthetics. It is easy to install, so labor cost is also low. Laws that protect forests from being denuded further drives the price of wood product up. The way it is installed and treated is important. This is to ensure that the wood siding will last a long time. This is on top of the expense needed for regular repainting and repair.

In Summary

Favoring vinyl siding over wood siding is largely dependent on the priorities of the buyer. Those who consider affordability, durability, and low maintenance generally prefer vinyl. Those who choose wood over vinyl are mostly people who give more importance to uniqueness, aesthetics, and environmental impact.

A great source to compare the pricing differences in for vinyl and wood siding is using our Siding Calculator.