How to Buy Siding

With so many types of siding available for your new house or addition, you'll want to shop around and make your selection based on budget, design and maintenance considerations.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Vinyl Siding
• Wood Siding
• Measuring Tapes
• Aluminum Siding
• Pencils
• Spiral Notebooks

1. Calculate the square footage of the area to be sided.
2. Consider what type of siding you want to install. Aluminum and vinyl are the least expensive options and have the added bonus of low maintenance. Wood clapboard and shakes are considered to be more upscale materials; however, they're more expensive and require ongoing maintenance, particularly if painted instead of stained.
3. Look at home design magazines and houses to get some idea of what type of material you like. You can also go to your local home center to look at the siding materials, but it's difficult to visualize the raw material on your house.
4. Get prices from several suppliers and/or home centers for the type of siding you've selected.
5. Consider the different quality levels offered by each supplier. Higher-quality wood siding will be made from choice wood, with few knots. Better vinyl siding will be heavier and have a better (and less "artificial") appearance. Ask about the differences between each quality level and the warranties offered.
6. Consult with your siding installer before finalizing the purchase. Confirm the quantity required for the job and make sure that the contractor you work with has experience with this type of siding.
7. Order the required amount of your chosen material.

Tips & Warnings

• You may purchase your siding through the installer (especially with the larger vinyl and aluminum siding companies). Nevertheless, you should go through the selection and shopping process to ensure that you pick the material you want.
• Siding is generally measured and sold by the "square," which equals 100 square feet. Siding material varies enormously in price, typically ranging from $60 to $200 per square.
• Vinyl siding has largely replaced aluminum siding in many areas of the country.
• Remember that vinyl and aluminum siding lock you into a color, whereas wood siding can be repainted.

Who Can Help:

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