Figuring out which material to use for your home’s exterior can be challenging. These days, there are so many options and you’re never quite sure which you should choose.
That’s where this post can help. We explore the best materials for decorating exterior areas so you can make an informed decision.
Stucco
Stucco is one of the most popular exterior materials because of its attractive finish and ability to cover up brick. It gives homes a modern, clean look with a pleasant, smooth texture that looks fantastic when applied professionally.
Of course, it also comes with various downsides, particularly the fact that it chips easily. Stucco also requires proper drainage to prevent moisture issues, so you may need to replace your guttering first.
Stone
Stone is another option for exterior wall cladding, known for its durability and natural beauty. Many homes use it because of its ability to add value and make properties look luxurious or unique.
Stone’s main downside is the cost. You need to buy the materials and then hire experienced professionals to install it. However, you can also get pre-fabbed options that don’t require as much time-consuming and laborious cutting and processing on-site.
Brick
Brick is perhaps the most typical option for exterior cladding and also serves as a structural element for buildings. The material is exceptionally durable and can last over a century without requiring a great deal of maintenance.
The main benefit of brick is that it looks good, is fire-proof, and increases the home’s value relative to wood. Many people choose this material when searching for their “forever” home because of its reputation and quintessential good looks.
The downside is that it can still be expensive and hard to build if doing it from scratch. Also, you can’t really play around with the design that much. It always has to look like subway tiles, with very few modifications available.
Vinyl
Vinyl is one of the newest and most affordable exterior cladding options for your home. It is becoming popular because of its weather resistance and ability to last a long time in various climates.
Vinyl manufacturers are getting better at making products that resemble the real thing. It is much more difficult today to tell the difference between vinyl stucco and the actual, hand-laid product. The same is true for bricks and even stones: it is now exceptionally convincing.
The downside is that if you get the product choice wrong, it can look cheap and plastic. And, if the manufacturers didn’t include the right treatments, it can also sometimes fade in the sun, causing it to look worn and dull.
Wood
The last material on the list is wood. It isn’t particularly popular in our part of the world, but it does look good when implemented properly. Homes with wood exteriors have a certain character and welcoming charm about them that makes you want to walk up the driveway and go inside.
The downside is that wood requires regular maintenance. You’ll need to paint it every couple of years. It can also warp, which looks cool aesthetically but creates various structural issues.
