Types of Vertical Vinyl Siding

Board and Batten

• One of the most common types of vertical vinyl siding is board and batten. This form uses a series of interlocking panels that produce alternating thin and thick vertical strips. This shape gives the appearance of wood planks cut to various widths. Board and batten siding comes in a wide range of styles and is relatively easy to install, making it an option for do-it-yourself home renovation projects.

Wood-Look Siding

• Some vertical vinyl siding uses a regular vertical pattern and a texture that imitates natural wood. Instead of relying on the alternating strips of board and batten siding, wood-look vinyl siding relies on textures that include wood grain and knot patterns. This type of vertical siding comes in large sheets and uses concrete or composite materials to reduce weight and enhance durability.

Primed Siding

• All types of vertical vinyl siding can come pre-finished in a variety of colors, or primed for painting. Primed vertical vinyl siding has a smooth surface that will hold most types of exterior paint, allowing you to customize your home's look after installing the siding. Primed siding is as durable as pre-finished siding, though the quality of the surface will depend on your climate and the type of exterior paint you choose. With sanding and painting techniques, you can create a weathered look over primed vertical siding that gives a realistic wood illusion.

Grades

• All styles of vertical vinyl siding also come in a series of grades. Finish, thickness, weight and overall production quality all impact the grade and pricing of the siding. According to CalFinder (calfinder.com), vertical vinyl siding has a wide range of prices, with 1,250 square feet costing anywhere from $2,500 to $8,750. This means that low-grade vertical vinyl siding costs less than natural wood or aluminum siding, while high-grade vinyl costs more than these alternatives.