When planning the design for a tiny house exterior, you’ll need to select the type of siding material to use. The choice can depend on numerous factors, including the architectural style, size and location of the home. However, knowing the basic options will help you make the best choice for your situation.
To help you make an informed decision, here is a short guide to the three most common building materials for tiny home exteriors:
Siding made from real wood is a popular choice for tiny houses across the globe. Generally made from cedar or pine, wood siding comes with many benefits including affordability, durability and availability. It’s excellent for DIY enthusiasts, since it’s simple to transport and is relatively lightweight to work with.
However, like with wood decking and other exterior applications, real wood does have some downsides. Cedar and pine are both naturally resistant to pest damage, but can warp with temperature fluctuations and moisture.
Metal siding is made from either aluminum or corrugated steel, and has some similar advantages to real wood. Metal is similarly durable and widely available brand-new from retailers or through recycling resources.
Both aluminum and steel are resistant to rot, rust and warping. If installed correctly, metal siding can also increase the energy efficiency of your tiny home by a significant margin.
Some notable disadvantages of metal siding are the chance of dents and scratches. While resistant to most climate conditions, it can easily sustain cosmetic surface damage.
Vinyl siding is another affordable and lightweight option for tiny house exteriors. Modern vinyl options can mimic the appearance and texture of natural stone or wood, and are also easy to customize to your aesthetic preferences.
However, vinyl siding varies dramatically both in price and quality from one manufacturer to the next. If you're considering vinyl siding for your home, research your options carefully to get the best deal and the best product.
Modern tiny living comes with many excellent perks. Whether you’re searching for tiny home builders for a custom-built design or wish to take the DIY approach to your tiny house, keep these material options in mind. With the right siding, you can have the cost and energy-efficient living space of your dreams.
Ted draws energy and joy from building synergetic relationships with his Clients. Ted's nature is graciously gregarious and persevering; he's honest; and he's been dedicated to a substantial list of clientele throughout his 25 years in the hospitality business and almost two years as a REALTOR. His passion is creating a sincere, successful relationship with people.
Ted grew up in a family of Realtors in central Indiana, earned a degree in economics and philosophy from the University of Notre Dame, and jumped into all aspects of the restaurant business. His ensuing hospitality career path eventually led him into the Event Management Sales & Service role in hotels and quickly guided him to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and finally to a luxury resort in the Napa Valley, where he, his husband, and their dog have resided for almost a decade now.
The irony is not lost on Ted that his ‘growth’ journey has culminated in“living happily ever after” in an agricultural area with a small-town feel and sense of community strikingly reminiscent of his youth…and as a REALTOR nonetheless!