Design Meets Durability: Choosing Exterior Materials That Look Great for Years
How to achieve a balance between aesthetics and quality when looking for siding, decks, and finishes.
When it comes to the home, the question of aesthetics versus quality is usually a big one. While you obviously want something that looks good, you don't want to choose something pretty that will break down after two years. Furthermore, it can sometimes be very difficult to determine which materials really are of high quality.
Fortunately, there are ways to achieve a balance between aesthetic appeal and durability. And there are also specific ways that non-experts can determine what the best quality materials are. We will break this all down in the sections below. And if you are looking for modern siding and exterior upgrades, start looking around online for options.
Overall considerations
Before we get into the specifics of different materials, there are some basic things that you should keep in mind when making decisions about what to buy:
The climate you live in. The more humid or rapidly changing your climate is, the more vulnerable your home will be to moisture damage. In these cases, look for especially moisture-resistant materials.
How much you want to spend. As you would expect, superior materials generally cost more. But they also increase the value of your home and ultimately save you time and maintenance costs.
Your home's style. Architecture also plays a role, so depending on how traditional your home is, you might want to lean more towards wood-like materials rather than stone or composite ones.
Decks
Let's start with decks. Building a deck is no small task, as we all know. The deck is a major component of the home, and it needs to be made of materials that will thoroughly withstand the elements. But you also want a deck that looks nice as of course this will be where you host your summer parties. Consider the following materials for your new deck:
Composite materials. This might not sound like the most sophisticated solution, but composite decking can actually be super durable. And it can be quite nice if you can find classy-looking stains or paint shades that complement the rest of your home. Composites are a mixture of recycled wood and plastic. It tends to hold up well against fading and getting stained. Trex and TimberTech are good options.
PCV decking. Although PCV is actually 100% plastic, this can actually be great for decks as it is completely waterproof and can hold up well in any kind of weather. Also, if you have a pool it can be useful for people getting in and out of the water. They are being designed in faux wood and other attractive styles these days.
“Tropical” materials. Using materials such as ipe or teak is becoming increasingly popular. These exotic materials evoke a sense of the tropics and give a special feel to decks. They can also be quite durable, although you might need to oil the material in order to preserve its color.
Pressure-treated wood. This is the cheapest option among materials, but it is also the one that requires the most work. It is not as durable and therefore you will need to apply sealant to it regularly to keep it intact.
Siding
Getting adequate siding is also essential to the longevity and condition of your home. These are the materials that you should look for:
Fiber cement. There are different types of fiber cement that resemble different types of natural materials. There are versions that mimic wood, stone, and brick, and it can be excellent for providing protection against rotting, fire, termites, and the elements in general. It can also last more than 50 years with very little maintenance, so it is a smart choice.
Engineered wood. Engineered wood has many of the qualities of real wood, but holds up better against harsh conditions. And it can be even tougher than fiber cement if you live in an area that really suffers from bad weather.
Metal. Metal is also an excellent choice, being able to last up to 70 years. It is extremely durable and resistant to warping. The only drawback to metal is that it can rust, so if you live in an area with a lot of rain you might want to consider a different option.
Viny. Vinyl can be a good choice, depending on your preferences. It is cheap and does not require a lot of maintenance. While not as durable as some of the other options, it can hold up well in many conditions.
Natural wood. Some people are sticklers for natural wood. Although it requires a lot more work, people can ultimately tell the difference. Just be sure you educate yourself on the maintenance that will be involved and staining techniques.
Finishes
Adding finishes is one way in which you can add a personal touch to your home. But you need to be careful about this, too, if you want materials that last. Look for the following:
Baked-on. There are some finishes that are applied right in the factory and can be far better than paint when it comes to reliability. These finishes can last for 15 years.
Water-repellant. If you have wood siding and/or decking, this type of sealant can be excellent for preventing water damage and ultimately rotting.
UV-protective. If you live in an area that gets a lot of sun, you should consider getting a finish that provides special protection against UV rays. This helps protect against color loss and overall degradation.
You might also consider investing in hidden fastener systems as they can help protect against water damage and keep your exterior looking fresh.
Consider your priorities
As mentioned above, you can basically find whatever look you want for your home's exterior. The question is what you are looking for in terms of quality and the amount that you are willing to invest to get there. Remember that bigger investments might hurt more in the short term, but they pay for themselves easily over time.
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