Siding Materials: Which Is Best for Your Tiny House?

by Jan Kennemer 05/05/2024

When designing a custom tiny home, you will need to select your building materials. One key decision is what to use for siding. There are different options for siding and cladding suitable for tiny homes. Here are some of the best options when choosing materials for the exterior of your tiny home:

Real Wood Siding

Wood siding made of cedar and pine is incredibly popular for tiny homes. Both wood options are affordable and very durable, though not completely fire safe. Wood is easy to shape into distinct looks. For example, instead of clapboard or shiplap siding design, you can fashion shingles and shakes to give the house a completely different aesthetic. Pine is nice for those who like to DIY, as it’s lightweight and strong enough to withstand transportation.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is another option for siding that is affordable and lightweight. In terms of aesthetic quality, there is a wide range of possibilities for vinyl. While some cheaper, older style vinyl might look just like plastic, some of the modern and more advanced vinyl siding can mimic the look of wood or natural stone with ease.

Vinyl comes with some advantages over natural materials because it doesn’t rot or rust. It’s also totally moisture resistant, making it a smart choice for wetter climates. However, it can also be extremely flammable.

Metal Siding

The two main options for metal siding are aluminum and corrugated steel. Both come with some great advantages, including being extremely durable and easily accessible. Aluminum siding won’t warp with temperature fluctuations and is also resistant to rust and mildew. When installed correctly, it can make your home airtight and extremely energy efficient. Corrugated steel has some of the same advantages.

It’s also easy to customize with colored paint or other finishes and its wavy texture makes it less susceptible to dents or other damage. Aluminum, however, is easy to scratch and dent, which might mean panel replacements sooner rather than later.

These are the three most popular for tiny home siding. All of them share the same lightweight and durable characteristics and come with their own special considerations. Research carefully to determine how to make the best choice for your design.

About the Author

Jan Kennemer

Jan will show you how you can live close to Washington, DC – by public transit and/or highway – and still enjoy all the many amenities and friendliness of a quiet community. Jan is a life-long resident of Arlington, Va. So, she is very familiar with northern Virginia …Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria and close-in Fairfax. She knows where to find those little out-of the-way places where you will still get excellent value and a home that meets your needs. As a Realtor® for over 20 years, Jan has developed a customized system for marketing and selling properties which includes the latest technologies combined with tried and true practices. She has received special training in working with first time buyers, repeat buyers and seniors. She is a certified VHDA trainer and is certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES©). Jan is also a certified e-Pro. She gets results you want – the best price in the shortest time. Jan is dedicated to helping clients satisfy their needs and wants while providing them with a strong investment for the future. She is readily available to provide explanations and information. She won’t push you into making an uncomfortable choice. Jan helps you to fully understand the transaction, so that you can always make an informed decision based on facts and figures.