Choosing the Right Siding for Your Custom Garage, ADU, or Shed

When building a custom garage, ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), or shed, selecting the right siding is crucial. Siding not only enhances the visual appeal of your structure but also protects it from the elements, affects energy efficiency, and influences long-term maintenance costs. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the top options for siding, compare costs, highlight trends, and answer the big questions to help you make an informed choice for your next project.

What is the Best Choice for Siding?

The “best” siding depends on your priorities—whether durability, cost, appearance, or environmental friendliness matters most to you. Here’s a breakdown of popular options:

Vinyl Siding

Pros: Vinyl siding is low-maintenance, affordable, and available in a wide variety of colors and styles. It’s resistant to rot and insects, making it a great choice for structures in wetter climates.

Cons: Vinyl can fade over time, and it may not offer the high-end look that some homeowners prefer for custom garages or ADUs.

Best For: Homeowners looking for a durable, budget-friendly option with a variety of color choices.

Fiber Cement Siding

Pros: Fiber cement siding mimics the look of wood, stone, or brick without the high cost. It’s fire-resistant, withstands extreme weather, and is available in a range of textures and colors.

Cons: Fiber cement is relatively heavy, making it slightly more expensive to install. It also requires occasional maintenance like repainting.

Best For: Custom garages or ADUs where aesthetics and durability are essential, especially in areas prone to wildfires.

Wood Siding

Pros: Wood siding offers a classic, natural look that adds significant character to structures like sheds and ADUs. With options like cedar, redwood, and pine, wood siding offers a range of looks.

Cons: Wood siding is prone to rot, insects, and weather damage, requiring regular maintenance. It’s also more expensive than vinyl.

Best For: Homeowners looking for a high-end, rustic, or traditional look. Ideal for ADUs or custom garages where visual appeal is a priority.

Engineered Wood Siding

Pros: Engineered wood is more affordable than natural wood but still delivers an authentic wood appearance. It’s treated to resist moisture, insects, and fungal decay, making it lower maintenance than traditional wood.

Cons: Although engineered wood is relatively durable, it doesn’t offer the same weather resistance as fiber cement or vinyl.

Best For: Projects where a natural look is desired without the high maintenance of traditional wood. Engineered wood is a good choice for sheds and garages.

Metal Siding

Pros: Metal siding, like aluminum or steel, is incredibly durable, fire-resistant, and resistant to insects and rot. It offers a sleek, modern look that works well for ADUs and contemporary custom garages.

Cons: Metal can be more costly than other options and may dent under impact. It can also be noisy in rain unless properly insulated.

Best For: Urban or industrial-style ADUs, sheds, and garages where a modern aesthetic is desired.

What is the Most Cost-Effective Exterior Siding?

For those on a budget, vinyl siding and engineered wood siding are the most cost-effective options.

Vinyl Siding: Vinyl is generally the least expensive option for initial purchase and installation. It’s low-maintenance, reducing costs over the long term, and offers a variety of styles that can mimic other materials.
Engineered Wood Siding: Engineered wood provides the look of natural wood without the high cost. It’s more affordable than fiber cement or traditional wood and requires less maintenance, which can lower costs over time.

If budget is the top concern for your custom garage or shed, vinyl siding offers both affordability and longevity. For those wanting the look of wood without the high maintenance and expense, engineered wood can be a solid, cost-effective choice.

What is the New Trend for Siding?

Several exciting trends are emerging in siding, especially for unique structures like ADUs and custom garages:

Bold, Dark Colors: Deep, dark colors like charcoal gray, navy blue, and even black are becoming popular for siding. These bold tones add a modern, sophisticated touch to ADUs and custom garages, creating a dramatic look.
Mixed Materials: Many homeowners are now mixing siding materials, such as pairing wood with metal or stone accents. This approach creates texture and visual interest, adding a contemporary feel to both sheds and ADUs.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials: Environmentally conscious homeowners are opting for eco-friendly siding choices, such as reclaimed wood, metal, and fiber cement. Sustainable materials can help lower your environmental footprint and often last longer, reducing long-term waste.
Vertical Siding Patterns: Vertical siding is trending as a fresh alternative to traditional horizontal layouts. This can make a custom garage or ADU stand out and is especially popular in modern and Scandinavian-inspired designs.

What is the Most Popular Siding in Canada?

In Canada, where extreme weather conditions demand durable materials, vinyl siding remains the most popular choice for residential and secondary structures like garages, sheds, and ADUs. It’s widely chosen because it holds up well in varying climates, is resistant to moisture, and provides excellent insulation. Additionally, vinyl is easy to clean and doesn’t require frequent maintenance, making it a reliable option across the country.

However, fiber cement siding is gaining traction in Canada as well. Known for its exceptional durability, fiber cement can withstand freezing winters and resist fire, which makes it particularly appealing for those in rural or wildfire-prone areas. It also offers greater aesthetic appeal than vinyl, often emulating the look of wood or stone.