Is Vinyl or Concrete Log-Look Siding The Better Choice?

Using sidings on exterior walls of a building have become quite popular even more so as a variety of options apart from wood sidings spring up. People can now make a decision based on preference and style. 

Wall sidings come with a lot of benefits from protection to aesthetics. With the different options providing varying levels of each benefit. 

When it comes to popularity options vinyl and concrete log-look sidings are some of the popular alternatives. Most people looking to install a wall siding on their building often have to choose between these two options even though they are quite different in many ways.

Vinyl and concrete log-look sidings are excellent choices depending on your needs as they have varied pros and cons. And understanding how they differ will help you make an informed decision on which to use on your building.

This is why this guide highlighting the difference between vinyl and concrete log sidings cannot have come at a better time. It helps you simplify the decision you have to make between the two. After this piece, you will be able to easily decipher which is the better choice for your needs.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl log-look siding is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a durable plastic that’s molded to mimic the texture and grain of wood logs. It is often combined with form for that extra bit of rigidity and insulation.

You get a rustic cabin vibe with vinyl sidings without the issues that come with real log sidings. Due to the material used and the overall manufacturing process, vinyl sidings are typically affordable. 

Even though its cost is one of the strongest pulls for home owners looking to add an affordable siding, vinyl is also insect resistant, great insulation properties, resistant to rot, and no need for painting or staining. All of them add up to make this siding quite easy to install.

Concrete Log-Look Siding

Concrete log-look siding is a type of siding that also mimics the look and feel of wood sidings. It is made of fiber cement which is a blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fiber.  This composition gives it a robust durability cover. Protecting you from rust, insects, fire, heat, and a lot more. 

Home owners who value durability cannot do better than this siding as it offers one of the longest lifespan among all the options. However, the different materials and expensive manufacturing process means the upfront cost for this project is significant. 

Typically, concrete is heavy so installing this concrete log-look siding is a lot more stressful and may even require factoring in the weight into your building’s load bearing capacity.

For concrete log siding, the major pull is its sturdy composition which influences many of its benefits and even drawbacks. Perfect for people who want to enjoy long lasting and durable protection for their homes.

Head to Head Comparison Between Vinyl and Concrete Log-Look Siding

Although vinyl and concrete sidings are both made to mimic wood log siding, they differ in many ways. This section is where these differences are laid bare, side-by-side so you can understand which option is right for you. Ready? 

Cost and Budget

Budget will always be a major factor for most people intending to install a siding in their home with vinyl and concrete sidings offering quite different costs. If you’re on a tight budget, you should be considering an affordable option.

When it comes to cost, vinyl sidings are way more affordable. It costs between $2 and $7 per square foot of the siding which shows its affordability. This initial upfront cost means you can easily install this siding with a low budget. 

For concrete log siding, the cost of purchasing the siding is a lot and this is tied to the cost of the materials and manufacturing process. With a square foot of the siding going for between $5 and $12 per square foot. However, the initial high cost can be offset by its long lifespan which we’ll be seeing in the next point.

Durability and Maintenance

Some of the benefits of a wall siding is the protection it offers your building. Which means it will often be exposed to harsh conditions like heat, extreme cold, and uv rays from the sun. This is why durability and maintenance needs are vital.

While vinyl siding offers a decent with a lifespan of about 20 to 35 years. It also has strong resistance for insects, rust, humidity, and most other weather conditions. It gets even better when it comes to maintenance as vinyl sidings are low maintenance. A simple wash down using a water hose is enough to keep it looking good.

Durability is the key attribute of a concrete log side and rightly so considering the durable material it is made from. This siding can last over 50 years with minimal maintenance and like vinyl siding, only a quick wash is enough. However, it is more durable and can resist a wider range of weather conditions, fire, rust, and UV ray damage.

Aesthetics and Customization

Looks are also important as you want the siding to improve the aesthetics of your home and match its design. And when it comes to customization, vinyl siding gives the most variety. You can customize it to fit a lot more styles. However, it is lacking in aesthetics, as you can spot many differences with wood sidings on close inspection.

Concrete has a more realistic log appearance with a close enough texture, look, feel and even down to the grain pattern of wood. A draw back to its near perfect aesthetics is the minimal customization available compared to vinyl. 

While vinyl can come in a variety of styles and colors, concrete siding is limited to only a few colors.

Installation and Practicality

The practicality of each siding will determine the ease of installation. With the lightweight vinyl siding offering the easiest installation procedure that even less experienced DIYers can do. Simply clicking or snapping it into place is required and this reduces labour time and cost.

Concrete siding, on the other hand, is heavy and less practical so installation is usually a more challenging process that is mostly left to the professionals. Your home may also need to factor in the extra load it will be carrying from the heavy sidings.

Making Your Decision

After understanding the difference between vinyl and concrete log-look sidings, you’re now left with the decision. Which one should you choose? The decision becomes a lot easier after knowing how they differ. 

Well, the right answer depends on your peculiar needs. On a tight budget and looking for a simple option that is easy to install and comes with a lot of customization? Vinyl log-look siding is the best option here. 

The best option changes if your needs includes an extremely durable siding that can withstand a wide range of harsh conditions including fire, has a close enough aesthetics to wood,  and you don’t mind paying a premium for it, then concrete log siding is your best bet.

Your home deserves the most suitable siding that fits your needs and the environment. And that should be your target when choosing between vinyl and concrete options.

With brands like Clear Creek Siding manufacturing a wide variety of concrete sidings, there are options to choose from. While also offering additional support throughout the whole process.