Panels are normally 4' by 8',4' by 9', and 4' by 10'. Plywood siding styles include smooth and rough finishes. Hardboard siding comes in an even wider variety of styles, ranging from stucco to embossed sheets that resemble shingles. Boards or solid-wood siding, both horizontal and vertical, run the gamut of styles. Shingle siding, which gives a rustic look, is another choice of wood.
Stucco is one of the most durable sidings available for houses.
Made of concrete, stucco is applied in three separate coats, with the desired color pigment mixed into the finish coat, so that painting is not required. Stucco however, does present some problems. It is physically difficult to apply, requires careful application, and may crack if applied incorrectly. Aluminum siding comes in two basic styles, giving the appearance of either wide or narrow horizontal board siding, and offering a choice of several colors of factory-applied enamel coatings. Because of its greater variety of styles, colors, and textures than any other siding products, aluminum siding is easily adaptable to a wide range of architectural styles.