The 3 best materials for your tiny house exterior

When planning the design for a tiny house exterior, you’ll need to select the type of siding material to use. The choice can depend on numerous factors, including the architectural style, size and location of the home. However, knowing the basic options will help you make the best choice for your situation.

To help you make an informed decision, here is a short guide to the three most common building materials for tiny home exteriors:

Real wood siding

Siding made from real wood is a popular choice for tiny houses across the globe. Generally made from cedar or pine, wood siding comes with many benefits including affordability, durability and availability. It’s excellent for DIY enthusiasts, since it’s simple to transport and is relatively lightweight to work with.

However, like with wood decking and other exterior applications, real wood does have some downsides. Cedar and pine are both naturally resistant to pest damage, but can warp with temperature fluctuations and moisture.

Metal siding

Metal siding is made from either aluminum or corrugated steel, and has some similar advantages to real wood. Metal is similarly durable and widely available brand-new from retailers or through recycling resources.

Both aluminum and steel are resistant to rot, rust and warping. If installed correctly, metal siding can also increase the energy efficiency of your tiny home by a significant margin.

Some notable disadvantages of metal siding are the chance of dents and scratches. While resistant to most climate conditions, it can easily sustain cosmetic surface damage.

Vinyl siding

Vinyl siding is another affordable and lightweight option for tiny house exteriors. Modern vinyl options can mimic the appearance and texture of natural stone or wood, and are also easy to customize to your aesthetic preferences.

However, vinyl siding varies dramatically both in price and quality from one manufacturer to the next. If you're considering vinyl siding for your home, research your options carefully to get the best deal and the best product.

Modern tiny living comes with many excellent perks. Whether you’re searching for tiny home builders for a custom-built design or wish to take the DIY approach to your tiny house, keep these material options in mind. With the right siding, you can have the cost and energy-efficient living space of your dreams.