What Are The Cheapest Ways To Side A Garage?

Garage siding is a great way to improve the look of your house. It can also help protect against the elements and keep your garage cooler in the summer. There are many different materials that you can use for this purpose, but some are more expensive than others.

There is no doubt that it is one of the most important parts of a garage. It protects the structure from external forces and also gives it a unique look. There are many inexpensive options for people who want to side their garage. Vinyl, aluminum siding, and wood are all cheaper options that have a range of benefits. 

What Is The Cheapest Way To Side A Garage?

The cheapest way to side a garage is by using vinyl siding. This type of siding is inexpensive and easy to install, which makes it perfect for garages that need some protection but don’t want to spend too much money on it.

If we only consider the material cost, vinyl siding is the least expensive option for exterior garage walls. Installation of vinyl siding can easily be done by yourself, saving you money on labor as well. You also won’t have to paint it. Fiber cement siding is quite similar in price, but it can be challenging to install.

Top 10 Inexpensive Garage Siding Styles

Garage siding is a great way to give your garage an upgrade. It’s also a great investment because it’ll protect the exterior of your home. 

There are many different types of garage sidings available on the market, and they all come with their pros and cons. We’ve outlined some of the most popular types below that are cheap.

1. Wood

Wood siding does have some major drawbacks that make it somewhat controversial. Wood siding isn’t as durable as other siding designs. Insects and pests tend to favor wood siding. There is also the risk of fire. Over the year, fading, cracking, and warping can occur due to exposure to the sun, wind, rain, and snow.

That being said, there is nothing more beautiful than natural wood siding, which is why so many homeowners prefer it. Choosing wood siding for your garage is a good option if you care more about the appearance than durability and cost.

With this elegant and timeless selection, you’ll instantly breathe new life into your home. Just make sure you are aware of what wood siding requires in terms of maintenance. 

Just make sure you are willing to take care of it. In addition, wood siding needs to be maintained to keep its look great, so consider wood siding before installing it on your garage exterior. 

2. Concrete

Siding in a garage can be achieved by using concrete siding, which is a practical and affordable option. In addition to providing insulation, the concrete will also help keep the garage at a comfortable temperature. 

Concrete is an excellent choice for living spaces as it helps you to conserve energy. The timeless appeal of concrete gives garages a modern appeal that will ensure that your garage will remain on trend for many years to come. 

Even a tight budget can afford concrete siding due to its durability, ease of installation, and affordability. Concrete siding works perfectly for many homeowners when it comes to siding their garage.

3. Brick

The beauty and durability of brick siding cannot be matched. There is nothing more classic or timeless than brick siding, especially on vintage-style houses. 

The best way to make sure the brick siding is installed correctly and will last a long time is to hire a professional masonry contractor. Nevertheless, brick offers a lot of curb appeal and beauty for a home or a garage.

4. Engineered Wood

For those who want the beauty of real wood as well as to make their garages appear like extensions of their homes instead of just garages, engineered wood cladding is a great solution. Wood siding made of engineered wood is more durable, more resistant to warping, cracking, and pests than traditional wood siding.

The advantage of engineered wood is that it is hard, durable, and environmentally friendly. It is easy to install the engineered wood cladding, so it is excellent to get your garage up and running quickly because you want to use it as a living space or tell the world about your house.

5. Metal

As with aluminum siding, metal siding is another affordable and easy-to-install choice that homeowners appreciate because of its ease of installation and ability to be painted. The benefits of aluminum siding for garage siding include being fireproof and weatherproof while also being extremely durable. 

Since it is made up of individual panels, one can easily replace it if one becomes damaged. In addition, it is pest-resistant and has a simple design. Changing the color of your garage is so easy because it accepts paint with very little prep work, so you don’t have to spend hours or even days scraping, washing, and repairing it. 

If you are thinking about choosing metal siding, remember that aluminum siding is more likely to become damaged than other types of siding.

6. Stucco

Due to its clean, elegant appearance and ease of installation, stucco siding is a classic choice of siding that many homeowners wish to use in their homes. The main reason homeowners love stucco siding is that it can easily last 50 years and more if it’s properly maintained. 

The best part is that you won’t have to reside in your garage more than once. Stucco is an easy-to-apply modern covering that provides additional insulation to keep buildings at a comfortable temperature.

Because the garage doesn’t have a good HVAC system inside, this is the best option for a garage that you plan to use as a living area since the stucco will help regulate the temperature.

7. Steel Log

You can easily take advantage of the rustic appearance of log cabin homes and garages with steel log siding. It’s a great idea to use steel log siding if you’re thinking of turning your garage into a man cave. It resembles real logs, but it is made of steel to withstand hurricane-force winds and ice storms.

To get rid of it, all you have to do is wash it off with a garden hose. If you don’t want to use pressure washers, wash them with a garden hose instead. Rinsing it now and then with a garden hose will keep it looking great and will last a long time.

8. Corrugated Metal

The exterior of your garage can be enhanced with corrugated metal sheets to impart a cool, industrial vibe. Although corrugated metal is not always the best cladding material for a home, it is a great choice for a garage because it is durable and can take dings, plus it does not add too much weight to an existing structure.

9. Fiber Cement Siding

This siding has the beautiful appearance of wood but without the maintenance that wood siding requires. This type of siding can last for decades with proper care. Since it is durable, you don’t have to worry about water, pests, and fading damaging the siding. This effect is particularly useful on vintage Craftsman and Shaker homes.

Fiber cement siding is the ideal choice if you have a historic or Craftsman-style home because it will preserve the original look. Using simple, easy-to-maintain upgrades, you can transform your home into something stunning.

You can get the unique look and feel of vintage siding along with the durability and ease of installation of modern siding by choosing from many different stains and colors (including some that mimic true vintage colors).

10. Vinyl Siding

For decades, homeowners have chosen vinyl siding as their preferred siding material. The vinyl siding available today comes in more colors and designs than ever before. In either horizontal or vertical styles, vinyl siding is one of the most durable and inexpensive siding options.

You shouldn’t discount vinyl siding as an option for your home and garage if it’s been a while since you’ve sided them, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Choosing vinyl as a flooring material is smart for homeowners due to its durability and low cost and it is easy to cut with a miter saw.

Is Insulated Siding Worth The Money?

The additional 50% cost is not worth installing insulated siding on exterior garage walls. Adding two to three R-values is not adequate. Using regular insulation materials is always a good idea when it comes to insulating a detached garage.

How Long Does It Take For Siding To Fade?

The fading of exteriors has been significantly reduced thanks to advancements in pigment technology. However, the sun’s UV rays cause all siding to fade to some degree over time. Light-colored siding fades less. The siding color of your garage must match that of your home.

Does Panel Siding Have A Waterproof Coating?

The panels that makeup panel siding are not waterproof. Neither are they flood-resistant. The underside of some will be lined with a moisture vapor barrier, making them water-resistant. 

A thunderstorm or a wind-driven rain can force water into even the tiniest crack in your siding. Applying exterior siding to the garage should be done with a water-resistant membrane.

Do I Need To Remove The Old Siding Before Installing The New One?

In most cases, new siding can be installed over old siding. You will save time and money this way. The air trapped between the two layers will even provide some additional insulation. 

The downside is that you are not sure how the studs are behind the old siding without having it removed. Some of the studs may be rotting or collapsed. It is a good idea to remove a part of the old siding and examine it in doubt.

Which Siding Is The Easiest To Install?

Installing vinyl siding on a garage exterior wall is the easiest method. The materials are light, easy to cut, and do not need to be painted. In small jobs like exterior garage walls, vinyl siding installation is especially cost-effective because of its ease. In addition, the installation can be done by you or a friend, and you can save substantially on costs.

Do I Have To Hire A Professional To Replace The Siding?

You can replace a few panels yourself, and it isn’t very complicated. Your detached garage exterior walls can be lined with siding without professional assistance if you have a little help.

What Is The Lifespan Of Garage Sidings?

The siding’s basic material will determine a siding’s durability. However, you can also determine the siding’s durability by selecting a manufacturer and model.

The average siding lasts a minimum of 20 years. However, some will last forever! Manufacturers add special coatings to certain siding products to make them more durable. These products are more expensive.

Cost-Effective Garage Siding Options

When considering the most affordable methods to side a garage, it’s crucial to analyze the price per square foot, as this figure greatly influences the overall cost. For homeowners looking to replace existing siding or embark on a new project, engineered wood siding emerges as a top contender for cheap garage siding due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. This option offers a balance between cost and quality, presenting an economical alternative without compromising on the visual aspect of your garage.

Additionally, exploring different siding materials is essential in finding a solution that fits your budget and requirements. Cement board siding also stands out for its resilience and low maintenance, marking it as one of the cheapest siding options available. However, it’s important not to overlook installation costs, which can vary significantly based on the material chosen and the complexity of the project. By comparing these factors, homeowners can make an informed decision that aligns with their financial constraints and design preferences.

Final Words

We should know about garages because they are a part of the home and not just a place for cars. This is why it’s important to make them look good and consider how they can be improved. There are many ways to improve the exterior of your garage, but some of them might require more work than others. That is why we have shared some cheap ideas that will help you get started in this article.