Wood Siding
Wood siding is one of the oldest forms of siding, dating back generations, and it's still a popular choice. It's attractive, and it offers the most color choices - anything from semitransparent stain to vivid paint colors. Redwood and cedar are the most popular choices, and they are resistant to rot and mildew in all but the most humid of climates.

Wood siding is becoming more expensive because of increasing demand and decreasing supply in Illinois. Wood also requires more maintenance than other types of siding. Wood expands and contracts as the seasons change, leading to cracking and splitting, and exposure to all but the mildest kinds of weather will cause the siding to require repainting or restaining every few years.

Fiber-Cement Siding
If you like the idea of wood but not its price, fiber-cement siding may be a reasonable alternative. Composed of cement, sand, and cellulose, fiber-cement siding is made out of wood strands and flakes held together with resins.

Most fiber-cement siding is treated with fungus repellents and insecticides, and holds up against moisture, mildew and termites as effectively as solid wood. Because of the way it's produced, fiber-cement siding typically lasts more than 40 years. Available in a variety of textures, fiber-cement siding provides durability coupled with the appearance of wood.