Faux wood siding is made primarily from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a weatherable polymer that resists rot, moisture, and warping without any painting.
Faux wood siding is made primarily from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a weatherable polymer that resists rot, moisture, and warping without any painting.
Quality faux wood vinyl siding uses a co-extruded two-layer build: a PVC substrate bonded to a proprietary protective top layer. That combination is what gives vinyl wood grain siding its long-lasting durability and realistic texture.
What Goes Into Faux Wood Vinyl Siding
- Core material: PVC is the backbone of faux wood siding. It’s chemically stable, lightweight, and forms easily into a wide range of profiles and textures.
- Two-layer build: A co-extruded design bonds a PVC substrate to a protective outer layer. This construction is engineered to stand up to sun, rain, ice, and wind year after year.
- Wood grain finish: Embossing presses realistic ridges and grooves into the surface during manufacturing. The result closely mimics the look of cedar or pine without the upkeep.
- Water resistance: PVC is virtually impervious to water, so faux wood vinyl siding won’t rot, swell, or warp. That’s a significant advantage over real wood in wet New England climates.
- No paint needed: Color is baked into the panel during production, so it never peels or chips. Never sand, stain, or paint again!
- Market strength: Vinyl siding holds between 38% and 41.5% of the total U.S. siding market. Its affordability and versatility make it the most widely installed cladding material in the country.
Why Faux Wood Vinyl is an Excellent Choice for New England Homes
| Material | Rot Resistant | Needs Painting | Water Resistant | Avg. Cost | ROI |
| Faux wood vinyl | Yes | Never | Yes | $18,000 | 97% |
| Real wood siding | No | Frequent | No | Higher | Lower |
| Fiber cement | Yes | Periodic | Mostly | $21,500 | 144.9% |
Costs reflect national New England averages. Individual project costs vary.
Choosing the Right Faux Wood Siding for Your Home
Top Recommendation: Coastal installs Exterior Portfolio® vinyl wood grain siding with a Double Lifetime Warranty across MA, NH, and ME. Schedule your free estimate today to see profiles and colors in person.
Best for durability: Faux wood vinyl siding for homeowners who want the cedar look without rot, warping, or repainting costs. Its two-layer PVC build handles New England weather reliably.
Best for budget-conscious buyers: Vinyl wood grain siding delivers the warmest ROI at 97% and the lowest average cost of major siding materials. Contact us to discuss options for your home.
Ready to replace your old siding with low-maintenance faux wood vinyl? Coastal Windows & Exteriors is the #1 woman-owned exterior remodeling contractor in New England (Qualified Remodeler, 2023 & 2024), with 7,000+ installations across MA, NH, and ME. Established in 2011, woman-owned and family-run — not a franchise. Our 4.8-star Google rating with 1,000+ verified reviews speaks for itself.
Request a free siding estimate from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Browse our complete siding FAQ guide from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
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Last Updated: May 2026
Sources:
- Vinyl siding holds between 38% and 41.5% of the total U.S. siding market. Ridgeline Construction Vinyl Siding Statistics — industry data on vinyl siding market share and regional dominance as of 2026. (2026)
- The average cost of vinyl siding in the U.S. is $18,000. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025 — New England — regional cost-vs-value data for exterior siding replacement in New England. (2026)
- The ROI of vinyl siding is 97%. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025 — national cost-vs-value benchmarks for vinyl siding replacement projects. (2026)
- The popularity of vinyl and fiber cement is largely due to their affordability and versatility. Fixr Home Siding Statistics — survey data on homeowner siding material preferences and trends. (2024)
- Exterior Portfolio vinyl siding is made from a co-extruded, permanently bonded two-layer system with a PVC substrate and a proprietary protective top layer. Royal Building Products Exterior Portfolio Low Maintenance Siding — official product construction and material specifications for Exterior Portfolio vinyl siding. (2019)
- PVC is virtually impervious to water, and vinyl siding never needs painting. Royal Building Products Exterior Portfolio Low Maintenance Siding — official guidance on Exterior Portfolio vinyl siding water resistance and maintenance requirements. (2019)
