Stucco and Vinyl were the Most Common Siding Materials on New Homes in 2021

According to the annual data from the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC), stucco was the most common principal siding material on new single-family homes started in 2021 (28 percent),  followed by vinyl siding (24 percent), fiber cement siding (such as Hardiplank or Hardiboard (23 percent) and, brick or brick veneer (19 percent). Far smaller shares of single-family homes started last year had wood or wood products (4 percent) and stone, rock or other stone materials (1 percent) as the principal exterior wall material.

The Census Bureau’s SOC data is available by the nine census divisions and there are substantial differences in the use of siding across divisions. Although stucco was the most common siding material in the country as a whole, its popularity is concentrated in a few parts of the country. In 2021, vinyl siding was the most widely used primary exterior material in four northern census divisions. Vinyl siding was used on 74 percent of the new homes started in the Middle Atlantic, 66 percent in New England, 63 percent in the East North Central and 45 percent in the West North Central.

Stucco was the most commonly used primary exterior wall material in the Pacific, Mountain and South Atlantic divisions in 2021: 63 percent, 53 percent and 40 percent, respectively, of the new single-family homes started in those areas used it. Brick or brick veneer was the most common exterior siding material in East and West South Central divisions. In the West South Central, 62 percent of the new single-family homes started in 2021 used brick or brick veneer as the primary exterior material, compared to 42 percent in the East South Central.


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4 thoughts on “Stucco and Vinyl were the Most Common Siding Materials on New Homes in 2021

  1. have a stucco house want to know if I can cite it or other items I can use to protect my home from this winter weather every year and some

  2. This article provides a fascinating look at the trends in siding materials for new homes in 2021. It’s interesting to see stucco and vinyl leading the pack, and I appreciated the data breakdown on how different regions favor specific materials. The insights into regional preferences were particularly helpful for understanding how climate and local aesthetics influence these choices.

    I’m curious, though, about how siding materials like stucco and vinyl compare in terms of long-term energy efficiency. Do you think one has a clear advantage when it comes to insulation or overall environmental impact? I’d love to hear your perspective!

  3. Great post! It’s insightful to see how siding material preferences differ across the country, with stucco and vinyl leading the charge. As a Portland siding contractor, KVN Construction understands the importance of selecting the right material to match the climate, aesthetic, and durability needs of our clients.

    In the Portland, WA area, we’ve noticed a growing demand for Portland siding options like fiber cement, which offers both style and long-term resilience against the elements. While stucco has a strong presence in other regions, vinyl and fiber cement continue to be popular choices for homeowners looking for low maintenance and energy-efficient solutions.

    Whether you’re remodeling or building new, choosing the right siding is key, and we’re proud to offer expert installation and advice tailored to the unique needs of Portland homeowners. Let us know how we can help with your next project!

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