Good, Better, Best: 3 Levels of Vinyl Siding Replacement Explained
Not everyone replacing their siding is looking for the same thing. Some homeowners have old, faded, cracked, or damaged siding and simply want to replace it without spending a fortune. Others want a higher-quality product and an opportunity to update their home's entire appearance. And some are looking for a premium exterior with a more realistic wood appearance, substantial trim details, and a finished look that goes well beyond traditional vinyl siding.
After more than 20 years in the siding business, I've found that most siding replacement projects fall into three general categories: Good, Better, and Best. Each represents a different level of investment, with different siding products and opportunities for exterior improvements.
These aren't rigid packages. A homeowner choosing our Good level might still want upgraded gutters or new shutters, while someone selecting our Best level might already have perfectly good trim and gutters that don't need replacing. The goal is to understand the options and choose what makes the most sense for your home and budget.
And regardless of which level you choose, proper installation, flashing, water management, and necessary repairs are never optional. Good doesn't mean cheap workmanship, and Best doesn't mean the other two aren't installed correctly.
GOOD ($$$): A Quality Siding Replacement Without Unnecessary Extras
Sometimes a homeowner just needs new siding. Their existing siding may be badly faded, brittle, cracked, loose, or damaged, and they're working with a limited budget. They're not necessarily looking for a complete exterior transformation. They want the house to look good again, with a properly installed product that doesn't require spending money on improvements they don't really need.
For this level, I'd generally recommend CertainTeed MainStreet vinyl siding. It's a traditional vinyl siding product with a standard thickness, attractive color choices, and a good balance of affordability and performance. It doesn't have the added thickness or rigidity of CertainTeed's premium products, but it's still a perfectly reasonable choice for homeowners who want a dependable siding replacement.
We would remove the existing siding as needed, address necessary repairs, and install an appropriate water-resistive barrier. Rather than automatically using Tyvek-brand housewrap, we could select a more economical, properly rated alternative. As long as the product is suitable for the application and installed correctly, there's no reason to spend extra simply for a particular brand name.
We'd also keep additional trim work to a minimum. If the existing aluminum capping around windows and doors is in good condition and complements the new siding, there's no reason to automatically replace it. The same goes for gutters, soffit, fascia, and other exterior components. If they're functioning properly and look acceptable, we can leave them alone.
However, even a basic siding replacement requires some attention to appearance. Imagine installing beautiful new gray siding while leaving behind faded brown shutters and weathered beige trim. The new siding might look great, but those older features could suddenly stand out for the wrong reasons. Sometimes painting the shutters, replacing a few pieces of trim, or making another relatively inexpensive improvement can make a substantial difference.
The Good level is about spending money where it matters most: replacing the siding properly, protecting the home, and achieving a clean, attractive result without unnecessary extras.
Best for: Homeowners who need new siding, want a quality installation, and are trying to keep the total project cost as affordable as possible.
BETTER ($$$$): Upgraded Siding and a More Coordinated Exterior
The Better level is where I'd expect many homeowners to find the ideal balance between quality, appearance, and price. These homeowners aren't necessarily interested in the most expensive siding available, but they're willing to invest more for a thicker product, improved exterior details, and a more coordinated finished appearance.
For this level, my preference would generally be CertainTeed Monogram vinyl siding. Monogram is thicker and more rigid than MainStreet, with an extensive selection of colors and profiles. It's a substantial upgrade while retaining the familiar appearance and advantages of traditional vinyl siding.
I'd typically pair Monogram with Tyvek-brand housewrap and discuss whether additional insulation would make sense. Depending on the house, that could mean adding an appropriate foam insulation product or considering another exterior insulation system. Not every home needs this upgrade, and I wouldn't recommend spending money on insulation without evaluating the actual benefits.
We've explored some of these options in our article comparing Low-E Housewrap and 3/8-Inch Foam Insulation.
Where Better really separates itself from Good is in the overall planning. Instead of simply replacing the siding and leaving everything else alone, we'd take a closer look at the trim, shutters, gutters, and exterior colors. Maybe the existing window capping needs to be replaced to coordinate with the new siding. Perhaps new shutters would make a dramatic difference, or a different gutter color would tie everything together.
This is also a great opportunity to consider a siding accent feature. A section of board and batten, vinyl shake in a gable, or a contrasting color around the front entrance can give the house a more distinctive appearance without requiring premium siding everywhere. You can see some of these possibilities in our article about Creative Ways to Use Vertical or Shake Vinyl Siding as an Accent Feature.
Another worthwhile option is CertainTeed Monogram XL. Its extended-length panels, including 20- and 25-foot options, can eliminate dozens of unnecessary overlap seams on the right house. I've written a separate article explaining how 25-foot Monogram XL panels can transform the appearance of a siding replacement.
The Better level is about choosing a higher-grade siding product and making thoughtful improvements that give the entire exterior a more finished, coordinated appearance.
Best for: Homeowners who want better siding, improved curb appeal, and the flexibility to upgrade trim, shutters, insulation, or architectural features without going all the way to a premium exterior renovation.
BEST ($$$$$$): Premium Siding and a Complete Exterior Transformation
The Best level is for homeowners who want something noticeably different from conventional vinyl siding. They're looking for a more substantial product, a more realistic wood-like appearance, and an opportunity to create a premium exterior with carefully selected materials and architectural details.
For this level, I'd seriously consider CertainTeed CERTAplank siding. CERTAplank has a wide, flat 7-inch exposure, a rigid construction, and an integrated foam backing. It looks and feels substantially different from traditional hollow-backed vinyl siding, with an appearance designed to resemble individual wood planks.
What I particularly like about CERTAplank is its overall appearance. Traditional vinyl siding has a recognizable profile, often with two courses formed into each panel. CERTAplank has a wider, flatter look that can give a home a more refined exterior. Combined with the right trim and colors, it can create an appearance that's much closer to traditional wood siding than most conventional vinyl products.
The foam backing adds rigidity and provides some insulating benefit, although we'd still evaluate the complete wall assembly to determine the appropriate housewrap and any additional insulation requirements. Premium siding doesn't eliminate the need for proper moisture management or careful installation.
At this level, I'd also encourage homeowners to consider more substantial trim materials. Composite or cellular PVC trim around windows, doors, corners, and other architectural features can complement the wider siding profile beautifully. These materials create a thicker, more dimensional appearance than basic aluminum capping, although aluminum remains a perfectly acceptable option where appropriate.
Shutters, accent siding, gutters, and exterior colors would all be considered as part of the overall design. Some homes might benefit from decorative board and batten or shake accents, while others may look best with a simpler, more traditional appearance. The goal isn't necessarily to add more features. It's to select the right combination of materials and details to create the appearance the homeowner wants.
CERTAplank is a more significant investment than MainStreet or Monogram, and it's not something I'd recommend to every homeowner. But for someone who wants a premium exterior and appreciates the more substantial, wood-like appearance, I think it's a product well worth considering.
Best for: Homeowners who want a premium siding product, a more realistic wood appearance, and the opportunity to transform their home's exterior with upgraded trim and architectural details.
What About Gutters? Options for All Three Levels
Gutters are one improvement I wouldn't automatically tie to a particular siding level. Someone choosing Good siding might need a new gutter system, while a homeowner selecting CERTAplank might already have perfectly good gutters that can remain in place.
For most homes, the most economical option is a standard white 5-inch seamless aluminum gutter system with 2×3-inch downspouts. This is a common configuration and can provide adequate drainage when properly sized for the roof.
An upgrade to 6-inch gutters with 3×4-inch downspouts provides greater capacity, which can be particularly beneficial on homes with large roof sections or concentrated water runoff. However, larger gutters aren't automatically necessary on every house.
Color also affects pricing. White is generally the least expensive option, standard nonwhite colors typically cost more, and dark or specialty finishes may carry additional premiums. When replacing siding, it's worth considering how the gutter color will coordinate with the siding, trim, and shutters.
We can include gutter replacement or upgrades with Good, Better, or Best, depending on the home's needs and the homeowner's preferences.
Good, Better, Best: Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | Good ($$$) | Better ($$$$) | Best ($$$$$$) |
Main siding | CertainTeed MainStreet | CertainTeed Monogram | CertainTeed CERTAplank |
Primary goal | Affordable, quality replacement | Upgraded quality and appearance | Premium exterior transformation |
Housewrap | Economical approved product | Tyvek-brand housewrap | Compatible wall assembly |
Insulation | Optional | Optional upgrade | Evaluated with wall system |
Trim | Minimal necessary capping | Coordinated capping or replacement | Often composite or PVC trim |
Shutters | Retain, paint, or replace as needed | Coordinated or replaced | Coordinated with overall design |
Accent siding | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Gutters | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Relative investment | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$$$$ |
The dollar signs represent relative investment levels, not actual project prices. All three options receive the same standard of professional installation.
How Much More Does Better or Best Actually Cost?
The difference between these three levels depends on much more than the siding itself. The size and complexity of the house, the number of windows and doors, the amount of trim work, and the optional upgrades can all affect the final price.
For example, the cost difference between MainStreet and Monogram might be relatively modest compared with the cost of replacing all the window capping, installing new gutters, or adding decorative accents. And while CERTAplank represents a more substantial upgrade, a straightforward CERTAplank installation could potentially cost less than an elaborate Monogram project with extensive composite trim and other improvements.
That's why I don't believe in assigning a single price to each category without considering the actual house.
We've made it much easier for homeowners to explore these differences with our free Online Siding Estimate Calculator. Available to homeowners in Maryland and Pennsylvania, it allows you to compare siding grades, colors, insulation, trim wrapping, composite trim, shutters, gutters, and accent features while seeing how your estimated project price changes.
You don't need to schedule an initial appointment or provide your phone number or email address just to explore your options.
Which Siding Level Would I Choose for My Own House?
If I were working with a limited budget and simply needed to replace deteriorating siding, I wouldn't hesitate to choose Good. CertainTeed MainStreet is a perfectly reasonable product, and I'd rather spend my money on a proper installation and necessary repairs than on upgrades I couldn't comfortably afford.
For my primary residence, if I wanted to improve the exterior without going overboard, I'd probably lean toward Better. I like the additional thickness and rigidity of Monogram, and I'd pay close attention to the trim colors, shutters, and opportunities for a tasteful accent feature. I'd also consider Monogram XL wherever the longer panels could eliminate unnecessary seams.
If I were planning a major exterior transformation and had the budget for it, CERTAplank would be high on my list. The wider, flatter profile and more substantial construction make it an attractive alternative to conventional vinyl siding, especially when paired with the right trim details.
I've discussed some of these choices in more detail in The Ideal Siding Replacement Project: If It Were My House.
The Best Siding Replacement Is the One That Makes Sense for You
There's nothing wrong with choosing the most affordable siding replacement that properly protects your home. There's also nothing wrong with spending more for a thicker product, a better-coordinated exterior, or a premium wood-like appearance.
What matters is understanding what you're getting for the additional investment.
Good ($$$) provides a quality siding replacement without unnecessary extras. Better ($$$$) offers upgraded siding and more opportunities to improve the home's overall appearance. Best ($$$$$$) takes things further with premium siding and architectural details that can substantially transform the exterior.
And remember, these are starting points, not rigid packages. You can choose the siding product that fits your budget and add only the improvements that make sense for your home.
If you live within our service area, call us today at (877) 846-9566 to schedule your free in-person siding consultation. You can also schedule online or get your custom siding quote with our free online Siding Estimate Calculator.
