Siding There are three kinds of siding; (1) natural wood siding composed of cedar or redwood plank siding that has been used throughout the centuries and continues to be the premium natural siding of today’s homes. (2) Vinyl, aluminum or steel siding. Depending on the application, the vinyl sidings available today are much better than in years past and even come insulated. (3) Primed Fiber Cement siding, commonly known as Hardi-Plank, which has the look and structural feel of wood but is concrete impregnated without the decay associated with natural wood over the years. It does however need to be painted approximately every 15 years.