Composition Board/ Fiber Cement Board
Composition board or hardboard is planks or sheets of compressed wood fiber and weather resistant adhesive. Hardboard is a good choice in drier areas. The panels can be as long as 16 feet without any gaps. It can be made to look like clapboard if it is cut and applied horizontally.

Fiberboard is a bit more costly than vinyl, but can add a unique aesthetic design that may be unique in your neighborhood since vinyl is much more widely used.  The two most popular products in the marketplace are CertainTeed Fiber Cement and James Hardie.




Vinyl
Vinyl panels are made of polyvinyl chloride and resemble wood. The act much the same way as aluminum but don't dent. If vinyl is scratched, it doesn't need to be painted because vinyl doesn't rust and the color of the vinyl permeates the entire thickness of the panels. Vinyl siding comes in various lengths and widths. The average width of vinyl panels is 6 1/2 inches to 10 inches.

Standard vinyl siding has three components: a nail hem at the top of the panel where the slots are located, the face which is the exposed area of the panel visible when installation is complete, and the butt lock, which is located on the bottom of the panel and locks into the previously installed panel. J- Channels and other accessories can be functional or aesthetic or both. These accents can cover seams, enclose eaves or overhands, and provide and accent to the siding. Today's vinyl siding comes with life-time warranties. Often these warranties are transferable if you sell your home.