Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Teresa Merelman, Broker, Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VTPhone: (802) 793-5171
Email: [email protected]

The 3 best materials for your tiny house exterior

by Teresa Merelman, Broker 01/08/2025

When planning the design for a tiny house exterior, you’ll need to select the type of siding material to use. The choice can depend on numerous factors, including the architectural style, size and location of the home. However, knowing the basic options will help you make the best choice for your situation.

To help you make an informed decision, here is a short guide to the three most common building materials for tiny home exteriors:

Real wood siding

Siding made from real wood is a popular choice for tiny houses across the globe. Generally made from cedar or pine, wood siding comes with many benefits including affordability, durability and availability. It’s excellent for DIY enthusiasts, since it’s simple to transport and is relatively lightweight to work with.

However, like with wood decking and other exterior applications, real wood does have some downsides. Cedar and pine are both naturally resistant to pest damage, but can warp with temperature fluctuations and moisture.

Metal siding

Metal siding is made from either aluminum or corrugated steel, and has some similar advantages to real wood. Metal is similarly durable and widely available brand-new from retailers or through recycling resources.

Both aluminum and steel are resistant to rot, rust and warping. If installed correctly, metal siding can also increase the energy efficiency of your tiny home by a significant margin.

Some notable disadvantages of metal siding are the chance of dents and scratches. While resistant to most climate conditions, it can easily sustain cosmetic surface damage.

Vinyl siding

Vinyl siding is another affordable and lightweight option for tiny house exteriors. Modern vinyl options can mimic the appearance and texture of natural stone or wood, and are also easy to customize to your aesthetic preferences.

However, vinyl siding varies dramatically both in price and quality from one manufacturer to the next. If you're considering vinyl siding for your home, research your options carefully to get the best deal and the best product.

Modern tiny living comes with many excellent perks. Whether you’re searching for tiny home builders for a custom-built design or wish to take the DIY approach to your tiny house, keep these material options in mind. With the right siding, you can have the cost and energy-efficient living space of your dreams.

About the Author
Author

Teresa Merelman, Broker

 Teresa's beginnings were at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She was child #5 of 8 and born into an Air Force family that moved all over the United States but usually ended up back in the Washington, D.C. area. Teresa attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and received her bachelor's degree in business from George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. Some of her prior careers include: computer buyer in Fairfax, Virginia; Deputy Clerk at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado; Police Officer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Bed & Breakfast owner in Stowe, Vermont. Teresa obtained her license as a Realtor® in 1998. She has been through many ups and downs in this profession and continues to learn every day. She very much enjoys the real estate profession and the wonderful people she has met and assisted along the way. In order to serve her clients and customers, Teresa continually attends classes and seminars. Some of her Designations and Certifications include: 

  • ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative (2003)
  • CBR - Certified Buyer Representative (2000)
  • e-PRO - Internet Certified Professional (2001)
  • CNHS - Certified New Home Specialist (2005)
  • CRS - Certified Residential Specialist (2005)
  • AHS - Accredited Home-Stager Specialist (2008)
  • TRC - Transaction Referral Certification (2009)
  • RSPS - Resort and Second Home Specialist (2009)
  • GREEN - NAR's Green Designation (2009) 
  • SFR - Short Sales & Foreclosures Certification (2009) 
  • SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation (2012)
  • AHWD - At Home With Diversity (2021)
  • SRS - Seller Representative Specialist (2021)

Teresa has also served and continues to serve on several boards:

  • Lamoille Area Board of Realtors - President and Board of Directors
  • Vermont Association of Realtors - Board of Directors
  • NEREN (MLS) - Board of Directors and Shareholder 
  • Vermont Real Estate Commission - as a member of VAR's Liaison Committee
  • Stowe Vibrancy - Board of Directors - this is a volunteer group that promotes activities in the Village of Stowe

In 2007, Teresa was named Vermont Realtor of the Year.Teresa and her husband, a local attorney, moved to Stowe in 1987. They had two sons and Stowe has been their home for the past 36 years. She still feels the Stowe area is a wonderful place to raise a family, there's always something going on. Teresa can often be found behind the lens of her camera documenting the beauty of the area and its many events.As an update, Teresa's older son is now a Doctor/resident at the University of New Mexico's Emergency Management Program. Her younger son graduated from James Mason University and currently resides in Chicago, IL as a supervisor for OKTA.