What Are the Most Common Exterior Materials for New Homes?
Stucco was the most common principal exterior material on new single-family homes started in 2020 (28%), followed by vinyl siding (26%), according to the data from the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC).
Fiber cement siding (such as Hardiplank or Hardiboard) and brick or brick veneer were also relatively popular at 21% and 19%, respectively. Less popular as the principal exterior wall material were wood or wood products (4%) and stone, rock or other stone materials (1%).
Such preferences significantly differ between the nine census divisions, however. Stucco remains the most popular in the Pacific (63%), Mountain (50%) and South Atlantic (39%), while vinyl is the top product in the Middle Atlantic (76%), New England (72%), East North Central (68%), West North Central (53%) and East South Central (45%). More than half (64%) of homes in West South Central were made with brick.
NAHB Senior Economist Ashok Chaluvadi provides more analysis in this Eye on Housing post.
Latest from NAHBNow
Sep 26, 2025
Apply Today: NAHB Awards Programs Open Through Oct. 6Don't miss your chance to enter NAHB's prestigious awards programs, which highlight the best and brightest in the home building industry in a variety of categories.
Sep 25, 2025
5 Key Principles for Avoiding Costly Pitfalls in Construction and RenovationIn today’s competitive construction landscape, where deadlines are tighter and budgets are scrutinized more than ever, precision and efficiency are critical to staying profitable and maintaining your client's trust. By focusing on five key principles, contractors and remodelers can dramatically reduce these risks while improving overall ROI.
Latest Economic News
Sep 24, 2025
New Home Sales Post Unexpected Large Gain in AugustA modest drop in mortgage rates led to a surprisingly large jump in new home sales in August, though the figure may be revised downward in the coming month.
Sep 24, 2025
Single-Family Construction Loan Volume Falls BackThe NAHB Land Acquisition, Development and Construction (AD&C) loan survey in the second quarter reported tightening credit conditions for builders. Consequently, FDIC data reporting the outstanding volume of 1-4 family construction loans fell in the second quarter.
Sep 23, 2025
Beyond the Official Unemployment Rate: A Deep Dive into U.S. UnemploymentIn August, the official, or standardly referenced, unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.3%, up from 4.2% in July. This marks the highest level in nearly four years, though it remains historically low.