When it comes to protecting and beautifying your home, few choices are as impactful as siding. Not only does siding defend against South Dakota’s harsh weather, but it also sets the tone for your home’s overall curb appeal. If you’re a homeowner in Sioux Falls, SD, you’ve likely heard of two of the most popular siding options: traditional vinyl siding and engineered wood siding like LP SmartSide. Both are widely used, but which one is right for your home?
South Dakota homeowners face extreme weather conditions — freezing winters, humid summers, high winds, hail, and powerful storms. Your home’s roof and siding are your first line of defense against all of these. Choosing the right siding isn’t just about looks; it’s about ensuring long-term protection, minimizing maintenance, improving efficiency, and maximizing resale value.
Both vinyl and LP SmartSide are popular because they are affordable, accessible, and provide decades of use. However, each comes with pros and cons that matter depending on your specific needs.
In this blog, we compare vinyl siding vs. LP SmartSide siding across key categories like cost, durability, maintenance, and aesthetics, helping you make an informed decision that suits your home, lifestyle, and budget.
What Is LP Siding?
LP SmartSide siding is a type of engineered wood siding made by Louisiana-Pacific Corporation. Unlike traditional wood siding, which can be prone to rot and insect damage, LP SmartSide is manufactured using a combination of wood strands and resins, treated with SmartGuard® technology — a blend of waxes, resins, and zinc borate. This process makes the boards resistant to moisture, decay, and termites while still delivering the authentic look of natural wood.
For Sioux Falls homeowners, LP SmartSide offers the perfect middle ground between the beauty of wood and the low-maintenance benefits of modern materials, making it one of the fastest-growing siding choices in the Midwest.
Vinyl Siding: Pros & Cons
Pros of Vinyl Siding
- Affordability: One of the biggest appeals of vinyl siding is its cost. On average, vinyl siding costs $6–$12+ per square foot installed, making it a budget-friendly option for many Sioux Falls homeowners.
- Low Maintenance: Vinyl doesn’t need painting or sealing. Occasional cleaning with a hose or pressure washer keeps it looking fresh.
- Moisture & Pest Resistance: Vinyl doesn’t absorb water and isn’t attractive to insects like termites.
- Variety of Colors/Styles: Vinyl siding comes in a wide range of colors, styles, and textures, including options that mimic wood grain.
Cons of Vinyl Siding
- Durability in Extreme Weather: Vinyl can crack in cold weather (a concern for Sioux Falls winters) and warp under extreme heat.
- Appearance Over Time: While vinyl comes in many colors, it can fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight.
- Not as Strong as Engineered Wood: Vinyl is thinner and more prone to dents, especially from hail — a big consideration in South Dakota.
LP SmartSide Siding: Pros & Cons
Pros of LP SmartSide Siding
- Enhanced Durability: LP SmartSide is an engineered wood siding, designed to withstand impact from hail, high winds, and debris. It holds up exceptionally well in the Midwest climate.
- Natural Wood Look: Unlike vinyl, LP SmartSide gives homes a more authentic, high-end wood appearance while avoiding the downsides of real wood (rot, pests, high maintenance).
- Resistance to Rot & Termites: Thanks to its SmartGuard® technology, LP siding is treated with resins, waxes, and zinc borate to resist fungal decay and insect damage.
- Paint-Friendly: Homeowners can repaint LP SmartSide siding to change colors, unlike vinyl, which is locked into its factory finish.
- Longevity: With proper installation and maintenance, LP SmartSide siding can last 30+ years.
Cons of LP SmartSide Siding 
- Cost: LP SmartSide is more expensive than vinyl, averaging $8–$15+ per square foot installed. However, many homeowners see it as a worthwhile investment for its appearance and durability.
- Maintenance: While lower maintenance than traditional wood, LP SmartSide still requires occasional painting or sealing to keep it in top condition.
- Professional Installation Recommended: Unlike vinyl, LP SmartSide is heavier and requires expert installation to ensure longevity and warranty protection.
A Side-by-Side Comparison: Vinyl vs. LP SmartSide
| Feature | Vinyl Siding | LP SmartSide Siding |
| Average Cost | $6–$12+ per sq. ft. installed | $8–$15+ per sq. ft. installed |
| Durability | Good, but cracks in cold & dents from hail | Excellent, impact-resistant, long-lasting |
| Maintenance | Very low, just cleaning | Low, but repainting/sealing recommended |
| Appearance | Wide variety, but less realistic wood look | Authentic wood look, customizable colors |
| Lifespan | 20–30 years | 30+ years |
| Weather Resistance | Moderate | High (great for Sioux Falls conditions) |
What Kind of Siding is Best for Homes in Sioux Falls, SD?
If you’re on a tight budget and want an affordable, low-maintenance option, vinyl siding may be the best fit. It offers plenty of design options and performs well with minimal upkeep. However, if you want siding that provides greater durability against South Dakota’s hailstorms, freezing winters, and high winds, LP SmartSide siding is the smarter long-term investment.
For many Sioux Falls homeowners, LP SmartSide offers the perfect balance of beauty, strength, and protection — especially if you value curb appeal and want siding that lasts decades without losing its impact.
The Right Choice? Scholten Construction & General Contracting!
At Scholten Construction, our team understands the unique demands of South Dakota’s climate and can help you choose the right siding option to protect your home, enhance its value, and match your design preferences.
Whether you’re leaning toward cost-effective vinyl or want the premium protection of LP SmartSide, we’ll provide expert guidance, professional installation, and long-lasting results you can count on.
Contact Scholten Construction today at 605-351-0861 for a free siding consultation and estimate. Let’s make sure your home looks stunning and stands strong for years to come!
