Like most building materials, the quality varies widely and the capability of the installers varies even more widely.

This house has 3/4" beveled cedar siding that looks fabulous when it's painted. But, I'm not able to keep up with that task and have decided on vinyl siding. However, it's not the typical crap that you purchase for $60.00 per square. The high quality material is made by Nailite and is approx. $245.00 per square. Sure, it's a lot of money, but, none of the problems that are typically experienced with the cheap stuff will maifest themselves with the better product. It has the look of cedar shakes and you'd need to get within 10' to tell that it's not actual wood.

I'll probably install it myself and get someone to do the aluminum brake work on the trim. The siding is the easy part to install........it's the aluminum work that's difficult and time consuming. There's all kinds of skill levels on that job as well. The cheapest installers face nail the aluminum. The best one's know how to hide the nails to give a professional appearance.\

I've researched and located several homes in the area with this material. All of them look extremely good. I'd doubt that anyone but a true diehard wood fanatic would be dissatisfied with this product.