Home Ideas

Whether you’re partial to pepperoni or enjoy a freshly made Margherita, there’s nothing quite like a warm slice of pizza. While grabbing a pie at your local pizzeria is always fun, there’s something so satisfying about making your own at home. That’s where a good pizza stone comes in. The right pizza stone will distribute heat evenly and keep the dough moist while the pie bakes to perfection. Keep in mind that pizza stones are very different from regular pizza sheets, though, and require special care to perform well. Unlike metal pizza sheets, dish soap is a no-go with pizza stones and it’s best to avoid soaking them in water at all costs. To keep your pizza stone in top-notch condition, we checked in with Carolyn Forté, the executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, for her top tips to keep pesky stains at bay and ensure that every pizza you make tastes delicious. How to clean a pizza stone, step by stepWhether you use a pizza stone weekly or monthly, this unique kitchen accessory requires special care to keep it in tip-top shape. Your pizza stone might look clean on the surface, but because it’s porous, ingredients like sauce, oil and cheese can seep in and get stuck over time. Depending on how long you wait between cleanings, this can affect the taste of your pizzas. To maintain the quality of your pizza stone, we recommend repeating this process every time it’s used, and when in doubt, consult the instruction manual. What you’ll need:Nylon cleaning brushDishcloths Silicone pan scraperBaking sodaDrying rack Instructions: Before cleaning the pizza stone, wait two to three hours for it to cool down.Do an initial scrub with a nylon brush to remove food particles. Remove any cheese or cooked-on residue with the silicone scraper. Wipe away any remaining residue with a damp microfiber cloth. Air-dry the pizza stone on a drying rack and wipe off any remaining crumbs. How to remove stains from a pizza stone While you’ll never be able to completely remove all the stains your pizza stone accumulates with regular use, it’s still important to keep it as clean as possible. The best approach? Baking soda, which will quickly become your new best friend. When you combine water and baking soda into a paste, it can help remove those dreaded tomato stains. And no matter how stubborn the stain, always hand-wash your pizza stone and allow it to cool before applying the paste. Instructions: Mix baking soda and water in a separate bowl until it turns into a paste.Put the paste onto the stone and let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth and let it air dry. Related Stories Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today’s shopping network, Reviewed.com. Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

Much like a swimming pool, a jetted tub needs extra care to keep it running properly. Regular use can result in a build-up of hair, dirt, shampoo and much more. Curious about how to clean a jetted tub quickly and efficiently? We checked in with Carolyn Forté, the executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, for her top tips.Before you get started, it’s important to check all the cleaning labels to make sure the products are safe to use on your tub. How often you clean your tub is also key. It’s best to clear any debris first. If your tub is used frequently, step up your cleaning schedule. To keep the pump running smoothly, many manufacturers suggest avoiding oil-based bath soaps or additives such as bubble baths, because the whirlpool action will intensify the foaming properties of these products, and the residue could stick to the plumbing. Instead, use a small amount of low-foaming bath salts. To clean the tub’s surface, you can opt for any non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth to ensure you don’t scratch it. While we’d recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean your tub (especially the jets), this at-home hack will work in a pinch:What you’ll needStep-by-Step Instructions for Cleaning a Jetted Tub: Remove bath residue once a month by filling the bath with hot water and ¼ cup powdered dishwasher detergent. Run the water jets for 10-15 minutes and then drain the bath and refill with cold water. Run the water jets for another 10-15 minutes and drain again. If you have hard water, you can add vinegar to the water and repeat the process. Just be sure to never mix it with bleach or other household cleaners.OppdowngalonHow to remove stains from a jetted tub Jetted tubs can easily be stained from soap scum, bath oils, bubble bath and even rusty plumbing. To get stubborn stains out, mix a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide together and let it work its magic for 10 minutes. Once you’ve let the paste sit, simply wipe away the stains with a microfiber cloth. Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today’s shopping network, Reviewed.com. Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

No matter if you’re a stay-at-home mom or have a demanding nine-to-five, chances are coffee is part of your morning routine. Thankfully, Nespresso is here to save the day with its simple coffee pod system that eliminates the hassle of grinding beans. That’s why it’s important to learn how to clean and descale your Nespresso machine to keep your coffee tasting fresh. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, your single-serve coffee maker can grow mold and bacteria. It might even stop working completely. To keep your machine running smoothly, we recommend cleaning and descaling your Nespresso regularly. Follow this step-by-step guide, including tips from Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab.How to clean a Nespresso machine Cleaning (versus descaling) the machine is relatively simple, but knowing how often to clean it is also key. We recommend keeping the outside of the machine, pod chamber and drip tray clean by wiping or washing it regularly. The water reservoir should be washed with soap and water once a month and the drip tray should be washed once a week. You can even wipe down the Nespresso machine daily to keep it squeaky clean. Just take care not to leave soap behind, as it will make your coffee taste less than desirable. What you’ll need: Dish soap A container for catching waterA dishcloth How to descale a Nespresso machine To properly descale your Nespresso machine, it’s essential to purchase the descaling solution directly from the company. Keep in mind that it notes home remedies like vinegar or store-bought solutions might damage your machine. Nespresso also recommends descaling your coffee maker every three months (or 300 capsules). Jose A. Bernat BaceteInstructions: Plug the machine in, then empty the capsule container and drip tray before placing them back into the machine. Pour in some water and mix with 17 ounces of the descaling solution. With the head closed, unlock the lever and press and hold the button until the light turns off. After seven seconds, the light will start blinking orange. Once the light begins blinking, unlock and lock the lever. Press and hold the button again until the light turns off. When the light starts blinking again, the descaling of your machine has started. Use a large container underneath the spout, then press and rerelease the button as the light continues blinking. The machine will be silent once it’s finished descaling. After emptying the capsule and drip tray, rinse the water tank and refill with water. Then press and rerelease the button to rinse the machine, removing the water from the container. Once it’s finished rinsing, refill the water tank again and insert it into the machine. Clean the machine with a damp cloth and let it stand for 10 minutes.Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today’s shopping network, Reviewed.com. Expert consulted:Carolyn FortéHome Care & Cleaning Lab Executive DirectorCarolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

Japandi style encompasses the beauty and minimalistic nature of Scandinavian and Japanese design styles. Its known features center around nature, functionality, minimalism and neutral color palettes. Over 150 years old, this design and lifestyle is widely celebrated internationally for emphasizing easy, breezy comfort.With strong historical roots, Japandi style’s global attraction begins to trend as minimal decor and homes filled with natural elements grow popular. Jennifer Verruto, Founder & CEO, Blythe Interiors, says, “We are seeing more and more people gravitate towards the elegant simplicity and calming atmosphere of Japandi.” Timeless and simplistic, Japandi style sets the pace of your living space. Earthy and organic, craftmanship in your decor can shine through due to the pared-back ethos of not overcrowding your space with objects or tons of color. Ahead, learn why interior designers will continue to sing their praises of the over a century-old style.What Is Japandi Style?Japandi style harmoniously blends the most distinct and favored features in Japanese and Scandinavian cultures. Peak Petersen, senior interior designer at Hoedemaker Pfeiffer, says, “The focus of these combined aesthetics is tranquility and functionality and is often defined by natural materiality, a neutral palette with dark, earthy tones, uncluttered space that is not overly minimal, natural light and greenery, bringing nature into the home.”Marisa VitaleMarisa VitaleBut the re-emerging interest around Japandi goes beyond the surface. Carrying the spirit of feng shui and Scandinavian hygge principles, the design sets the environment and mood in your home. The crisp but laid-back look lends a relaxing and warm feel to your space. Unwinding will look better and not cluttered!Peter Spalding co-founder and CCO, Daniel House Club says, “Both cultures have a less-is-more mentality and both continue to foreground handmade objects. More than their aesthetics, it is their ethos that unites them.” Why Japandi Design Is EffectiveChristopher StarkDesigned by Noz Design.Petersen loves how Japandi style adds depth to the bright, clean Scandinavian “hygge”-influenced canvas (next-level coziness that causes you to feel contentment). You can enjoy the warmth without feeling closed in, thanks to the freeing nature of Japanese aesthetics it’s all about balance! “The inclusion of darker tones, meaningful artwork and found pieces create a lifetime ethos that will continue to be interesting,” Petersen explains.The overall soothing ambiance it provides is welcoming and can create a sense of calm even after a hectic day. Inviting guests over in a tranquil setting that promotes their well-being can also make entertaining feel zen. Simply, pop the open the dishwasher and enjoy an evening of relaxation when the party is over. Finally, you can indulge in your favorites without settling or feeling overwhelmed. “Japandi fuses the comfy rusticity of Scandinavian design with the Japanese celebration of imperfection as beauty,” says Spalding. “It is crisp and clean, but not sterile. Its palette is subtle, but never cold. It celebrates the handmade over the mass-produced.” How to Use Japandi Style in Your HomeJapandi style can fit in just about anywhere in your home from the bathroom (your spa days have never looked so good) to the kitchen, but it’s done best in places enjoyed by friends and family.Natalia RobertDesigned by Blythe Interiors.In the primary bathroom (pictured above), Verruto carefully blended warm and cool tones to create an environment of balance and serenity. “The design team revitalized the existing archway through thoughtful finishes, incorporating porcelain tile that mimics the look of thin wood slats—embodying the minimal, natural aesthetic of the style,” she explains. If you’re hoping to achieve this aesthetic, begin to draw back the curtain and let the light in. Paint with limewash for an organic, textured feel. Shop for high-quality vintage furniture made of wood or clay for a stylish moment that won’t get lost in a crowd of accessories.This trend allows you to start afresh in your home, boosting your sense of peace no matter the season. Spalding says, “I like that Japandi style presents its origins so completely. It gives us the opportunity to delve deep and explore work we are not that familiar with and make it our own.” Cheers to the start of something new that feels right at home!Medgina Saint-Elien is a lifestyle and design editor, whose journey has been marked by her interest in popular culture and technology. Saint-Elien uses her editorial eye to find the “on the pulse” moments in media through trend forecasting, exciting new product launches, hands-on reviews, and covering the “lightbulb” moments in every maker’s story. She is a creative strategist who conceptualizes digital franchises and partnerships that draw readers to take a second look. In addition to House Beautiful, her work has been published in Cosmopolitan, Byrdie, Snapchat, and more.  More

In the kitchen, there’s always something in need of a deep clean — think food splatters on kitchen cabinets and stainless steel appliances, plus the grime that builds up inside dishwashers, messy microwaves and ovens. Luckily, it’s our mission to make these dreaded tasks — like cleaning greasy and crusty oven racks — a lot easier. For expert advice on how to clean oven racks, we tapped Carolyn Forté, the executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, who recommends deep cleaning your oven racks three to four times a year. In the interim, make sure to wipe clean splatters, spills or spots when you notice them. It’s important to remove grease splatters and deposits that build up over time on oven racks, not only because your kitchen will look cleaner, but it can help prolong the life of your oven.Below, we’ve highlighted the best ways to quickly and effectively clean your oven racks. Plus, keep scrolling for feedback on a few methods that we don’t recommend. How to Clean Oven Racks With Dish SoapWhat You’ll NeedWash your racks in the sink with warm, soapy water. (If you require more space for scrubbing, you can also clean oven racks in the bath tub — just lay down towels first to prevent scratching). For stubborn gunk and grime, try a grease-cutting dish spray, like Dawn Powerwash. Spray dirty oven racks with a dish spray and let them sit in the sink or tub for several minutes. Scrub your racks with a medium or heavy duty scouring pad (depending on how dirty they are). Then, rinse racks clean and allow them to air dry on the counter or hand-dry with a dishtowel before re-inserting into the oven.powerofforever//Getty ImagesHow to Clean Oven Racks With Oven CleanerIf your racks are especially dirty (think burned food and tough grease), it might be best to try an oven cleaner. We always recommend that you first remove your oven racks. Keep in mind some oven cleaners can damage wood or stone surfaces. Cover your workstation in several layers of newspaper or clean racks someplace outside. Below are a few of our favorites and how to use them, but always follow the instructions listed on the package. Also, take a look at your appliance manufacturer’s recommendations — some may suggest only using an oven cleaner to spot clean. Expert tip: Always wear gloves during deep cleans.Easy-Off Oven Cleaner: Spray oven racks, allow to sit for 30 seconds, then wipe clean with a wet cloth. This cleaner, great for spot cleans, can be sprayed directly into the oven, as long it’s completely cool. Weiman Stove & Oven Cleaner: Remove racks and lay them on a protected surface (several layers of newspaper works well). Spray foam cleaner and allow to sit for two to 10 minutes — try longer for tougher messes. Scrub racks with a scouring pad, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. RELATED: 8 Best Oven Cleaners of 2024, Tested by Cleaning ProsShould I clean my oven racks with baking soda? You can clean oven racks with baking soda, sprinkling it onto racks and scrubbing with a sponge or scouring pad, then finishing with a rinse. While this cleaning method may work for lightly soiled racks, we don’t suggest using baking soda to deep clean oven racks. Baking soda is a mild abrasive, so this method could require intense scrubbing and rinsing. Should I clean my oven racks with vinegar?Some choose to create a paste by mixing vinegar with baking soda, but we don’t recommend this method. Mixing baking soda and vinegar together is only effective while the mixture is bubbling, which won’t last long.Should I clean my oven racks with dishwasher tablets or detergent?Some recommend soaking dirty oven racks in warm water mixed with dishwasher detergent, but we don’t. Not only does this method require you to soak oven racks overnight in the sink or bathtub, but it isn’t any more effective than using dish soap. Plus, your warm water won’t stay warm for long, making the detergent less effective. “Dishwashers periodically heat the water throughout the cycle,” says Forté. “You can’t do that in your sink or tub without diluting the mixture.” The Best Products for Clean Oven RacksAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

From family movie nights and entertaining friends to cuddling with pets, the couch receives a lot of daily use — which means it tends to collect crumbs, pet hair and the occasional food spill. Microfiber couches, while a durable choice for heavy-traffic homes, must be properly cleaned to ensure long-lasting quality. Keep in mind that the wrong cleaning methods can leave watermarks or damage your upholstery. Luckily, we’re sharing a step-by-step guide on how to clean a microfiber couch by Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, that’ll quickly refresh your living room. For a deeper clean, we recommend following all of these instructions, but for lighter debris and stains, you can stick to the simpler steps, like vacuuming the upholstery or spot-treating with an upholstery cleaner. A piece of key advice from Forté: “Always start with the gentlest method first and work your way up.”What You’ll NeedStep-by-Step Instructions for Cleaning Your Microfiber Couch:1. Determine the right cleaning method. The upholstered furniture industry uses a coding system to safely clean your couch. Check your couch’s tag or under-the-seat cushions to find its cleaning code.W means the fabric can be treated with water-based cleaners.W/S means that both water- or solvent-based cleaners are safe to use.S means the fabric cannot be treated with water and only solvent-based cleaning chemicals should be used.X means the fabric can only be vacuumed or lightly brushed.2. Steam clean the couch.Not only are handheld garment steamers gentle on microfiber, but hot steam can kill surface dust mites and lift stains from the fabric. Go over the entire couch, allowing just the steam to touch and penetrate the upholstery. (We recommend using a garment steamer to start your deep clean, but feel free to skip this step if you don’t have one).3. Vacuum the upholstery. With the upholstery attachment, vacuum the entire sofa: back, arms, skirt and cushions. Use the crevice tool to clean tricky areas — think crumbs and pet hair stuck in seams, around buttons or along the trim. If the cushions are removable, take them off and vacuum the fabric underneath, as well as both sides of each cushion. Quick cleaning tip: In between vacuums, use a lint roller to pick up stray hairs or a few crumbs. Oleg Breslavtsev//Getty Images4. Test your cleaning solution.Whether you’ve created your own cleaning solution (¼ teaspoon of mild dish soap mixed with one cup of warm water might do the trick) or you’ve bought an upholstery cleaner, it’s important to test the product on a hidden area first. Apply the cleaning solution to a small spot to be certain that it’s safe for the fabric and doesn’t cause any water spotting or color loss.RELATED: 8 Best Upholstery Cleaners, Recommended by Stain Removal Experts 5. Spot clean stains.When using any store-bought upholstery cleaner, always follow the package instructions. For water-safe fabrics, tackle stains with an enzyme-containing formula like Bissell Professional Pet Stain & Odor Remover. If your cushions have removable covers, unzip them and place a paper towel between the fabric and filling to absorb excess moisture. Apply upholstery cleaner to a microfiber cloth and blot the stain carefully, working from the outside in. Once the stain is removed, dab the area with a damp cloth, then blot dry. For “S” fabrics, clean stains according to label directions with a solvent-based product such as ForceField Dry.skaman306//Getty Images6. Bring in a carpet or upholstery cleaner for tougher stains.For fabrics that can be treated with water, use a portable extraction cleaner, like Bissell’s Little Green Portable Cleaner, for a deeper clean. Dispense the cleaner and water mixture through the hose, agitate the fabric with the brush nozzle and vacuum up the dirt into the tank.7. Allow fabric to air dry.Let your couch completely dry, ideally overnight, before sitting or laying on the cushions. To speed up the drying process, use fans or open the windows on a warm day.8. Sanitize the couch. Once your sofa is clean and dry, kill lingering bacteria and remove smells on water-safe fabrics using a sanitizing spray, like GH Seal star Tide Antibacterial Fabric Spray. Quick cleaning tip: Between deep cleans, eliminate any odors by sprinkling baking soda all over the sofa or spraying it with GH Seal Star Febreze FABRIC. The Products You Need to Clean Your Microfiber CouchAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

When it comes to curb appeal, no exterior element has greater impact than your home’s siding. It’s also one of the first lines of defense against the elements, from pounding hail to lashing rain to blazing heat. No wonder siding replacements have one of the highest returns on investment of all home improvement projects, according to Remodeling Magazine’s latest Cost vs. Value Report.“Home re-siding is one of the most common jobs we take on,” said Randy Miller, owner of Allrite Home & Remodeling in Milwaukee, WI. and past president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. “Even if the siding is in decent shape, after 25 or 30 years, a lot of homeowners are ready to refresh the look and bring it up to date.”The average cost of re-siding is around $11,500, according to ANGI, the home services marketplace, so taking on this project for your home is a major investment. That means you definitely want to get it right the first time. Though most homeowners hire the work out, it pays to have a firm handle on the options before you start interviewing contractors. With that, the experts from the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute pulled together this primer on the seven best types of siding for a house. Choose wisely and you just might end up with the prettiest home on the block. Vinyl sidingPros Competitive priceMinimal upkeepLightweight design makes for easy installationConsCheaper versions can crack, warp and meltDespite design improvements, it still can’t match the beauty of real woodCost$3 to $12 per square foot, or $3,000 to $30,000Over the last 50 years, vinyl has been the most common siding material in the U.S., based on data from the American Housing Survey, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. Credit the material’s low cost, lightweight design which makes for easy installation and minimal maintenance, including the fact that it doesn’t need to be painted. Though vinyl’s use in new construction peaked around the turn of this century, it’s still used on about a quarter of new homes, and it remains a popular choice with remodelers.While first-generation vinyl was often cheap looking, both the aesthetics and performance of the material have improved dramatically, especially over the last decade. “The old, hollow-backed panels with a 4-inch lap have been replaced with 6-inch-wide insulated panels that closely resemble wood siding, without any of the oil canning,” said Miller, referring to the waves and ripples that that are a telltale sign of inferior vinyl siding.CertainTeedA good example of this next-generation vinyl is Certainteed CERTAplank Single 7′ Reinforced Siding (pictured), which took home a Good Housekeeping Home Reno Award. The reinforced siding withstood our tough impact tests and also fended off stains and scratches. Our design experts applauded the “beautiful and timeless color options.” Still, even the best vinyl siding on today’s market won’t be mistaken for real wood from close range. Plus, though the upkeep is minimal, when vinyl reaches its end of life after several decades, it will need to be replaced, whereas well-maintained natural materials, like wood and stone, can last for centuries. Cheaply made vinyl siding may also be more prone to crack, warp or melt.Fiber cement sidingProsProtects against extreme weather, fire, termites and moreAvailable in a range of styles to suit every architectureEasy to maintainConsHardness and heft make for a more challenging installationRelatively expensiveCost$5 to $14 per square foot, or $5,000 and $35,000Made from a blend of cement, sand and cellulose, fiber cement siding has been around for more than four decades. Its popularity has grown steadily in that time, especially in the West, where more than a third of new homes are now clad in fiber cement. Part of its appeal in wildfire-prone parts of the country is the material’s resistance to fire (some insurance providers offer discounts for homes with fiber cement siding). The material also does an excellent job fending off extreme weather, wind, moisture and pests, plus it’s easy to maintain.In addition to its many performance benefits, fiber cement comes in an array of alluring styles, starting with traditional lap siding that is hard to distinguish from real wood, especially with a factory-applied paint finish. The material can also be fashioned into architectural panels well-suited to contemporary homes or board-and-batten siding, ideal for the popular farmhouse look. A couple drawbacks to keep in mind: Fiber cement is one of the more expensive siding materials and it’s quite heavy, which makes it harder to install than other siding products.Courtesy of James HardieIf you’re interested in fiber cement, you’ll no doubt come across James Hardie, which invented the material and is still the clear market leader. The company is also a GH Seal holder, so its Hardie line of products have been tested by our experts to meet the highest standards of durability and performance. Its expanded Hardie Architectural Collection (pictured) also won a GH Home Reno Award, in part because of its range of contemporary and traditional siding styles.Wood sidingProsUnparalleled warmth and beautyVery durableConsRequires periodic refinishingVulnerable to fire and pestsCost$1 to $15 per square foot, or $1,000 to $37,500Though less than 5% of new homes have wood siding, it was once the dominant material, especially throughout the Northeast and Midwest. It’s still the nostalgic favorite with many homeowners who stand by the natural warmth and beauty of wood siding, whether it’s cedar shingles or clapboards milled from pine, oak or spruce trees.The old-word charm of wood siding is matched by its durability, though Miller lamented that today’s trees are not quite as hardy as the old-growth species that used to produce the earliest wood siding. Be that as it may, most wood siding will do a solid job of keeping out the weather and it can take its hits without cracking or denting, whether from pounding hail or an errant baseball.Wood siding’s biggest vulnerability are fire and pests, including termites, carpenter ants and woodpeckers. And, of course, it needs to be diligently maintained, with a fresh coat of paint or stain every 10 to 15 years, depending on the harshness of the local climate.Composite sidingProsResembles wood, without the upkeepProtects against weather, fire and pestsConsLacks the authenticity of natural wood or stoneCost$1 to $6 per square foot, or $1,000 to $15,000This newer siding category includes several synthetic products made from materials like wood fiber, plastic and PVC. “Composite siding is another way to get the look of real wood without all the maintenance,” said Miller. Purists may balk at the synthetic formula, but there’s no debating the value of these engineered products.Though composites vary based on their ingredients, they are all extremely durable and resist weather and pests. They can also be fashioned into any shape or size, from shake siding that closely resemble cedar to traditional lap siding. Most varieties can be painted or stained any color, or you can choose from factory-applied finishes. Courtesy of TimberTechOne of the highest performing siding materials to pass through the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab for testing is TimberTech’s Cladding (pictured), an advanced PVC product that delivered superb dent and scratch resistance in our tests. We also like that it’s made in the USA from approximately 60% recycled materials, including plastic bottles and construction scrap. Stone veneer sidingProsEasier to install than real stonePuts less strain on the structure of the houseConsProne to water leaksTends to have an artificial lookCost$5 to $11 per square foot, or $5,000 and $27,500Another cement-based siding product, stone veneers are made to look like brick, natural stone or other masonry material. They can be installed piece-by-piece, like the natural materials they mimic, or as part of a panel system. “Because they’re thinner than the real thing, veneers go up a lot easier than full stone or brick, which helps keep the project cost down,” said Miller. That also means that they put less strain on the structure of the house.The disadvantage of stone veneers is they’re not as durable as actual stone, plus they are prone to water penetration, unless the installation is perfect. And despite improvements in manufacturing processes, including better pigments and molds, the faux stone has a hard time passing for the real thing. That’s due in part to the pattern repeats that occur with any mass-produced product, but also because it’s often applied in ways that natural stone wouldn’t be, for example, as an accent wall on the front of the house. Brick sidingProsExtremely durableSustainably producedClassic beautyConsVulnerable to moistureDifficult to install Cost$10 to $20 per square foot, or $10,000 to $75,000Brick is another timeless material that’s been used for centuries to clad traditional-style homes, from stately Colonials to charming Tudors. About 20% of new homes feature brick siding, proof of its staying power. The clay-fired bricks are a sustainable building material, plus they come in various sizes and textures for design versatility. Performance-wise, brick is extremely durable (remember The Three Little Pigs…), but its porous structure makes it vulnerable to moisture, which is why you see it most often in dryer parts of the country. If you’re thinking about brick for your home, keep in mind that the material is on the pricey side, and the installation is labor-intensive, making it one of the most expensive siding materials. But provided the job is done right, it will be the last time you ever have to re-side the house. Stucco sidingProsExtremely durable, especially in dry, hot climatesStrong insulating qualitiesConsCostly to install and repairNot the best moisture barrierCost$7 to $9 per square foot, or $8,000 to $11,100Given the uptick in home building in the Sun Belt over the last 10 years, stucco is now the most common siding material used in new construction. Made from a mixture of Portland cement, lime, sand and water, stucco is a thin finish that’s typically applied in multiple coats to a home’s exterior. It also comes in prefabricated panels that are fastened to the sub-structure, easing installation. Stucco is a durable material that does particularly well in dry climates, where it resists fire and heat. Little maintenance is required and it’s a fairly good source of insulation, providing both energy savings and sound reduction.The trouble with stucco is it’s a pain to repair if chips or cracks do occur and it’s not great at fending off moisture, hence why it’s almost non-existent in northern regions. What to look for when choosing the best siding for your houseMany homeowners choose to replace their siding with the same material. But given the range of materials available today, including many that deliver the same look but with better performance and less upkeep, it’s a good idea to consider all the options. Here’s what to think about.✔️ Cost: Depending on the size of your house, you might be able to spend as little as $1,000 on the project or upwards of $30,000. With large houses, prices go up accordingly. Keep in mind that contractors charge more for homes with two or three stories since they’ll need to bring in extra ladders and scaffolding. And if your home has a lot of complicated shapes, like turrets and dormers, that will drive up the project cost even further.✔️ Style: Switching up the type of siding on your house can have a dramatic effect. Just make sure it’s not eye-catching for the wrong reason by choosing a design-inappropriate material. Applying stone veneer to a contemporary-style home probably won’t look right, for example. Likewise, stay away from modern-looking panels on classical-style homes. ✔️ Weather: Most siding materials perform better under some climate conditions than others. Stucco, for example, is impervious to the hot sun, but it’s not built for wet conditions. Vinyl can become brittle in extremely cold conditions, especially if it’s not backed with insulation. If wildfires are a concern, fiber cement or stone is a better option than wood. Before making a final decision on your siding choice, think about the worst-case scenarios that the material might have to withstand.✔️ Maintenance: This effects the long-term cost and performance of siding. Wood is one of the most beautiful materials, but it will need to be refinished (painted or stained) every 10 years or so. Low-maintenance materials like vinyl, composite, and fiber cement, just need to be washed down with a garden hose or a pressure washer (on a low setting). What’s the best place to shop for siding for your house?Since siding replacements are usually done by professionals, most homeowners purchase materials through their contractor, who will get it directly from the manufacturer. But if you are tackling the job yourself, or you’re functioning as the general contractor on the project, you can order many mass-produced materials (vinyl, composite, veneer, etc.) through home centers like Home Depot and More

Tackling a home renovation can bring up a lot of emotions — there’s the anticipation of building your dream space, the pressure to order the right products and the stress of landing on a design and picking partners, all while staying on budget. Add all those up, and it’s a lot — and you haven’t even gotten started yet!To help you feel more at ease before embarking, we tapped renovation expert Ashley Wainscott, CEO of Simply Home in Austin, Texas, for her strategies on navigating the experience from start to finish. Her big-picture takeaway? “Work with companies that think through your options with you, because you may not recognize options that will make your home more functional,” she says. A concierge company like Ferguson Bath, Kitchen, & Lighting Gallery, for example, will go above and beyond — not merely selling you products, but providing personalized guidance all along the way. “I worked with Ferguson on my last home renovation,” says Dan DiClerico, Director of Home Improvement and Outdoor at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “Their expansive showroom and staff expertise were instrumental in us finding all the right fixtures for our kitchen and bathrooms.”Wainscott recommends coming prepared to your initial consultations, so the experts can help you leverage your resources for the best outcome. (For example, peruse the website before heading to a Ferguson showroom to help you narrow down the products you are most interested in seeing in person.) Read on for her tips on the main issues to focus on in advance.Develop a Clear Design Vision While budget is essential (we’ll get there shortly!), it can be tricky to begin pricing and deciding what’s realistic without an end goal in mind. “Projects are more successful when the client has a solid vision of what they want,” says Wainscott. If you’re feeling lost, collect visual references for the space you’re hoping to create from social media and magazines before tapping a professional for help. One such source is Trends & Influences, which forecasts trends for the upcoming year and beyond and is available free online and in Ferguson showrooms. Make the most of the tools available to you — if you’re shopping at a Ferguson showroom, say, you can schedule a one-on-one appointment. In this time, a skilled consultant can help provide additional inspiration, walk you through your options and streamline the process of selecting all the right pieces for your project. You can also use their easy Shop by Look tool to see how various pieces can be used for different projects and aesthetics. Come prepared with basic measurements and blueprints in addition to inspo, to make the most of your meeting time. And an online project tool like the one from Build with Ferguson is a great way to keep all the design ideas, products, inspiration, and costs you settle upon organized. You can explore everything from lighting and plumbing to appliances and flooring, add them to your project, and even share your lists and ideas with your design partners.Nail Down a BudgetCreate a realistic budget — and communicate it clearly and often. Wainscott recommends doing a little legwork before finalizing a number, especially if you’re new to construction: “Request preliminary ballpark ranges from companies you are considering hiring before launching into the full design.”Also know that every decision you make on layout and materials will affect your budget, so it’s wise to make a list of priorities you’re willing to spend more on (luxe sink fixtures, perhaps) and elements you don’t mind keeping basic. Wainscott recommends asking each reno partner to supply you with “a detailed estimate and contract — make sure you know exactly what is included or not included.”Photo Courtesy of FergusonFeaturing Brizo, Kohler, Signature Hardware, Affinity Tile, Maxim and Visual ComfortAssemble Your Team In a classic heist movie, this would be the montage moment, when you put together your dream team. It might not look quite that exciting in real life, but it’s a vital step in ensuring your process is as seamless as possible. Wainscott suggests asking trusted local friends and neighbors for first-person recommendations when it comes to contractors, architects and designers. Then do your research — review their accreditations, past projects, social-media presence and online reviews. The experts at Ferguson advocate referencing the National Association of Home Builders, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and the American Society of Interior Designers both to locate and check accredited pros. Your showroom consultant can talk you through the search process in more detail during your private appointment. DiClerico says, “It’s important to bring your contractor into the process as early as possible, since they’ll give realistic feedback on actual project costs. You don’t want to fall in love with a design, only to find out that it’s way beyond your budget because of structural issues or other unforseens.”Keep in mind that what was right for someone else might still not be the best fit for you. “Ask yourself: Will they be my advocate? Do they see my vision? Will they be the best partner for me?” says Wainscott. “Trust your gut instinct. If it’s telling you a contractor is not for you, listen to it.”Shop IRL Before Purchasing Online shopping can be great for narrowing things down, but nothing compares to experiencing fixtures, appliances and finishes in person. An in-person visit to a showroom like Ferguson is especially helpful, since you’ll find a curated selection of luxury and designer brands that will allow you to compare and contrast. With everything from lighting to appliances in one place, you can knock out all your selections in one go. (After all, sometimes you have to sit in each actual tub to know which one you’ll love for years to come.) And try to avoid getting swept up in trends unless you genuinely love them — and are confident that love is going to be a lasting one. “Focus on choosing products that speak to you,” says Wainscott. “It’s good to get inspiration, but be careful not to fall into the trap of what everyone else is doing.” Communicate Clearly Even with the best team in place, things can get lost in translation or fall through the cracks during a busy renovation. One huge benefit of working with an expert showroom consultant like those at Ferguson is their project-coordination skills. They work closely with both you and your reno team to ensure a smooth experience from inspiration to installation, are well-versed in the lingo and can help head off any issues before they happen — all of which can keep you on schedule and on budget. Ferguson even has an online project-management tool where you and your collaborators can share images and spec sheets and sort products by room. Most important: Always advocate for your and your family’s needs. “Take into account where you put things like shampoo bottles in the shower, or cereal boxes in your pantry. The placement of electrical outlets can be huge,” says Wainscott. “Remember: All of these things are going to impact your life every day.” More