Royal Estate Vinyl Siding: The Premium Wood Look

By Mark Williams | Exterior Remodeling Expert

When homeowners are shopping for premium vinyl siding to upgrade their exterior, they are usually looking for one specific thing: a product that completely eliminates the cheap, shiny, "plastic" look of builder-grade vinyl.

In my remodeling business, Estate™ by Royal Building Products (now part of Westlake Royal Building Products) is a go-to choice. It is engineered specifically to mimic the deep textures, substantial weight, and bold shadow lines of authentic, milled wood siding, without the associated rot, painting, or maintenance.

The Teardrop Profile (The Aesthetic Secret)

What makes Royal Estate stand out visually on a wall is its unique teardrop lock design.

Where traditional siding panels overlap with a standard straight or sharply angled edge, the Estate panel features a gentle, rounded teardrop curve at the bottom edge. This does two critical things that my installers and clients both appreciate:

1. The Shadow Line: It casts a slightly softer, deeper, and far more elegant shadow line on the house, perfectly mimicking the look of thick cedar clapboard.
2. Structural Rigidity: The rounded edge acts as a structural stiffener. It dramatically increases the rigidity of the panel, helping my crews lay it perfectly flat against the wall without the waving, bowing, or sagging often seen on long walls with cheaper vinyl.

Weather and Wind Resistance

Beyond looks, Royal Estate is a heavy-duty performer designed for extreme climates.

• Partial Rollover Nail Hem: The top of the siding (where my guys drive the nails) features a folded hem, which effectively doubles the thickness of the plastic at the critical attachment point. This allows the siding to withstand hurricane-force winds up to 180 mph without tearing off the wall.
• Thickness: It boasts a premium .044-inch nominal thickness, offering excellent impact resistance against hail and stray baseballs.
• Colorscapes® UV Protection: The panels are extruded with Royal's premium UV protection technology, ensuring that even their darkest grays and blues resist chalking and fading in brutal summer sun.

Pros and Cons from the Field

My Experience (Pros)

• Curb Appeal: The teardrop profile and deep woodgrain texture look highly authentic.
• Wind Resistance: Excellent 180 mph rating gives homeowners serious peace of mind in storm-prone areas.
• Low Maintenance: Never needs painting; simply wash it down with a hose annually.
• Color Palette: Offers a fantastic range of deeply saturated dark colors that don't fade easily.

My Experience (Cons)

• Cost: It is noticeably more expensive than standard vinyl siding.
• Visibility of Seams: Like all standard vinyl, it comes in 12-foot lengths, meaning you will always have visible overlapping seams on long walls (unless you specifically order their extended length panels).

Estimated Cost Breakdown

Royal Estate is a premium product, but it sits at a very comfortable price point between standard builder-grade vinyl and ultra-expensive insulated siding (or fiber cement), making it an excellent ROI for remodeling. Here are current 2026 estimates:

• Material Cost: The siding panels typically cost $130 to $170 per square (100 square feet) uninstalled.
• Installed Cost: When factoring in house wrap, J-channel, specialized trim, and skilled labor, expect to pay $4.00 to $6.50 per square foot of exterior wall area.
• Total Project: For a standard 2,000 sq ft home exterior, a complete replacement usually ranges from $8,000 to $13,000.

Design and Color Options

Royal Estate features a deep woodgrain pattern that looks incredibly authentic from the street, and it is available in several profiles, including traditional clapboard and dutch lap.

Top Color Choices

• Ironstone: A deep, dramatic charcoal gray. Perfect for modern contemporary or updated traditional homes.
• Wedgewood: A beautiful, soft historical blue that looks incredible on coastal properties.
• Midnight Surf: A rich, dark navy that pairs perfectly with crisp white trim and natural stone accents.
• Toasted Almond: A warm, inviting beige that serves as a highly versatile, timeless neutral.