The exterior surface of the building. There are 10 basic types of exterior wall: poured concrete, masonry (brick or stone), stucco, synthetic or artificial stucco, wood (shingles, shakes or planks), metal (steel or aluminum), vinyl, asphalt shingles, tile (slate or clay) or fiber cement (planks or panels). The architectural design should reflect the overall style of your house and the family that live there; while your choice of materials will help your house blend in with its surrounds.