Rice Hull Siding is Gaining Popularity in Building

In a building materials market increasingly shaped by sustainability and innovation, rice hull siding is quickly gaining momentum. Products like ACRE by Modern Mill are made from the protective outer layer of rice grains called hulls or husks—a typically discarded agricultural byproduct—offering impressive durability, moisture resistance, and eco-friendly credentials. As demand grows for renewable, low-maintenance alternatives to traditional wood or vinyl, rice hull siding is emerging as a go-to solution for residential and commercial projects, with ACRE leading the charge. By transforming agricultural waste into high-performance siding, ACRE is redefining what’s possible in sustainable building materials.

What Are Rice Hulls?

Rice hulls are the tough, outer shells on every piece of rice that protect grains during growth and harvest. Typically treated as waste, they are often burned or sent to landfills—practices that contribute to environmental degradation. When repurposed into building materials, however, rice hulls offer a surprising range of benefits. They’re naturally resistant to moisture, pests, and decay, making them an ideal ingredient for siding that needs to withstand the elements. They provide strength and durable properties and their use helps divert waste and reduce reliance on timber.

Why Builders are Turning to Rice Hull Siding

The demand for eco-friendly siding continues to grow, driven by the need for materials that balance sustainability, performance, and reliability. Rice hull siding like ACRE delivers on all fronts. By transforming an often-discarded agricultural byproduct into durable siding, ACRE supports circular production and helps reduce landfill waste. Its domestic sourcing is another key advantage: with rice grown in many states across the U.S., Modern Mill avoids many of the disruptions tied to international supply chains. That makes ACRE a tariff resilient building material—an increasingly valuable trait in today’s unpredictable market.

Durable and Low-Maintenance Performance

Rice hull siding brings an element many other materials lack: natural resistance to the elements. Thanks to the inherent properties of rice hulls, siding products like ACRE resist water, mold, mildew, pests, and rot—without the need for chemical treatments. ACRE won’t splinter or warp like traditional wood, yet it offers the same natural warmth and tactile appeal.

Whether exposed to heavy rain or fluctuating temperatures, ACRE is engineered as a low-maintenance solution that retains its beauty over time. For both homeowners and builders, that means fewer repairs, less upkeep, and greater peace of mind.

Sustainability as a Standard, Not a Bonus

Sustainability isn’t just a feature of rice hull siding—it’s at the core of what makes it so impactful. ACRE by Modern Mill is made from upcycled rice hulls, a rapidly renewable resource that would otherwise end up as agricultural waste. By using this byproduct, ACRE helps reduce landfill volume, conserves natural forests, and lowers the carbon footprint associated with traditional wood.

Manufactured in a zero-waste facility in Mississippi, ACRE supports a closed-loop production model that reflects Modern Mill’s commitment to climate progress and environmental responsibility. Additionally, products like ACRE promote healthier living by avoiding harmful chemicals like VOCs, adhesives, formaldehyde, and forever chemicals. For projects aiming to meet green building standards or reduce embodied carbon, rice hull siding offers a smart, forward-looking solution.

See It in Action

For a behind-the-scenes look at how rice hull siding is made—and why it’s gaining national attention—take a tour of Modern Mill’s manufacturing facility, as seen on PBS’ This Old House. You’ll see how agricultural waste is transformed into the durable and tree-free material ACRE, which is shaping the future of sustainable construction.

Conclusion

Rice hull siding like ACRE by Modern Mill is emerging as a standout siding solution today. By repurposing agricultural waste, ACRE not only reduces landfill waste but also provides a sustainable alternative to traditional wood, offering the same beauty and durability without the environmental impact. Modern Mill’s commitment to sustainability and domestic sourcing ensures that ACRE is a resilient, tariff-resistant material capable of meeting the needs of today’s building industry. 

Whether you’re a builder, architect, or homeowner, incorporating ACRE into your next project offers a forward-thinking way to contribute to a greener, healthier built environment. The future of construction is here, and it’s made from the natural power of rice hulls. 

Are you looking to explore rice hull siding for your next project? Order ACRE samples or fill out our contact form to learn more about Modern Mill’s award-winning products.