6 Siding Styles to Consider When Remodeling the Exterior

When it’s time to upgrade your home’s exterior or add curb appeal, you may find yourself overwhelmed with decisions. In addition to deciding on style and color options, you also need to think about what type of siding works best for your home’s architecture and location. In addition, you’ll want to choose a material that fits your lifestyle. Read on for information on how to choose the right exterior facade for your home, along with six siding styles to consider.

How to Choose Siding

There are a number of factors to bear in mind when shopping for exterior home siding. Of course, you’ll want to opt for a style you find beautiful. You’ll also want go with something that suits your home’s architectural style and the overall aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. A material that is water resistant and energy efficient can make life easier for you. Look for something durable if you hope to make this upgrade last as long as possible. Consider looking into a durable choice such as James Hardie siding from Colorado. Because it’s made of fiber cement, this type of siding can be expected to last longer than vinyl or wood.

1. Lap Siding

Lap siding, also often called bevel or clapboard siding, will give a traditional appearance to your home. This style has long been used in home building. Its individual planks are cut at an angle, resulting in pieces that are thicker on one edge. As its name implies, lap siding is installed in horizontal lines, with each board overlapping the one beneath.

2. Shingle Siding

Shingle siding adds visual interest to a home. It can be used as an accent or to provide dimension to a portion of your home. Shingle siding is particularly popular for use on cottages or Cape Code style homes.

3. Vertical Siding

For something unique, vertical siding may fit the bill. These can give your house a clean, modern and minimalistic appearance or you can add trim to give it the more rustic look of board-and-batten siding used since early Colonial days. Whether you’re going for hip and modern or country farm house charm, vertical siding allows you the versatility to create your vision.

4. Stucco Siding

Stucco is made by combining lime and sand with cement. When applied to a home’s exterior, it gives a unique textured appearance. Its surface can be painted any color, allowing for vast personalization options. However, it’s important to know that it doesn’t stand up well to moisture and is best for dry climates. The good news is there are synthetic options that provide the look of stucco in materials like fiber cement that provide durability to withstand all sorts of environments.

5. Stone Siding

Nature lovers often gravitate toward stone siding, as it gives that rustic, outdoor vibe. Stone looks amazing on a chalet-style home or woodsy cabin. It can also make any suburban home the envy of the neighborhood. Common stones used in this natural type of siding include granite, lime, flagstone and slate. Professional installation is needed for stone siding. There are alternatives to genuine stone siding that provide the beauty of the real deal at a more affordable price point.

6. Brick Siding

Brick is a siding option that offers a wide assortment of sizes, colors and textures. Real brick is fabricated from fired clay. It’s an incredibly durable siding option that can certainly stand the test of time. Its versatility makes it a good option for all sorts of architectural styles. Brick goes quite well with a Tudor style home or even a quaint English cottage. The installation of brick can be quite expensive due to the intense labor required for the process. Like other popular siding types on this list, there are synthetic or fabricated options to mimic the look of genuine brick. These can be a nice compromise for those looking to save some money on their renovation project.

These six examples of popular siding styles should help you narrow down your choices as you approach your home’s exterior remodel. Keep the tips for choosing the right siding for your needs in mind, and you’re sure to make a decision you’ll be happy with for years to come.