Your home’s exterior sets the tone for your property. Siding is the unifying element that pulls all of the other exterior finishing elements together, from the roof to the trim to the windows and entry doors. If you’ve ever driven past a house that made your head turn, you have experienced the visual impact siding can have and been drawn in by the home’s curb appeal. When the exterior of your house is due for a makeover, here are some ways you can use siding to give your home that wow factor.
You don’t have to choose just one siding material.
Using different siding materials on your home’s exterior can set your house apart from your neighbour’s, lending it personality and giving it a unique appearance. Contrast siding materials of opposite textures – fiber cement siding (smooth) with cedar shakes (rough) – for visual impact.
While mixing and matching siding materials can boost your curb appeal, industry experts suggest to use no more than three types of cladding to prevent your home’s exterior from looking “busy.”
When using more than one type of siding to emphasize an architectural feature or to create a high-end look, ensure cohesiveness between exterior finishing elements through the thoughtful selection of materials and colours.
Reasons to mix-and-match siding include a refined aesthetic appeal.
Regardless of the architectural style of your home, combining different types of siding – stone veneer with fiber cement siding or horizontal wood siding on the first floor with vertical siding on the second storey – will give your home’s exterior a distinctive appearance.
Combining siding materials allows you to customize your home exterior for a unique look that expresses your individuality and personality.
Mixing and matching siding profiles can make your home appear taller, wider, or larger depending on how the different siding materials are combined.
You can use high-end siding materials on the more visible areas of your home’s exterior and less expensive materials on areas that are not as visible.
Mix-and-match siding – the combination of textures, shapes, and colours – enhances curb appeal by creating visual interest and increasing your home’s value.
Use these tips to successfully mix-and-match siding for your home.
Know Why
As mentioned above, there are a number of reasons to mix-and-match siding types. Know why you want to mix siding profiles, which architectural details you want to emphasize, and the overall look you want to achieve.
Combine Textures
It’s not just about contrasting smooth and rough. Combining textures such as cedar shakes (raised surface), dutch lap siding (beveled edges), and shiplap (spaces between planks) adds a dynamic. three-dimensional look to your siding.
Highlight Certain Features
Take into account your home’s architectural style and distinguishing features. Decide the look you want to achieve. Combining horizontal lap siding with vertical board-and-batten contrasts textures suitable for a variety of house styles ranging from traditional to modern. For a comfortable, rustic charm pair vertical board-and-batten with cedar shakes. Put the focus on dormer windows with cedar shakes and tongue and groove.
Colour Choices
Colour choices for mix-and-match siding should match or complement the colours of the other exterior finishing elements of your home. Coordinate different tones and shades with the roof, entry doors, and/or the gutters for a cohesive appearance that boosts curb appeal.
Siding Materials Maintenance
Select materials that require the same level of maintenance, A good example would be pairing vinyl siding with stone veneer siding since they are both low-maintenance siding materials.
Two Plus One
While three is the recommended limit, most home owners and construction professionals select two different siding profiles for the home’s exterior. Use a third siding type for a pop of colour or as an unexpected focal point.
