Choosing the Right Siding for Curb Appeal and Functionality

Whether you are a contractor looking to help a client or a homeowner wanting to replace their current siding, it’s important to know the best siding to buy for your home project. If you have already started researching, then you know there is an overwhelming amount of siding options! 

Forget about choosing color for a moment. There seems to be an endless amount of brands to choose from, a number of various materials and of course you want to have a stylish look to improve curb appeal. It’s a lot to process and work through.

We know the struggle of finding the perfect siding, so we wanted to provide you with some tips and the knowledge to help you choose the right siding. 

 

Siding materials to choose from

Various siding materials compared side by side

The first thing you need to understand is that there are various types of siding materials to choose from.

  • Wood
  • Vinyl
  • Fiber cement
  • Modified wood
  • Stone veneer

Each material is designed with a specific purpose in mind. 

For instance, wood is a beloved siding material because of its timeless beauty. But, it also tends to be more high maintenance than other materials. 

Vinyl is affordable, low maintenance and simple to install, but does not always have the look that some homeowners want.

One material homeowners may not have heard of before is fiber cement. Fiber cement siding outperforms most other siding materials as it is durable and resistant to damages. Because it is made of composite materials it can mimic the look of other building materials and is relatively affordable.

There are a number of siding materials to choose from and each solves the needs of various projects. Do you want the ease of vinyl siding, the beauty of wood, the versatility of fiber cement, or the durability of a composite material? 

Discovering what you need from your siding will help you determine the material best suited for your project.

 

Choosing the right style and color of your siding

The funnest part of choosing siding is finding the right design for the look you want. Siding is far from one style that fits all product. There are a number of ways to create the look you want for a home project.

Here are the various things that go into the look of a siding project:

  • Styles
    • Horizontal styles (clapboard, dutch lap, etc.)
    • Shake and shingles
    • Bevel
    • Board and batten
    • Wood grain
  • Colors
  • Textures

Getting the right look takes all of these into consideration. The style, color and textures you choose will all have an impact on the look, feel and ultimately the curb appeal of the home. If you are not working with a designer or contractor who can help you decide the right look, it is best to do a little research.

 

Resources for choosing the right siding design

If you want to know more about the different styles of siding you can visit this informative website dedicated to all things siding.

On our website, you can find a siding color selector which will allow you to see how various siding colors will look on a home. 

Of course, speaking with a siding expert is also another surefire way to find the best siding styles for your home. At our various showrooms, we provide samples to look at and touch and we have knowledgeable staff available to answer any questions you may have.

 

Accents matter when choosing siding

Beautiful home with trim and posts that match siding

Choosing siding is one thing, but if you want to maximize the curb appeal of your home then you must also consider the accents that will go along with the siding. There are a number of exterior products that accent one’s home.

  • Trim
  • Beadboard
  • Exterior moulding
  • Columns and posts

A home’s exterior is more than just siding. It’s important to consider all the elements when designing a home’s exterior. Make sure when you install or replace your siding that the accenting elements (even products like windows and doors) match the siding and work together to enhance the overall appearance of the home.

 

Steps to choosing the right siding

Choosing the right siding can feel like an overwhelming task especially when it is brand new to you. But after you have a better understanding of the different siding options and the reasoning behind all the various materials it makes it easier when the time comes to choosing. 

Finding the perfect exterior products can be achieved in just a few short steps.

  • Identify your siding needs
  • Based on your needs, functionality and performance you desire, decide the best materials to choose from
  • Decide what siding styles will best match the home
  • Choose your color

If at any point you are unsure, look to siding experts in your area to help you find the perfect siding solution. Once they understand your needs they will be able to point you in the right direction. 

As a local building materials company, we have samples you can explore and experts you can ask questions to. We also have a number of siding and exterior home product brands that we can offer our customers. These companies specialize in various materials and have different styles and color choices. Stop by one of our locations to get the help you need for your next home project.