As the #1 cladding product across North America, vinyl siding is a great choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their exterior. Vinyl siding is made to look just like real wood, so you can achieve the gorgeous look of wood for your home without the maintenance and upkeep. You don’t have to worry about painting, staining or rotting wood, and it’s one of the most durable types of siding out there. It’s also quite affordable.
If you’re ready to update your home, it’s not as easy as simply choosing vinyl siding- there are different styles and features you need to settle on. Deciding on the style of siding for your home will impact your curb appeal and the aesthetic of your home overall. If you’re feeling lost when it comes to vinyl siding styles, we’ve come up with a few tips to help you on your way.
Siding Types vs Siding Styles
Siding types and siding styles are often mixed up or used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. Siding type typically refers to the material the siding is made of, for instance, wood, vinyl, steel, fiber cement, composite, or aluminum. These types of home siding each come in different styles. Vinyl siding styles have different features that create a specific look. They have unique profiles, textures, colours, thicknesses, widths and lengths that create the specific siding style.
Most Popular Vinyl Siding Styles
1. Clapboard/Horizontal Vinyl Siding
Clapboard siding is siding that runs across the house horizontally, and is also called Traditional Lap siding. It comes in a variety of styles, such as Dutch Lap, Beaded and Flat and is available in different textures, lengths and thicknesses. Clapboard vinyl siding has been made to mimic clapboard wood siding that has been used for centuries. It’s the most popular siding style sold today, giving your home a classic look that will be on trend for years to come.
2. Board and Batten/ Vertical Vinyl Siding
Board and batten siding runs vertically up and down the house and consists of wider boards with a smaller board, or “batten” used to connect the two bigger boards. It offers timeless charm to your exterior, heightening your curb appeal and enhancing the value of your home. It combines historical appeal with modern practicality and is a great way to add character to your exterior.
3. Vinyl Cedar Shake Siding
If you want a more rustic look for your home, vinyl cedar shake siding is the way to go. It offers the look of real cedar wood shakes with none of the high maintenance, adding warmth and allure to your home.
Choosing Your Vinyl Siding Style
To determine the style of vinyl siding best suited for your home, first you need to figure out your home style. Are you going for a more traditional look? Or do you want your exterior to look modern and sleek? Is the farmhouse style more your vibe, or is your home contemporary craftsman? Once you determine your home style, you can choose your vinyl siding style more easily. You can also use different styles on the same house. Think: Clapboard siding on the main part of the house, with Board and Batten on the gables. Or Board and Batten on the main house and Clapboard on the gables.
Choosing the right vinyl siding style for your home will make a big impact on your exterior aesthetic. We hope this post helps guide you to the right style for your home!