The Most Essential Siding Styles You Need To Know

Siding is one of the most effective ways to transform the outside of your home and make it stand out. Whether you’re building new or replacing old siding, the style you choose has a significant impact on curb appeal, long-term maintenance, and home value. This is one of the most significant exterior choices you can make, so planning and selecting the right style will help ensure you get a house that appeals to you now and looks timeless for years to come.

In this guide, we’ll cover three of the most essential siding styles: lap, shingle, and vertical, and explain how each contributes to your home’s overall design. We’ll also discuss why James Hardie siding is a trusted choice for homeowners seeking lasting beauty and performance.

Lap Siding

Lap siding, also known as clapboard or plank siding, is one of the most widely recognized and commonly used siding styles in the U.S. It features long, horizontal boards that slightly overlap the course below. This overlapping technique helps shed water efficiently and adds dimension to the home’s exterior.

While lap siding is often associated with traditional homes, such as Colonials or Cape Cods, it’s far from limited in design. By adjusting the width of the planks or removing decorative trim, you can create a cleaner, more contemporary look. It’s a flexible choice that suits many architectural styles and offers excellent protection from the elements.

Benefits of Lap Siding For Your Home

• Classic Appeal With Modern Flexibility – Lap siding offers a timeless look that blends well with both traditional and modern homes. You can adjust the board width or use smooth versus textured finishes to control the overall aesthetic.

• Water-Shedding Design – The overlapping horizontal installation is designed to direct rainwater away from the home, protecting your walls and foundation from water damage.

• Ease of Installation and Repair – Individual planks can be replaced more easily than panel-style siding, making repairs simpler over time.

• Variety of Material Options – Lap siding is available in materials such as fiber cement, engineered wood, and vinyl, each with distinct textures, colors, and price points.

Shingle Siding

Shingle siding, also known as shake siding, features small rectangular pieces that are typically laid in overlapping rows. Many homeowners associate this style with Victorian homes or charming New England cottages, but it’s also widely used today as an accent in gables or upper-story walls.

Traditionally made from cedar wood, modern shingle siding is now available in durable materials like fiber cement. These versions come in straight, staggered, or scalloped edge designs to mimic the character of natural wood without the high maintenance needs. Shingles offer a handcrafted look that pairs well with stone, lap, or vertical siding, adding visual interest.

Benefits of Shingle Siding For Your Home

• High Design Versatility – Shingle siding can be used as the main cladding or as an accent, and it complements multiple styles—from coastal cottages to Craftsman homes.

• Natural Texture and Depth – The individual shakes create subtle shadow lines and variation, giving your home a warm, organic appearance.

• Modern Material Options – Fiber-cement shingles offer the charm of wood without the drawbacks of rot, pests, or frequent repainting.

• Excellent Durability – Well-installed fiber cement shingle siding can resist warping, cracking, and weather damage.

Vertical Siding

Vertical siding, often referred to as panel siding, consists of long, vertical boards that create a sleek, elongated appearance. This style is commonly associated with contemporary homes but is also widely used in rustic or farmhouse-style architecture, particularly when configured as board-and-batten siding.

Board and batten combines wide vertical panels with narrower strips (battens) placed over the seams to add dimension and a slightly rustic touch. The spacing of these battens can be adjusted to achieve a traditional or modern look, making vertical siding one of the most design-flexible options.

Benefits of Vertical Siding For Your Home

• Modern and Rustic Appeal – Vertical lines create a fresh, tall visual that complements both contemporary and farmhouse aesthetics.

• Great Accent Option – Vertical siding works well as an accent in gables or mixed-material facades.

• Design Flexibility – Board and batten can be customized with different spacing and trim styles to suit any design goal.

• Durability and Performance – When made from quality materials like fiber cement, vertical siding resists wear and adds longevity to your home’s exterior.

James Hardie Board Siding

James Hardie® siding is available in all of the essential styles mentioned above: lap, shingle, and vertical. Homeowners can achieve the look they want while gaining the added benefit of superior durability and low maintenance. James Hardie fiber cement siding is specifically engineered to perform well in the local climate, resisting moisture, wind, heat, and pests.

Compared to wood, James Hardie siding won’t rot, warp, or attract termites. Compared to vinyl, it offers a more realistic wood appearance and resists fading and damage from the elements. For homeowners looking for long-term performance with minimal upkeep, James Hardie is the clear winner.

Schedule Your Siding Replacement Project With Wallcraft

Choosing the right siding style is a significant decision, and Wallcraft Exterior Solutions is here to assist you. We offer expert siding replacement services using high-quality materials, such as James Hardie® siding, to enhance your home’s appearance, performance, and value. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and explore the best styles for your next exterior upgrade.