Mixing Siding Types: How to Style Your Home’s Exterior

There’s nothing wrong with a monochromatic design for your home’s exterior, but it’s exciting to try mixing siding types. Like clothing, the matchy-matchy look can sometimes turn your siding into a bit of a snooze fest. You can liven up the neighborhood—in a good way—when you mix and match siding for your home’s facade. It just takes a little thoughtfulness and planning to get the combination just right.

How to Mix Siding Types

There are a few things to consider when mixing siding types to create a unique exterior home design that maximizes curb appeal and doesn’t seem too busy.

1. Add Texture With Contrasting Materials 

When you combine different types of siding, you add texture and intrigue to your home. Depending on the materials and colors you choose, mixed siding can look good even on homes with more traditional architecture.

For example, you could choose gray vinyl siding for the majority of the house and install a light-colored stone veneer on key focal points of the exterior, like the entryway. You can also try experimenting with different siding materials and textures on second-story bump-outs or additions. Couple cedar shake siding with clapboard vinyl for a traditional look.

Mixing materials for the exterior is not only easier on the eyes, but it can be easier on your wallet. For example, doing the entire home in brick will set you back quite a bit, but using the brick as an accent to vinyl or wood siding is far more cost-effective. Consult a local siding contractor to determine whether this mixing style is the right fit for your project and budget.

2. Switch the Direction of the Slats

Another way to mix up siding is to vary the direction of the slats. For example, you might have the vinyl siding installed horizontally on broad portions of the house, but you can turn the slats vertically for the surface of any dormers or gables. Even though you’re using the same color material throughout, the different directions will allow for a textured look that is very attractive and cohesive.

3. Choose Neutrals for Better Resale Value

When it comes to choosing vinyl siding colors, neutral colors are always a good choice for home exteriors, particularly if you are thinking of selling your home in the near future. Dark or bright colors can be a turnoff for some home buyers, which means a smaller buyer pool and the potential for a lower selling price.

If you like color, you can always add it by way of your landscaping with vibrant flowers and shrubs. It’s better to experiment with bolder color trends indoors, like painting an accent wall in your living room.

There’s more good news: some siding options provide a higher resale value but are expensive to install. Mixing siding types lets you get the best of both worlds. Consider adding sections of stone veneer, stone, brick, brick veneer, and fiber cement, all of which provide an above-average return on investment (ROI) of 80% or more.

4. Consider the Other Homes on Your Block

Keep in mind that you want your home to stand out—just not like a sore thumb. Take your neighbors’ homes into consideration when choosing colors and materials, as you don’t want to choose siding that will clash too much with theirs. Unless you have a strict HOA that limits your home improvement projects, you don’t need to completely match the other homes on your block in color or style, but taking them into consideration is wise.

5. Look at Different Combinations Before Making a Decision

Choosing colors and materials for the exterior of your home is a big decision. If you choose the wrong combination, it could turn out to be a big mistake, not to mention an expensive one. There’s good news for indecisive homeowners: many contractors use software to create digital renderings of your home’s exterior so you can test out a variety of color and texture combos and different types of cladding and siding before making a final decision.

What Are the Types of Siding Materials That Mix Well Together?

When it comes to pairing different siding materials, think about texture first. Some materials, like stone, will offer more depth and shape, while others, like vinyl and fiber cement, create a sleek, elongated look. Combining two contrasting materials can give your home visual intrigue and allow you to highlight certain parts of the architecture.

Stone or Stone Veneer and Stucco

Stucco is a timeless, sought-after option, as is the look of stone—when used together, you can have a simpler material paired with something more textural and striking. If you already have stucco siding, you can put new siding over the stucco for an easy facelift for your home.

Wood and Brick

Both brick and wood are made from organic materials, but have totally different textures and colors that complement each other. Try brick in the central sections of your home paired with horizontal wood lap siding on the sides, or use brick on the first floor and wood on the second-story bump-outs to make them pop.

Fiber Cement and Metal

For a contemporary look, pair the wide panels of fiber cement with the industrial look of metal siding. The metal adds some flair, while the fiber cement will create a sense of depth with its long lines.

Wood and Metal

Another option that feels very modern is the organic texture of wood that complements shiny, industrial metal well. Consider wood siding on the main walls with metal installed on the side, on the second story, or just on awnings for a pop of contrast.