Do you know the difference between vertical vs horizontal siding?
Choosing the right siding style for your home comes down to personal preference, architectural style, and the visual effect you’re trying to achieve. A professional siding contractor will be able to walk you through your options and help you make the right choice for your home.
Horizontal Siding
Horizontal siding is also called lap siding. It’s the siding you probably see every day on your neighbor’s house. Horizontal siding gives your home a classic, traditional look, and it’s the siding you see on houses across the country.
Pros
- Horizontal siding boards can make your house appear wider.
- Horizontal boards shed water more effectively, making them a practical option in high-rainfall areas.
Cons
- Horizontal siding boards are common, so your house won’t stand out.
- Horizontal boards can be less durable over time.
- They are harder to clean because dirt gets caught and builds up between the boards.
Vertical Siding
Vertical siding is more common in commercial buildings and not as common in residential areas.
Pros
- Vertical siding gives your home a unique aesthetic and a distinctive curb appeal.
- Vertical siding boards can make your home appear taller, which is helpful for single-story homes or low rooflines.
- The clean aesthetic of vertical siding gives buildings a modern and contemporary look.
Cons
- Vertical siding is less traditional, making selling your house more difficult.
- Professional installation is vital, or vertical boards can have moisture issues.
Vertical vs Horizontal Siding
Although you’re more likely to see vertical siding on commercial buildings, it is becoming more common in residential areas. People use vertical siding boards to set their houses apart and increase curb appeal. Vertical siding is also easier to clean. Vertical boards are having a design moment, but there are some factors to consider that still make horizontal boards a more popular choice.
Vertical boards are more labor-intensive to install. You also need a contractor with vertical siding experience. The quality of any siding installation is crucial, but when installing something out of the ordinary on your home, you want a professional you can trust. Vertical siding boards need furring strips between each piece. They are also more expensive to install because of the added labor and material costs.
The right siding, like James Hardie, can increase your return on investment and add value to your house. But not everyone likes a modern aesthetic, so vertical siding may make selling your home tricky.
But Why Choose?
Did you know that you can mix and match vertical and horizontal siding?
Getting creative with your siding can help you create a visually interesting and dynamic exterior. You can also use vertical and horizontal siding at transition zones like gables, dormers, and entryways. Before getting creative, you may need to check with your local building codes and homeowner’s association guidelines.
James Hardie Siding Options
Horizontal Siding Options
HardiePlank® Lap Siding
HardiePlank is one of the most well-known and widely used products by James Hardie. It comes in various styles: smooth, wood grain, and beaded cedar mill.
HardieShingle® Siding
Commonly associated with a more traditional, shingle-style appearance, you can install HardieShingle siding horizontally to create a unique look.
HardiePanel® Vertical Siding
HardiePanel vertical siding is a versatile option that can be used to create a modern, sleek look. It can be installed vertically or in combination with HardiePlank lap siding for a contrasting effect.
Vertical Siding Options
HardiePanel Vertical Siding
HardiePanel is designed for vertical installation and is perfect for a modern look.
HardieSoffit® Panels
While primarily designed for soffit applications, HardieSoffit panels can also be used for vertical siding.
HardieTrim® Boards
While not a traditional siding panel, HardieTrim boards are essential for finishing edges, corners, and transitions in both horizontal and vertical siding installations.
Choosing Vertical vs Horizontal Siding
Whether you want traditional or modern, there are plenty of James Hardie Board options for you to experiment with. If you are looking for a professional contractor to discuss vertical vs horizontal siding, contact Kentucky Home Exteriors.
