Lap Siding Design Ideas for Your Home Exterior
By: Mackenzie
When it comes to enhancing your home’s curb appeal, the right siding can make all the difference. Lap siding, with its classic lines and versatile design options, offers a perfect blend of durability and style for any exterior. This siding also features different styles and variations, making it super customizable. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional look, a modern vibe, or another style, the design possibilities are endless. Check out some of our favorite ideas below.
Your design goals don’t have to be colossal to merit enlisting our services. Our designers are here to help no matter how big or small your exterior dreams might be. Whether you desire a total redesign or you just want to reimagine your home in another color, we’ve got you covered. Learn more about our services.
What is typical lap siding?
Typical lap siding consists of long, horizontal boards that overlap each other. Commonly made from wood, vinyl, or fiber cement, lap siding is known for its classic appearance and versatility, making it a popular choice regardless of design style. The overlapping design helps to shed water efficiently, while the uniform, linear look adds a clean and timeless aesthetic to any home.
Lap siding accent
Switching up building materials is an impactful way to accentuate a home’s unique architectural features. The portico on this brick ranch stands out because of the wood beams. Further enhancing the space as a standout feature, we used lap siding to fill in the top triangular section. The addition of the siding here also provides added weatherproofing since its layout encourages water runoff.
Tying the aesthetic together, we matched the color of the shutters to the siding. We also used wood window boxes to coincide with the portico’s frame. For a finishing touch, we flanked the entry with rain chains.
Accentuate lap siding with shingles
Because of its neat and defined look, lap siding pairs well with other textures and types of siding. In the design above, we opted for a classic neutral palette. To add some depth with texture, we used shake shingles on the upper-story sections. The contrast between the clean, horizontal lines of the lap siding and the irregular pattern of the shingles infuses the façade with dynamic texture. The stone on the porch columns adds even more texture and intrigue to the design.
While the above design adds visual intrigue with color and texture, the example below maintains the same muted green shade for both the lap siding and the shake shingles. Still, the change in material on the home’s upper section brings soft contrast to the aesthetic.
Bold lap siding
Think of lap siding as a blank canvas. It’s crisp and clean, and you can transform it based on the design choices you make. For this design, we went for a striking aesthetic with black siding. To make things even more bold, we opted for a red metal roof. The subtle bright white accents provide the ideal contrast to the design, and the matching dog house is the perfect finishing touch.
Lean into a classic aesthetic
Here, our designers used lap siding for a classic and timeless look. The horizontal lines create a clean, orderly appearance, characteristic of Craftsman-style homes like this one. The simplicity and elegance of the lap siding blends seamlessly with the other classic design elements we used, including the shutters, porch, brick steps, and gabled roof. The straightforward siding allows the intricate details of the house to shine, creating an aesthetic that remains true to the home’s historic roots.
Our designers accentuated this design beautifully, using lovely blooms and shrubs throughout the landscaping, stunning copper lanterns on the porch, and beautiful wood double doors for the entrance. All of these elements are grounded by the simplicity of the siding.
Create a cohesive look
Because of its inherently orderly fashion, lap-style siding is the perfect cladding option for creating cohesion. For this design, we used the same siding on the entire exterior — from the house to the dormers. The lap layout gives a neat and crisp canvas to work with. While the siding itself has an air of uniformity, we added even more cohesion — and a pop of color — with the shutters, which match the front door.
Wood lap siding
Wood lap siding is a timeless choice that creates a warm, natural aesthetic. This type of siding features horizontal wooden planks that overlap, providing a layered look with rustic texture. For the modern mountain design above, we used an earthy green hue on the wood siding. The painted panels give this home beautiful texture. We complemeneted the aesthetic with wood accents throughout, along with a Corten steel planter.
Our designers switched up the cladding on the top portion of the house, using shake for additional texture. Along the bottom of the house, we used galvanized skirting, creating a modern rustic flare.
Embrace multi-directional siding
Combining horizontal lap siding with vertical siding on the same exterior is a great way to infuse dimension. For the above design, we juxtaposed the directions of the siding, breaking up the monotony. We also added some stone accent walls to derive even more contrast. These impactful design choices differentiate the sections of the exterior, drawing the eye.
In the design below, the horizontal lap siding offers a classic, grounded feel, while the vertical siding creates the illusion of height. This combination gives the simple modern ranch a more dynamic appearance.
Mix and match materials
The neat pattern of lap-style siding begs to be paired with other textures. For the above design, we used natural stone on the home’s midsection, setting it apart from the rest, where we used siding. The stone transcends throughout the skirting on the left side of the home and the chimney for cohesion, while the siding maintains uniformity.
Below, we welcomed natural materials as accents. We used cultured stone and wood throughout the design. Our designers also complemented the neutral lap siding with black shingle siding on the upper left and right sections of the house and the garage. Here, we appreciate how our designers were able to maintain consistency and intentionality among the interplay of materials and colors.
Use contrasting trim
Contrasting trim works exceptionally well with lap siding, adding definition and highlighting the architectural features of a home. The bold charcoal hue we used on the siding in this design makes the cladding stand out. Our designers provided crisp contrast by using bright white trim throughout.
The trim accentuates the architectural features, from the portico and dormers to the windows and garage doors. This design approach enhances the overall structure, making the home appear more polished and dynamic.
Lap it up!
Whether you prefer a classic, timeless appearance or a bold, dynamic look, there’s a lap siding style that can bring your vision to life. By carefully choosing layout, materials, and complementary elements, you can create a unique and inviting exterior. Our designers know all the best ways to implement lap siding to get the most out of your curb appeal. If you’re thinking of transforming your home with this classic siding, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re feeling inspired to embrace lap siding for your exterior or you’re dreaming of another feature entirely, our exterior design services can help. Our expert designers will work with you to understand your goals before bringing them to life. Don’t press pause on your design goals — get started today!
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