Everything You Need to Know About Vertical Siding for Your Home

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If you’ve been looking at trending home designs, you’ve probably seen more homes with vertical siding. After all, it’s bold, timeless, and adds a certain confidence to your curb appeal. Vertical siding has been around for centuries, but it’s having a major moment in design right now. 

If you’re curious about this look for your home, we’re here to help. Here’s everything you need to know about this type of siding, from materials to styling. 

What is Vertical Siding?

Vertical siding is exactly what it sounds like – siding that runs up and down on your home instead of side to side. The most iconic version of this look is board and batten (part of the inspo for our name!), where wide boards are installed vertically and seams are covered with thin strips called battens. It gives a crisp, structured look that stands out on the street. 

Originally, vertical siding was used on barns and farmhouses, since it was practical and easy to install. Now, it’s one of the most sought-after design choices for homes everywhere, from modern farmhouses to sleek contemporary builds. 

Gorgeous home combining brick with gray vertical siding, designed by brick&batten.

Why Choose Vertical Siding?

You may be wondering, “But why vertical instead of the classic horizontal?” It’s a great question, and we’ve got a few great answers for it:

  • Adds Height to Your Home: Vertical lines naturally draw the eye upward, giving your home the illusion of being taller. 
  • Works for Any Style: From rustic farmhouse to crisp modern edge, this siding adapts beautifully to a range of home styles. 
  • Adds Texture and Depth: Those battens create subtle shadow lines that change throughout the day, making your home feel more dynamic.
  • Boosts Curb Appeal: A well-designed exterior with vertical siding can seriously increase your home’s perceived value. 
Ranch home with vertical siding.

Best Materials for Vertical Siding

There are many different materials you can use as vertical siding on your home, depending on your budget, climate, and maintenance goals. Here are some of your best options.

Wood

Wood is the OG material for board and batten and offers natural beauty and rich texture, but it does require some TLC. You’ll likely have to repaint or stain every few years, and keep an eye out for pests or moisture. If you’re prepared to put in a little bit of elbow grease, though, it’s a beautiful choice. Cedar and pine are common options.

Fiber Cement and Engineered Wood

Want the look of real wood without the upkeep? This is the choice for you. Fiber cement and engineered wood are durable and low-maintenance, so you can get the beauty without breaking a sweat. These materials are also heavier to install, but they’re long-lasting, making them a solid investment. 

Vinyl

If you want a budget-friendly choice, vinyl is your best friend. It’s DIY-friendly, comes in many colors, and doesn’t need much maintenance. However, it doesn’t always feel as high-end as other options, and it isn’t as resistant to extreme weather as metal or fiber cement is. 

Metal or Composite

These materials are modern, sleek, and ultra-durable. Metal siding in particular can give your home a cool industrial edge if that’s what you’re looking for. However, they tend to be more expensive and harder to find. You’ll also want to look regularly for scratches and dents, as they can lead to rust. 

Virtual home exterior designed by brick&batten.

Vertical Siding Trends We Love

Like your cutest accessory, vertical siding looks its best when styled right. Some of the biggest trends for vertical siding right now include:

  • Mixing materials: Pair vertical siding with stone, brick, or even horizontal lap siding to create contrast and dimension.
  • Bold colors: Dark vertical siding with light battens (or the reverse) creates an eye-catching, modern vibe. Don’t be afraid of moody shades like charcoal or navy.
  • Strategic accents: You don’t have to cover your entire home in vertical siding. Try it on gables, the front porch, or just one elevation to highlight architectural features.
Virtual home rendering designed by b&b.

Tips for Using Vertical Siding

If you want to make vertical siding work for your exterior, the little details matter. You can’t just slap up some boards and call it a day – you need to create a polished, thoughtful look that really makes your home stand out. Here are our biggest tips for going all-in with this siding:

Think About Scale

The width of your boards and battens can completely change your look. Narrow battens are more traditional, while wider ones feel more sleek and modern. On smaller homes, thinner battens can add charming character, while larger homes may do better with wide spacing to avoid feeling too busy. 

Mix Vertical with Horizontal

You don’t have to choose! Pairing vertical siding on gables with horizontal lap siding on the main body can create visual interest and break up large areas of siding. Plus, this combo draws attention to different architectural features, so you can bring attention where you want it most.

Choose Colors Strategically

Your color choices can really make or break your design. High-contrast pairings like white siding with black battens are often way too stark (circus tents, anyone?). If you want some contrast, aim for tonal palettes where board and battens are just a shade or two apart. This can help create dimension without going overboard. 

Use it as an Accent

You don’t need to commit to this type of siding across your entire home. Many homeowners use it as an accent on the front porch, the second story, or even just the entryway to add variety. It’s an easy way to highlight your home while keeping the look cohesive. 

Don’t Forget the Details

Trim, window casings, and corner boards are the finishing touches that make your siding look intentional. Clean, sharp lines around your windows and doors ensure your vertical siding feels like a design choice, not an afterthought.

Final Thoughts: Vertical Siding is Trendy, Yet Timeless

Vertical siding is a design choice that instantly transforms a home. It’s versatile, stylish, and a surefire way to boost curb appeal. Whether you’re leaning into the board and batten look for your farmhouse or adding vertical lines to modernize a traditional home, this siding style has staying power.

Want to see how your home would look with vertical siding? Start your exterior design today, and our experts can help bring your dream exterior to life. 

Author

Alexis Bishop is a professional writer and journalist based in East Tennessee. As a writer for over a decade, she has created content on a wide variety of topics ranging from tech to healthcare for small businesses. As a journalist, she primarily follows the latest music and entertainment trends and has written for publications like WUOT, K FUSE, and Teen Vogue.  Outside of writing, Alexis has worked as a secondary science teacher and a professional development consultant in higher education. She is also a homeowner passionate about home design and regularly finds herself DIYing throughout her house on the weekends. 

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