How To Select The Best Hardie Board Siding Color
After you have decided to either replace your existing siding or get new siding installed, there is a very important question that you need to answer: what color of Hardie Board siding do you want for your house? There are many different colors and types of siding for you to choose from, so when new siding is added it gives you the chance to totally refresh your home’s appearance.
But there is more to selecting a new color of siding than just finding your favorite style. The siding color of a house also has an impact on weather-related issues, routine maintenance requirements, curb appeal, and the value of your home. Modernize is available to help homeowners through the entire process of selecting new siding and colors through our guide here.
See the full Hardie Board Siding Color Chart
Questions You Should Ask Before You Decide On Your Siding Colors
You may have a color that you want to use for your new siding replacement. However, wait just a minute. There are some important factors that need to be considered to help you decide which siding color is best for your house. We have outlined the leading considerations below that should be explored before making a final decision on the color of the new siding for your house.
1. The style of your neighborhood
A great way to see what will work and what will not for siding color schemes is to drive around a few neighborhoods and check them out. In your neighborhood, also be aware of the kinds of architectural designs that are present. Note the colors that are used in your neighborhood and when you choose your own be considerate. So if your home is in an established neighborhood made up of vintage houses with fiber cement, vinyl, or wood siding in soft and muted colors, don’t opt for a bright tangerine or hot pink that will cause your home to stick out and not in a good way. You can be creative still and make your own statement with all of the different colors that are available for trim and siding.
2. The Architectural Style Of Your House
When you are selecting the color of your siding, there are certain colors that will work better than others with specific architectural designs. The following are some ideas to help you get started with choosing the color of siding that you want to use based on the architecture of your home.
- Colonial: neutrals and whites
- French Country Cottage: pale blue and other soft colors
- Cape Cod: grays and blues
- Craftsman: earthy colors such a beige and olive green
- Victorian: darker and bold colors
To help you make the right selection consult with a contractor or professional siding specialist.
3. Size of Your House
If color swatches are what you are relying on to make your decision, that can be misleading. A small dark cocoa swatch might look great in salesroom lighting. However, when it is applied to a big area is could overwhelm a house and make it appear gloomy. On the other hand, if the color you choose is too light, your house might not stand out and instead simply blend in with its surroundings.
4. The Roof Color Of Your House
The lifespan of most roofing materials is 20 to 30 years. So if you have a roof made out of green shingles, then that will need to be considered when selecting the color of your siding. If your roof is dark brown, then it might be better to choose a lighter color of siding. If your roof is a neutral color, more options will be available when selecting color combinations for your trim and exterior.
5. Your Landscaping
Landscaping plays a role as well. Consider your current landscaping theme and the way it will detract or enhance the color of your siding.
6. Your Climate
Consider the color that you select might look perky and bright in the summer and spring but during the middle of the winter could lose some of its visual appeal.
Use Accent Colors With Your Siding
Be aware that you do not need to stick with just one color for all of the siding on your home. Accent materials or colors can be added to certain parts of the exterior of your house. To enhance the new siding’s visual appeal, consider the color that you are going to use to accent around your patio or deck railings, shutters, and window trimming. A different kind of siding can also be selected, like natural stone, to certain exterior areas of your house to add curb appeal to your house.
Also, take into consideration the color of your doors since you will want the color of your back and front doors to compliment the trim and exterior colors. A good rule of thumb is to choose two or three shades to highlight in a darker or lighter hue. For instance, a frame house that has a green shingle roof can be fitted with a dark red door, forest green window trim, and pale yellow siding. All of it seamlessly blends together with the focal point being the door.
Siding and Weather Colors
The climate and weather in your area are two of the most important determining factors for the kind of siding material that should be installed. For example, there are certain colors that will stand out the best in sunny, warm climates as opposed to snowier, colder areas.
The siding’s durability can be affected by weather as well. Some kinds of siding might not hold up very well in areas that are prone to storms, and some kinds might work better when it comes to withstanding hot temperatures. Make sure to do your research and consult with professionals about what kinds of siding work the best in your geographical area. For example, which kinds of paint will work the best with fiber cement siding in your local area? Which wood siding stain will hold up the best in your area’s weather?
Popular Colors by Kind of Siding
It is a good idea to select your color of siding according to the materials you are working with. Along with considering your home’s architecture, often the siding material will determine the best choice in color to give your home’s value a boost. Based on the popularity of siding colors in 2021, the following are some suggestions based on the type of siding material you are using:
- Stucco: sandstone, gray, and brown
- Brick: cream white or deep red
- Stone: grays and tans
- Fiber Cement Siding: grays, beiges, and whites
- Vinyl Siding: blues and grays
Additional Tips for Choosing New Siding
When you are ready to buy new siding, ask your salesperson if they have a color tool that allows you to mix and match trims and siding colors. This tool can help you avoid the mistake of selecting the wrong colors, and you can see firsthand what color combinations look like on your house. There are free online tools that are available as well that you can use.
Take color swatches home with you and then test them during different times in the day so you can see what they look like during the early morning, the afternoon sun, and late in the evening. Also, dab some color on spots close to fixed areas, like the foundation base so you can see the color contrasts.
As you know by now, there is a lot that goes into choosing a siding color. Use the information above to help you make your decision to ensure that you choose the best possible color themes for your home.
