Finishing Touches: Selecting siding and trim for a whole house re-side

Thinking about giving your house a fresh new look? Re-siding is a fantastic way to transform your home's exterior and boost its curb appeal. There's a lot to consider, and making all the choices can seem overwhelming, but with the right information and tools, choosing a siding can be a fun and rewarding process. Let's dive in and discover how you can make the best choices for your re-side project.

BUY NICE OR BUY TWICE

Choosing the materials for your re-side project is probably the most important part of the process. There are a wide range of options to choose from. So, how do you make this big decision? And what are the top things to consider? As with most house projects, you want the best value for money. And that doesn't usually mean choosing the cheapest — especially for to big-ticket items like siding and trim.

For instance, when choosing a shower curtain, you might know that you'll need to refresh it in a few years. So, you'd rather choose something with a lower price tag because you don't need quality that will last decades.

Siding and trim, however, are investments, and choosing a product that will last longer is almost always the better option, even if it costs a little more. Fiber cement offers unmatched durability, is better at resisting damage from extreme weather, pests, and even fire, making it a leading contender for many homeowners considering their siding and trim.

Many homeowners may think trim would be a good place to cut costs on a re-siding project. They choose high-quality siding and add a lower-cost, less durable product for the trim. Unfortunately, that can cost you more than you expect in the long run. Vinyl or engineered wood will look just fine when newly installed, but as time goes on, you'll likely find that they age differently from fiber cement.

Imagine you've chosen high-quality Hardie® Siding for your house. Now, your siding comes with a warranty and features ColorPlus® Technology finishes. You wanted to save a little, though, so you've chosen a cheaper, engineered wood trim.

For the first few years, everything will look great. However, over time, you may notice your trim is fading a little more rapidly. The crisp white is starting to take on a yellow tinge and, as the elements warp your cheaper trim, openings appear where moisture and pests can get in and damage your home. At this point, you'll likely need to replace the trim with high-quality Hardie® Trim Boards.

Unlike vinyl, which can warp or crack over time, fiber cement remains resilient and keeps its appearance over the long term. It also avoids the moisture-related issues that can affect engineered wood, such as swelling or rot. Thankfully it also mimics the look of real wood more convincingly. That means you don't have to sacrifice your curb appeal for the sake of durability — it's a win all around.

WHAT’S THE FUSS?

Adding trim to your home's exterior might seem like a small detail, but it can make a significant impact. Trim is a finishing touch that ties the whole look together, adding a polished feel to your home. It's the icing on the cake! For instance, window trim can frame your windows beautifully, while corner boards can create clean, sharp lines where two walls meet. These finishing touches don't just enhance aesthetic appeal — they also bring a sense of completeness to the overall design, making your home's exterior look thoughtfully crafted and visually appealing.

Trim also adds depth and character to your home. It highlights architectural features, making them stand out and giving your home more personality. Whether you're outlining windows, doors or corners, trim helps elevate the exterior by creating visual interest and drawing attention to key areas.

Additionally, trim serves a practical purpose by acting as a moisture barrier at vulnerable points like corners and around windows, protecting your home from potential water damage and extending the life of your exterior materials.

CHOOSING YOUR STYLE

Once you've decided on materials, you can start the fun process of choosing your style. There are many options, but there's no need to be overwhelmed! James Hardie has all the tools and inspiration you need to make the perfect choice for your home.

Do you love the colonial architectural style with its classic horizontal lap siding and intricate trim details? Think crown moldings, dentil moldings and decorative window casings. Or do you lean more toward a bold contemporary look with sleek panel siding and simple trim? Whatever your preference and design needs, James Hardie has a product to meet your needs.

Browse through some design inspiration and discover the styles that speak to you or use the Hover® Design Studio app, brought to you by James Hardie, to dress up your house in various styles and colors to see what works best. If you’re looking for a little guidance, try the Re-Side Guide to get the full catalog, browse all the products, and choose the right match for your style.

But if you’re ready to start your re-side journey with a professional, Request a Siding Quote so we can connect you with skilled local contractors. The James Hardie Contractor Alliance™ Program connects homeowners with contractors nationwide whom you can trust are both licensed and insured.