Home Style Guide: Tudor
Tudor architectural styles are equal parts elegant and enchanting. Bring your Tudor-style home into the 21st century with the James Hardie re-siding guide.
The magic of medieval charm finds a home in modern suburbs through the timeless elegance of Tudor architectural styles. Discover how you can transform your home into a fairytale-worthy retreat with our expert re-siding guide, embracing the distinctive half-timbered aesthetic and historic allure of Tudor architecture.
WHAT ARE TUDOR ARCHITECTURAL STYLES?
Tudor architectural styles are renowned for their characteristic half-timbered exteriors, where exposed wooden frames are filled with stucco or brick. This charming look, combined with steeply pitched gable roofs and ornate masonry chimneys, gives Tudor homes a picturesque, Old-World allure that stands out in modern neighborhoods.
Originating in England during the Tudor period (1485–1603), this unmistakable style marks the final evolution of medieval architecture before the Renaissance took hold. The Tudor era, beginning with Henry VII's reign, saw a flourishing of art, architecture and commerce, which influenced the development of these unique, asymmetrical buildings.
In the 19th century, a blend of late Gothic, Tudor, and Elizabethan elements began to appear in residential architectural styles across America. This mix, which departed from common atypical styles of the time, continued into the 20th century and peaked in popularity in the 1920s and 1930s as wealthy Americans embraced the eclectic Tudor style.
KEY ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES OF THE TUDOR STYLE
When you hear the term "Tudor," it’s easy to picture the half-timbered buildings that have become synonymous with this architectural style. However, wood accents aren’t the only key architectural features of these storybook homes. Tudor architectural styles also boast steeply pitched roofs with multiple gables and dormers, enhancing their whimsical, fairytale charm.
Tall, narrow doors and vertically oriented windows are other hallmarks of Tudor architectural styles. Leaded glass windows, featuring intricate patterns of small panes held together by lead caming, add character and warmth to the home’s facade. Low, multi-centered Tudor arches are another defining architectural feature, lending an elegant, Old-World touch.
That Old-World feel is mirrored in Tudor homes’ large brick chimneys, which are often topped with narrow, decorative chimney pots like they were back in England. Prominent cross gables, combined with curvilinear gables inspired by Dutch designs, are additional characteristic elements that complete the enchanting exterior of timeless Tudor architectural styles.
However, the building materials commonly used in Tudor architecture are not as enduring as their design. Like the Colonial-style homes before them, Tudor homes embraced exposed wood, especially for decorative trim. Today, it’s common to opt for more durable materials, such as fiber cement, to preserve the look of these fairytale homes for generations.
BRING YOUR TUDOR HOME INTO THE MODERN AGE
Most traditional Tudor architectural styles use stucco with decorative wood half-timbering for the exterior. In some areas of the country, Tudor-style homes use stone or brick for the exterior of the first story, and stucco with wood half-timbering for the second story. However, many homeowners today are experimenting with modern interpretations of traditional siding profiles.
This is largely because, when installed improperly, stucco can cause a home to rot from the inside out. Even more, it’s prone to cracking, particularly when improperly installed or as the building naturally settles over time. Mother Nature can also wreak havoc on decorative wood trim, as it’s subject to damage caused by pests and may shrink or swell when exposed to moisture.
Homeowners looking to bring their classic Tudor home into the modern age turn to materials like fiber cement for enhanced durability. Hardie® Panel Siding with a Stucco texture helps distinguish the characteristic exterior of Tudor-style homes. For that timeless wood detailing, Hardie® Trim boards offer resistance against damp and cold conditions, as well as heat and humidity.
Looking for design guidance for your Tudor-style home? Here are three takes on classic Tudor architectural styles.
Traditional Takes on Tudor Architecture
The Old-World charm of authentic Tudor architecture can be attributed to the natural stone and exposed timber that created a timeless, neutral color palette. When looking to maintain that elegance and enduring charm, explore muted tones from the Hardie® Statement Collection® products, like Arctic White, Cobble Stone, and Monterey Taupe.
To achieve that classic Tudor vibe in your re-siding project, install the Hardie® Panel Smooth Siding in Navajo Beige — a warm, neutral color — on the first story of your home. Opt for Hardie® Panel Smooth Siding in Arctic White for the second story and use Rustic Grain Hardie® Trim in Teakwood to mimic the exposed timber framing of authentic Tudor homes.
Contemporary Combinations for Tudor Styles
Classic Tudor architectural styles are beyond picturesque, but sometimes, you want your home to resemble the style of the 21st century rather than the 19th century. To bridge tradition with more timely trends, opt for board and batten siding for a sleeker, more sophisticated look.
The Hardie® Panel Smooth Siding in Aged Pewter combined with the Hardie® Trim Batten in Pearl Gray beautifully complements the clean lines of Tudor homes. For an additional modern touch, use the wider Hardie® Architectural Panel in Mounded Sand to accent the top story of the home. If you’re looking for other contemporary spins on classic styles, check out our Inspiration Guide.
Avant-Garde Adaptations of Tudor Features
If you’re planning for an even bolder re-siding project, consider an avant-garde interpretation of classic Tudor features. Begin by exploring today’s trends for home re-siding projects, like playing with texture and contrasting accents, for popular exterior combinations. Vertical panels with batten trim also shine here, especially in vibrant colors like deep blues and greens.
One way to reimagine your Tudor-style home is by using the monotone Hardie® Panel Smooth Siding in Pearl Gray and Hardie® Trim Batten in Pearl Gray for the first story. On the second story, experiment with the smoother Fine Sand texture of the Hardie® Architectural Panel in the shades of Evening Blue or Mountain Sage to maintain the home’s classic elegance.
NEW-WORLD DURABILITY MEETS OLD-WORLD CHARM
Tudor architectural styles set the standard for fairytale charm in American homes. However, siding materials have evolved significantly since the era of medieval-inspired Tudor designs. Hardie® siding and trim products allow you to pay homage to your home’s timeless features, all while being engineered to resist wet and freezing conditions and hot, humid weather.
Explore James Hardie’s Product Catalog today to begin reimagining the exterior of your Tudor-style home. If you're unsure which color palette or siding profile will preserve your home's Medieval charm while still promoting your unique style, head over to the Hover® Design Studio, brought to you by James Hardie, to visualize the complete collection of Hardie® sidings and color combinations.
