When most people think about new siding, their first thought is usually color. But texture plays just as big of a role in curb appeal, architectural style, and how your home feels from the street. Whether you’re going for a classic look or a modern farmhouse vibe, the texture and pattern of your siding can dramatically transform your home’s appearance.
Let’s break down three of the most popular siding textures—shake, lap, and board & batten—and how each one contributes to the overall look and feel of your exterior.
1. Shake Siding: Timeless Coastal Charm
Shake siding mimics the look of hand-cut cedar shingles and is known for its depth, shadow lines, and natural wood texture. It’s a favorite in coastal New Jersey towns, offering a relaxed, weathered look that’s perfect for beach homes, cottages, or anywhere you want a touch of character.
Use shake siding as a full exterior or as an accent in gables or dormers to break up flat planes of siding. It pairs beautifully with horizontal lap siding and adds warmth and dimension.
Best For: Coastal homes, Cape Cod-style homes, accent areas, gables, traditional or rustic looks
2. Lap Siding: Classic and Versatile
Lap siding (also called clapboard or horizontal siding) is the most common type of siding—and for good reason. It offers a clean, linear appearance that works well on nearly every home style. With straight lines and subtle shadowing, lap siding creates a uniform, timeless façade that suits both new builds and historic homes.
Modern lap siding is available in a wide range of colors and materials, including vinyl, fiber cement, and engineered wood—giving you plenty of options for look, budget, and durability.
Best For: Colonial, Craftsman, Ranch, and Transitional homes; traditional or contemporary styles
3. Board & Batten: Farmhouse-Inspired Vertical Lines
Board & batten siding features wide vertical panels (boards) with narrow strips (battens) covering the seams. This style creates a strong vertical rhythm that can make a home feel taller and more architectural. It’s the go-to choice for modern farmhouse design and pairs well with black windows, wood accents, and metal roofs.
You can use board & batten for the entire exterior or mix it with lap siding for visual contrast and balance.
Best For: Modern farmhouse, barn-style homes, transitional homes, accent walls, and clean, minimalist designs
Combining Siding Textures for a Custom Look
One of the best ways to create visual interest is to combine textures. For example, lap siding on the lower levels with shake in the gables and board & batten on accent walls. The right mix adds personality, improves curb appeal, and makes your home look professionally designed—even before anyone steps inside.
Let’s Design a Look That Fits Your Home Perfectly
At Schaefer Home Remodeling, we help NJ homeowners choose the right combination of siding styles and materials for beauty, durability, and long-term value. Whether you’re ready for a full siding replacement or just want to upgrade key sections of your exterior, we’ll guide you through every option.
