Siding Styles 2026: Trends, Colors & Materials Explained
In the video above, Artem Guskov of Foremost Exteriors breaks down the siding styles that are trending, which materials are worth the upgrade, and the mistakes that cost homeowners time, money, and curb appeal.
His starting point: pick the wrong material or style and you can end up with more maintenance, a look that dates quickly, or siding that fails when the weather turns. This page walks through his recommendations by material, the color and design trends he is seeing, how to mix styles, and the terms you will hear in a consultation.
If you are still deciding which material is right for your home, our guide to the best siding for your house compares cost, lifespan, and climate fit side by side.
Siding Materials and What’s Changed
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl is still the most popular siding material in America because it is budget-friendly, low-maintenance, and available in classic styles like clapboard and Dutch lap. What has changed is the look: longer, wider panels with fewer seams are becoming more popular, and matte finishes are replacing shiny ones.
Artem’s advice is to avoid anything under .040 inch thick, which is too thin, and to look for .044 or thicker with a solid fade-resistant warranty.
Insulated Vinyl Siding
Insulated vinyl has a foam backer that makes it more rigid, can improve energy efficiency, and reduces noise a little. It is a reasonable upgrade if you want a sturdier feel.
Often, though, Artem prefers adding rigid foam insulation boards behind the siding instead. That keeps you from being locked into one specific siding product and usually gives better long-term results and a higher R-value.
Fiber Cement Siding
If you love the look of real wood but want something that resists fire, pests, and rot, fiber cement, like James Hardie, is a strong choice. It comes in lap, panel, board-and-batten, and shake styles.
James Hardie products carry a 30-year non-prorated warranty, and ColorPlus finishes include a 15-year paint and labor warranty against peeling, cracking, and fading. Artem is seeing more dark colors with contrasting white or wood-grain trim, a return of earth tones, and vertical fiber cement on modern homes.
Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood, like LP SmartSide, gives a natural wood appearance and is much easier to install than fiber cement, which wears out tools and blades quickly and is heavy to ship and handle.
It does come with installation guidelines that have to be followed carefully. If they are not, Artem warns, you can run into maintenance issues or early product failure. That is true of fiber cement too, but proper installation is especially important here.
Steel Siding
Artem’s crew prefers EDCO steel siding, made in Hopkins, Minnesota. Steel is growing in popularity with homeowners who want durability, low maintenance, and a clean, modern look. It does not absorb moisture, warp, or rot, and it is non-combustible.
The product he uses carries a lifetime warranty with 50-year hail and 35-year fade protection, and it is made from recycled, fully recyclable steel. Paired with a metal roof, it makes a sharp, long-lasting exterior that needs very little upkeep.
Color and Design Trends
The trends Artem is seeing right now:
Dark, moody colors: charcoal, forest green, and black
Vertical siding: board and batten or vertical panels on gables, front elevations, or whole exteriors
Natural wood accents: white oak and walnut-style finishes in soffits and trim
High contrast: white trim on dark siding, or black accents on light exteriors
Monochromatic looks: siding and trim in similar tones, with texture doing the visual work
Trim, fascia, soffit, and other finishing touches pull these looks together. For which colors hold their value at resale, and which dark colors are safe on vinyl, see our guide to siding color trends and ROI.
Mixing Siding Styles
For years most homes used one consistent look, usually horizontal lap siding. Horizontal siding still works and always will, since it is timeless and fits almost any neighborhood. On its own, though, it can feel flat across a large exterior.
For how the two most common horizontal profiles differ, see clapboard vs. Dutch lap siding.
Mixing styles adds depth without making a home feel overdesigned. Common combinations include board and batten on upper sections, shake siding in the gables, and darker trim and shutters for contrast. These mixes break up large wall spaces and give a more custom, finished look.
This used to be reserved for custom builds, but it works just as well on a standard two-story home. Board and batten is the most common accent; for what it costs by material, see our board and batten siding cost guide.
Siding Terms to Know
A few terms you are likely to hear during a consultation:
Lap siding: horizontal planks that overlap
Dutch lap: lap siding with a beveled edge that creates a deeper shadow line
Board and batten: vertical boards with narrow battens covering the seams
Soffit: the material under the eaves, which helps with attic ventilation when it has the proper openings
Fascia: the horizontal trim board where gutters attach
Frieze board: decorative trim between the top of the siding and the soffit
House wrap: the moisture barrier installed under the siding
Exposure: how much of each plank is visible once installed
Choosing the Right Combination
The right siding balances style, protection, and long-term value for your home. If you already have a material in mind, ask your contractor to bring samples to the consultation, and ask whether they offer design renderings so you can see colors and trim on your own house before you commit.
For guides on every siding material, cost, and installation step, visit our siding project hub.
Ready to talk styles and pricing? Home Upgrade Pros can connect you with licensed siding contractors in your area for a free, no-obligation consultation, or call (725) 745-8553.
Frequently Asked Questions
What siding styles are popular in 2026?
Dark, matte colors like charcoal, forest green, and black; vertical board and batten on gables or whole exteriors; natural wood accents in soffits and trim; and high-contrast trim. Wider vinyl panels with fewer seams are also gaining ground.
Can you mix siding styles on one house?
Yes. A common approach is horizontal lap siding on the main walls with board and batten on upper sections or shake siding in the gables. It adds depth and works on standard homes, not just custom builds.
What is the difference between lap and Dutch lap siding?
Both are horizontal. Standard lap siding has a flat face, while Dutch lap has a beveled upper edge that creates a deeper shadow line between courses.
What thickness of vinyl siding should I buy?
Avoid vinyl thinner than .040 inch. For better durability, look for .044 inch or thicker with a strong fade-resistant warranty.
