Best Practices for Multi-Textured Facades

One of the most enduring trends in home exteriors today is multi-textured, varied façades. Homeowners and homebuyers tired of ho-hum, cookie-cutter houses are seeking out aesthetics to add an eye-catching pop that increases curb appeal and helps differentiate them from others on the block. For production builders, these changes can create a more appealing streetscape in communities with limited elevations.

There are a range of methods to create visual texture on the exterior façade, including blending different cladding and trim materials, mixing different profiles and incorporating variations in color. Gables and bump outs offer a logical place for shakes, vertical cladding or complementary colors to elevate the façade’s dimensionality. Or consider a bold color or robust stone look for added drama.

The large gables on this farmhouse-style home lend themselves to relying on texture, not color, to add eye-catching variation without overwhelming the façade. Shown are Chester Celect 7” Clapboard and Celect 7” Shake, both in Shale.

Incorporate Texture
A textured look comes literally, such as from more robust materials like stone, or visually, from movement between materials and authentic, wood-like profiles.

One of the most popular ways to elevate the facade is with a half wall of stone—such as with Versetta Stone panelized stone siding, Cultured Stone manufactured stone veneer or Atlas Stone composite stone panels—with traditional siding above. In fact, adding a manufactured stone knee wall is so popular it offers the second-highest return on investment for renovation projects, according to the Remodeling 2022 Cost vs. Value Report.

A stone kneewall, such as this one created with Eldorado Stone’s Tundra Brick in Ashland, adds subtle variation while delivering high return on investment.

The lighter weight of panelized or manufactured stone also makes it easy to create with two-story accent walls with for a truly dramatic look.

Consider Resale
Resale value is always a concern when incorporating homeowners’ tastes and preferences, so it’s important to balance a look they love without adding elements that are too garish or that will quickly feel dated. Craftsman and Arts & Crafts looks never seem to fade from favor, for example, but a trendy color like burnt orange or avocado green likely will.

Colors don’t have to be boldly different to make an impact. The brown-gray tones of the Foundry Split Shake siding, stone and garage doors create layers of visual texture that unfold slowly on this home.

For homeowners who want to put their unique stamp on things, consider areas of the exterior that are easier to change out before resale, such as a chartreuse entry door or bright red shutters. Porch furniture, flower boxes and bright flower beds are other ways to add bolder colors without making a hefty long-term commitment.

Stay Within the Home’s Style
Similarly, always consider the home’s overall style when incorporating different materials and profiles. For example, while shake gables are a popular approach, the texture will feel off-putting on a Southwest home. Modern-style homes are more likely to have multiple materials versus traditional, older homes. But the popularity of Modern Farmhouse has allowed buyers to create more varied looks while holding on to some authenticity.

Don’t Forget the Accessories
Trim, shutters and columns are an excellent way to infuse style and create variation in subtle ways. Dark trim is extremely popular, adding a dramatic look against white siding without going overboard.

Leverage Online Design Tools
With so many options, it can be overwhelming for pros and consumers alike to visualize how products and colors will look on the completed façade. Westlake Royal Building Products offers a wide variety of free online design tools, which allow you to preview different product combinations on an image of the home or a similar home. Users can mix and match siding materials, profiles, colors and accessories, helping to better ensure confident product selections and a satisfying finished façade.

With a diverse, versatile portfolio of siding, trim, stone, and roofing brands, Westlake Royal Building Products makes it easy to create multi-textured facades. Learn more here.