One of the many benefits of fiber cement siding is that it’s been engineered to be able to take on almost any color and style, seamlessly replicating wood without any of the upkeep required by natural materials. With so many options, what will you choose?
Styles: Planks, Boards and Shingles
Wood siding is still a mainstay of industry options, in part because of the many available styles. The problem with wood is the need for upkeep. From painting to staining to fireproofing, the maintenance involved in caring for wood siding is both expensive and time-intensive. What if you could achieve the same look and style of wood siding with a more durable alternative?
Enter fiber cement siding from James Hardie, a brand we’re proud to call our partner in home construction and exterior remodeling. Durable and virtually maintenance-free, fiber cement has all the benefits of wood with none of the drawbacks. Consider the many styling possibilities.
- Plank Lap Siding. HardiePlank is one of the most popular fiber cement options because it perfectly mimics the look and texture of natural wood lap siding. Your home will have a classic, comfortable appearance.
- Artisan Siding. James Hardie offers a variety of attractive artisan siding options, both in lap siding and in accent trim. Choose from various detail options to round out a luxury home appearance.
- Panel Siding. Vertical panels make another traditional siding style that James Hardie has replicated with its HardiePanel siding. For a timeless board-and-batten farmhouse look, consider this style. HardiePanel is also a good choice for modern, minimalist homes.
- Shingle Siding. Although HardieShingle siding isn’t made of cedar, it perfectly reproduces classic cedar shingles’ beautiful, rustic charm, fabulous for cottage-style and Cape Cod homes. With a swath of choices for decorative edges and shingle sizes, your home will truly be one-of-a-kind.
- Siding Trim. No siding project is complete without the trim, and HardieTrim boards round out the collection to ensure your home’s exterior is durable through and through. Trim is also a fantastic way to incorporate accent colors
ColorPlus Technology Gives You Endless Choices
One of the most significant benefits of James Hardie siding is its customizability – not only in terms of style but also color. The brand’s ColorPlus technology is more than just several layers of paint. When you choose a color from one of the many ColorPlus options, the hue will be applied in multiple coats – and then baked into the boards themselves. The result is a durable product that won’t fade, peel or crack – backed by a 15-year warranty.
Unlike vinyl and other pre-colored materials, James Hardie siding products can be painted and repainted later on. John McCarter is a licensed paint contractor, so we’ll work with you to create any look you desire – whether by ordering pre-painted finishes or by customizing a new paint job ourselves.
Design Considerations: Warm, Cool, Neutral and Beyond
With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down your favorites. Let’s talk a little about palette and style – and what different colors represent. Just like different plank, board and shingle cuts invoke different architectural styles and connotations, different color choices convey particular moods and tones.
- Warm Colors. Warm colors are in the red and yellow family, with a rich spectrum of oranges. Bright yellows and oranges are reminiscent of fall leaves, while muted warm colors invoke terra-cotta and desert tones of the American Southwest. A grayed red is a fantastic choice for traditional homes, especially in small rural towns or old historic cities. Go with a warm brown or cheery yellow for trim on a rustic ranch, adobe, or Craftsman home.
- Cool Colors. Blues and grays are exceedingly popular choices for home paint colors – and for good reason. Reflected in the sky and in the sea, grayish blues are gorgeous for a main color or accent color on a shingled Cape Cod home. In truth, you can’t go wrong with calming cool colors, whether you opt for a classic navy blue or a fresh robin’s egg blue, reminiscent of Southern porches.
- Fresh Tones. Green is the happy medium between warm and cool, and it can go either way. A blue-green is cooler and more mature, while yellow-toned greens evoke springtime and new plant life. Deep green is an appropriate choice for historically forested locations, while yellows are a better choice for smaller or more casual home styles. Bungalows and cottages look great in yellow.
- Neutral Colors. Sophisticated browns and beiges are beautiful both inside and outside of the home. Often described as “safe,” these shades can be anything but – especially if you emphasize your individuality by pairing them with a darker colored trim. Neutral shades are also a fantastic canvas for playing with unique textured accents.
- Dark Shades. Dark gray, gray-blue, and gray-green are intriguing in their modern appearance. White trim ups the ante, so make sure you know what kind of statement you want to make with your home’s appearance before you choose the dramatic route. Dark colors are a good choice for urban areas with a blend of modern and traditional home styles.
- Soft Colors. Light pastels and white are a pure, clean array of colors. Consider the classic white home on a green lawn, or the traditional white picket fence. Be sure to offset the light colors with other hues to break up the tone and keep the home charming rather than boring.
Choose John McCarter Construction
When you work with John McCarter Construction, you’ll have access to all of the above and more. No matter what your vision may be, John McCarter will work with you to make it a reality. Get started building a custom color palette by browsing the many ColorPlus options we offer, with nearly endless possible combinations – all to create an attractive, unique home that represents your style. You’ll enjoy the many benefits of fiber cement while retaining the classic aesthetic you know and love.
Request your free quote today. We’re so excited to bring your home construction or exterior remodeling project to fruition. Get in touch and learn more about the John McCarter difference.
