How to choose the best James Hardie siding color for your home

September 17, 2023 by

At Gunner Roofing, we appreciate that the selection of siding for your home extends far beyond mere visual appeal. The choice you make significantly influences both the outward appearance of your dwelling and its long-term resilience against the elements. This dual function of protection and personal expression underscores the value of high-quality siding.

James Hardie siding is well-renowned for its exceptional durability. Designed to withstand the harshest weather conditions, it ensures that your home remains protected year-round, minimizing potential damage and maintenance costs. The strength of James Hardie fiber cement siding is matched by its resistance to common problems such as rotting, warping, and fading, which are often seen with lesser-quality materials.

But James Hardie siding offers more than just superior protective qualities. It also provides homeowners with an expansive palette of colors to choose from. This wide range ensures that regardless of your personal preferences or your home’s architectural style, you’re certain to find a color that meets your needs. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant, bold colors that make your home stand out or prefer understated, soft tones that blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, James Hardie siding offers a solution.

Furthermore, the long-lasting, fade-resistant properties of James Hardie’s ColorPlus® Technology ensure that your chosen color retains its vibrancy over time. This means your home will continue to exude its unique charm year after year, maintaining its outward appeal while also standing up to external weather conditions.

In essence, with James Hardie siding, you get the best of both worlds – an opportunity to express your style through a wide variety of colors, coupled with the assurance of durable, long-lasting protection for your home.

How to choose siding colors

Reflect your personality

A home is much more than just four walls and a roof – it’s a tangible expression of the homeowner’s tastes, values, and character. The exterior of a house, much like a book cover, provides the first impression of what lies within. Therefore, its design and colors should resonate with your personality and lifestyle.

Front of home with James Hardie siding in Pearl Gray

James Hardie Pearl Gray

Are you an extrovert who loves socializing and hosting events? Bold and vibrant colors, such as deep blues, striking reds, or vivid greens, can mirror your energy and zest for life. These colors say, “Here lives someone who isn’t afraid to stand out and showcase their unique style.”

On the other hand, if you are an introvert or someone who cherishes peace and serenity, you might be more inclined toward softer, more subdued colors. Muted blues, gentle greens, or earthy neutrals can evoke a sense of calm and tranquility. These colors express a preference for harmony and simplicity, suggesting a homeowner who appreciates a calm and peaceful ambience.

Perhaps you consider yourself an artistic individual with a fondness for the aesthetic. In that case, why not opt for a combination of complementary colors? A two-toned exterior, with lighter shades for the body of the house and darker hues for trim and detailing, can highlight your artistic eye and attention to detail.

James Hardie understands these diverse personalities and their unique preferences, which is why they offer an extensive palette of colors. From the deepest, most striking shades to the gentlest pastel tones, they have meticulously designed a color range that ensures there is a perfect match for every homeowner’s personality. And it’s not just about offering a plethora of choices; James Hardie’s superior ColorPlus® Technology ensures that these colors remain vibrant and resistant to fading, allowing your personality to shine through your home’s exterior for years to come.

Remember, when you choose your siding color, you’re not just making a design decision, you’re communicating your personality to the world. So let your home tell your story in the most colorful way possible.

Consider your home’s architectural style

Just as fashion has its trends and styles, so too does architecture. Each architectural design carries a unique aesthetic and personality, and the home siding color plays a crucial role in accentuating its distinctive features. When choosing the color, it’s essential to consider the architectural style of your home to ensure a harmonious and authentic appearance.

Cape Cod: Popular in many suburban areas across Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, Cape Cod homes are known for their steep roofs, multipane windows, and charming dormers. For these houses, James Hardie’s Hardie Shingle® siding in softer, coastal colors can highlight the homey and charming aesthetic.

Victorian: New York, especially in areas like the Hudson Valley, and New Jersey are known for their Victorian homes, characterized by intricate detailing, asymmetrical designs, and steep roofs. With Victorian homes, homeowners can afford to be bolder, using Hardie Panel® vertical siding in multiple vibrant colors to accentuate the unique architectural features. Rich purples, vibrant blues, or sunny yellows can highlight the intricate detailing and elegance of these homes. The multicolor approach can lend a sense of whimsy and charm that aligns with the vintage aesthetic of the Victorian era.

Craftsman: Famous for their natural elements and handcrafted details, Craftsman-style homes often benefit from earthy tones. Deep greens, rustic reds, or rich browns can harmonize beautifully with the stone and wood details typically found in Craftsman architecture.

Modern/Contemporary: Particularly prevalent in urban areas like New York City, modern architecture focuses on simplicity, functionality, and clean lines. These homes often feature unconventional shapes and large windows, and use industrial materials like steel and concrete. James Hardie’s Hardie® Panel vertical siding in neutral colors or shades of gray can complement the minimalistic aesthetic of these homes. But don’t think monochrome means dull – using different tones of the same color or contrasting textures can add depth and visual interest to the minimalist style.

Colonial: Colonial homes, with their symmetry and classic appeal, often look best with traditional colors such as whites, grays, or blues. These colors can enhance the timeless elegance of Colonial architecture without overshadowing its classic design elements. Originating from the 1600s, this style is one of the most prevalent, particularly in Connecticut and parts of New Jersey. Colonial homes often have two or three stories, fireplaces, and brick or wood facades, with symmetrical windows. James Hardie’s Hardie® Plank lap siding, with its traditional and timeless look, is a good fit for Colonial-style homes.

Tudor: Known for their steeply pitched roofs, half-timbering, and embellished doorways, Tudor homes are scattered across Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. The distinctive characteristics of these homes can be complemented by James Hardie’s Hardie® Plank lap siding in earthy tones or darker shades, enhancing the Old World charm.

Whether you need a bold, vivid color to bring out the personality of your Victorian home or a subtle, neutral tone for your modern house, James Hardie’s extensive palette has you covered. Furthermore, their siding is not just about aesthetics – with its durability, weather-resistance, and many different styles, you can be confident that your color choice will stand the test of time, preserving your home’s architectural integrity for years to come while also offering you the opportunity to make a personal color statement.

Think about the landscape

The surrounding landscape plays a significant role in determining the overall aesthetic appeal of your home. When choosing your siding color, taking into consideration the dominant colors and textures in your environment can result in a harmonious look that feels organically connected to its surroundings.

Front of home with James Hardie siding in Boothbay blue

James Hardie Boothbay Blue

If your home is nestled within an area abundant in greenery – lush lawns, leafy trees, vibrant gardens – the siding color can embrace this natural setting. Earthy tones like moss green, stone gray, or rich browns would be a beautiful choice as they echo the hues found in nature. These colors can make your home feel like a natural extension of the landscape, creating a serene and balanced aesthetic.

On the other hand, if your home is near a beach or a coastal area with lighter and softer colors, you might consider shades of blue, white, or beige. These colors can reflect the breezy, relaxing vibe of the seaside and create a pleasant contrast with the bright blue of the ocean or the warm tones of the sandy beach.

For homes located in urban or industrial settings where concrete, steel, and glass are the dominant elements, siding colors such as slate gray, charcoal, or even vibrant hues to add a pop of color amid the monochrome can be an excellent choice. These shades can mirror the sleek, modern appeal of the cityscape.

Homes in the mountains or rustic settings can benefit from deeper, more saturated colors. Deep forest greens, rustic reds, or even warm wood tones can harmonize with the rugged terrain and the vibrant hues of the mountain landscape, contributing to a warm and cozy feel.

But it’s not just about matching the landscape – contrast can be just as compelling. A home in a leafy, green setting might stand out beautifully with burgundy siding. Similarly, a blue or turquoise home can provide a stunning contrast to a sandy beach backdrop.

James Hardie siding offers an extensive color palette that caters to these diverse landscapes and more. Their high-quality siding not only provides a vast range of color choices but also ensures that these colors stand the test of time, retaining vibrancy despite the changing weather conditions. Whether you wish to complement or contrast with your surroundings, you can create the perfect aesthetic balance between your home and its landscape.

Front of home with James Hardie siding in Navajo beige

James Hardie Navajo Beige

Take your roof color into account

Selecting the ideal color for your home’s siding goes beyond its relationship with the environment or aligning with personal tastes. A critical yet often neglected element is the color of your home’s roof. The hues of your roof and siding should function in harmony to establish a balanced and attractive exterior.

The guiding principle when marrying roof and siding colors is to strike a balance between lighter and darker tones. For homes with a darker roof – think slate gray or onyx black – a lighter shade for your siding can offer a stunning contrast. This disparity not only enhances your home’s standout features but also provides an alluring visual treat for passersby. Light grays, soft beiges, or bright whites can juxtapose beautifully against a dark roof, giving your home a fresh, appealing look.

On the flip side, if your roof sports a lighter color such as sandy tan or pale gray, a deeper hue for your siding can add dimension and visual interest. Rich blues, forest greens, or cocoa browns can present an appealing contrast, setting the stage for a captivating backdrop against a light-colored roof.

In certain instances, homeowners lean toward a monochromatic color scheme, opting for similar colors for both roof and siding. This choice results in a sleek, contemporary visual feel. If this appeals to your design sensibilities, it’s worthwhile to introduce a third contrasting color for the trim. This approach breaks up the uniformity and adds much-needed depth.

Also, considering the material of your roof can play a pivotal role in selecting your siding. For instance, if your roof is covered with traditional shingles, a smooth James Hardie siding can counterbalance with a pleasing texture contrast. Conversely, if your roof is metal, the genuine wood-grain appearance of James Hardie siding can serve to soften the polished metal appearance and infuse a sense of warmth.

With a vast palette of siding colors, you’ll find the ideal complement for your roof’s color and material. The superior durability and fade-resistance of James Hardie siding ensure that your chosen color scheme will continually boost your home’s curb appeal for years to come.

As roofing specialists, Gunner Roofing understands the critical relationship between your roof and siding colors. We’ll help guide you to achieve the perfect color harmony that will not only enhance your home’s visual appeal but also its value. With the right choices, your home will be an eye-catching delight for everyone who passes by.

Gunner can guide you to your ideal siding color

Choosing the right siding color is crucial to enhancing your home’s curb appeal and overall aesthetic. By understanding your personal style, your home’s architecture, and its surrounding landscape, you can make a decision that adds charm and character to your home.

Front of home with James Hardie siding in Deep ocean blue

James Hardie Deep Ocean

When it comes to quality, James Hardie siding stands out. Its durability, low maintenance, fire resistance, and aesthetic appeal make it a choice worth considering. As a trusted roofing, siding, and window contractor, Gunner is here to help guide you through this process and ensure a seamless installation.

Remember, the right color and quality of siding can make all the difference in the world, not just in how your home looks, but also in how it performs over time. Trust Gunner Roofing to bring your vision to life and provide long-lasting protection and aesthetic value to your beloved home.

For those who want a unique exterior that lasts, James Hardie siding provides the perfect combination of color and design flexibility, resilience, and the peace of mind of a warranty. No matter your location, the architectural style of your home, or your personal aesthetic preferences, there’s a color and style that’s perfect for you.

Back of home with James Hardie siding in Cobble stone

James Hardie Cobble Stone

At Gunner Roofing, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail, commitment to high-quality craftsmanship (as evidenced by our James Hardie Elite Preferred status), and dedication to customer satisfaction. We’re ready to assist you in selecting the perfect siding color that matches your tastes and enhances your home’s curb appeal.

Ready to redefine the exterior of your home with new siding? Get in touch with us today. Let’s transform your house into a home that not only you’ll love, but that will also be the envy of your neighborhood.