Residing your house is a big decision, most of all because there are so many siding choices to choose from. However, it doesn't have to be too difficult, especially if you learn about what the different options have to offer.

To make choosing the right siding for your house easier, here are the 11 most common patterns that you can choose from.

Horizontal Patterns

Horizontal siding is by far the most common, and it is most likely what your home currently has. However, this type of siding comes in three different patterns that you can choose from.

Traditional

As the name suggests, this pattern is one of the most traditional. It's simple, easy to install, and effective for protecting your home from water damage. This pattern of siding is also one of the least expensive, and it is widely regarded as the go-to siding for many homes.

Dutch

This type of horizontal lap siding is similar to traditional, but it does have its differences. For instance, instead of featuring overlapping boards, it features a groove between boards that adds more definition and contrast. Because of this, it combines the water protection of traditional lap siding with a bit more sharpness and distinction between boards.

Beaded

This type of horizontal siding features a raised edge between boards, giving more 3D definition. As opposed to the Dutch lap which has a sunk-in grove, beaded protrudes to help break up the outlines of each board. This raised feature can help your siding stand out more and improve the overall appearance of your exterior.

Vertical Patterns

Although horizontal is the most common, vertical isn't something you should pass up without consideration.

Vertical Panels

Vertical panel siding can certainly help your home stand out from the others on your block. This pattern of siding can look both modern or rustic, depending on the size of the panels and the colors used. It can also provide a uniform flat appearance to the outside of your home, which some homeowners may find appealing.

Board and Batten

As opposed to flush vertical panels, the board and batten pattern involves horizontal boards with raised battens in between them. This added feature functions to provide additional water protection, and it can cast very appealing shadows when the sun hits it. This type of pattern is both affordable and highly durable, making it a good choice if you want something a bit different than the traditional horizontal siding patterns.

Shake Patterns

Shake patterns are a break from the more traditional longboards that create the horizontal and vertical patterns described above. Patterns like this can give a unique appearance to your home and they are something homeowners should consider if they want to stand out in a unique and curb-appealing way.

Round Shakes

Round shake siding is comprised of small shakes that are rounded on the ends. These are overlapped to give texture and depth. This pattern can give your home a very cozy and quaint appearance, and this type of siding is most commonly used beneath roof overhangs. It is also commonly used alongside horizontal siding to help break up the home and give it more visual distinction.

Square Shakes

Square shakes are the same as round. However, as opposed to being rounded, they are simply square all around. This type of siding can look quite traditional when installed on a home, and like the rounded shakes, they match well with other types of siding.

Staggered Shakes

Staggered shakes are one of the most visually interesting and they can create a great visual effect when installed on a home. In this pattern, the shakes are staggered, as opposed to being uniformly placed next to each other. This helps break them up and provides good contrast and definition to the exterior of your home.

Octagonal and Hexagonal

This type of pattern features shakes with bottoms that have been cut two or three times to create either an octagonal or hexagonal appearance. Their geometric appearance can be very appealing, and depending on your home, it can blend in with both modern and traditional styles.

Mitered Corners

This pattern is similar to the octagonal and hexagonal shakes. However, these shakes only have the tips of their corners cut off. This provides a nice level of contrast that is a nice medium between square and hexagonal.

Fish Scales

The fish scale shake pattern is similar to the rounded shake pattern, although it is markedly less rounded. This gives it a more organic look, and it can be a creative way to add a little bit more uniqueness and texture to the exterior of your home. Some homeowners will use different colored fish scale shakes to help create a multi-colored pattern to break up the facade.

Half Cove

Half cove is similar to mitered shakes, but instead of having straight cut corners, the corners have semi-circles cut out of them. This produces a highly unique look and an appealing texture that many homeowners find appealing.

Siding Materials

Now that you know what kinds of patterns you can choose, you'll need to know about the different types of materials that you can have these patterns created from.

Vinyl

Vinyl siding is one of the most popular, and it has been commonly used in homes across America since its creation in the 1960s. Its popularity is due in large part to its versatility, durability, and low maintenance. There are hundreds of colors of this material to choose from and they are available in horizontal, vertical, beaded, and shake patterns.

This material is also the most cost-effective of all the siding materials, which, coupled with its versatility, makes it the top contender in the siding materials market.

Wood

Wood siding is one of the oldest forms of siding and it has a time-tested classical appearance. Some of the most popular types of wood to use include pine, Douglas fir, spruce, and cypress. However, cedar and redwood are also often used due to their natural resistance to rot.

Wooden shakes are also available for homeowners who want to venture away from the classic horizontal or vertical appearances.

The downside with wood siding is that it does need regular maintenance, such as caulking and painting, to keep it in good condition. That said, some homeowners find this worth the price of having quality wooden siding.

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood differs from standard wood as it is created using sawdust and bonding agents. It is lightweight and much less expensive than real wooden siding. Available in all the same styles as wood, it does require some of the same maintenance, such as painting or weatherproofing. However, if you want the appearance of wood without a high cost, this is a good medium to choose.

Metal

Metal siding is another option that you can choose from, and this siding can be especially useful in areas that are prone to disasters such as forest fires. Aluminum siding is particularly cost-effective, although copper and zinc are also used.

While this siding isn't available in many patterns, it is something to consider if you live in a fire-prone area.

Fiber Cement

Composed of cement, sand, and cellulose fiber, this siding is something to consider if you want the appearance of wood with the fire resistance of metal. Fiber cement can be found in many different textures, many of which can even mimic the appearance of wood. However, unlike wood, this material is much more durable. It is resistant to rot, termites, and fire, making it a good choice for fire risk areas.

Although it is more expensive than vinyl, it does usually cost less than wood.

Choosing the Right Siding for You

When it comes to choosing the best pattern and material for your home, you have a lot to consider. However, by working with your siding contractor, you can help find the best option possible.