4 Home Exterior Trends That Will Dominate in 2018

Ready to build in the new year? Knowing building trends for 2018 will help you set your projects apart from others on the street. Read on to learn about popular exterior styles to make your homes warm and welcoming.

Use of Multiple Textures

The multi-textured exterior will continue to be a major design trend, directly driven by consumer demand. Multiple textures break up visual monotony and can help you create a focal point or emphasize a part of the façade. Lap siding, vertical panels and cedar shakes can be combined in stunning ways, and gain even greater appeal when paired with stucco, stone and brick accents. Below, stone accents the entry of this home and echoes the stone walls, while different colors and textures draw the eye to the gables and add balance.

Learn more about how to successfully mix different types of cladding on a home.

Stone and Brick Accents Gain in Popularity

Brick and stone facades are a classic choice for those who plan to live in their home for many years. Red brick pairs well with Craftsman and Prairie-style homes, but brick can easily be used in contemporary designs, especially when white or gray brick is selected. Stone is equally versatile; natural stone comes in a rainbow of shades, shapes and textures. Manufacturers will continue to expand the popularity of brick and stone with veneer products that are thinner and lighter weight, lowering installation costs.

Learn how to select brick and stone colors for a home exterior.

Low Maintenance Is Required

For many homeowners, low-maintenance features are no longer a luxury – they are expected. Few have the time or desire to scrape, paint and maintain siding and windows, making the trend toward low-maintenance products a lasting one. Engineered wood siding offers the appearance of wood without the same demand for upkeep, and is resistant to moisture, fungal decay and impact damage. Fiberglass windows are stable and won't warp when exposed to extreme temperatures. Metal roofs are virtually maintenance-free and can be manufactured to mimic other roofing materials such as slate, tile and wood shakes.

Increased Landscape Awareness

New attention is being given to outlying elements of a home, such as fences, garage doors, sheds and outdoor living areas, with an effort to ensure these elements blend with the home and also the surrounding environment. Look for designers to place more emphasis on creating a unified exterior.

Realize Your Vision With LP

LP's proprietary SmartGuard^® manufacturing process is designed to create highly durable engineered wood siding and trim products. LP SmartSide products come in a variety of styles, including smooth finish and cedar texture, to help you create exactly the look you want. Get inspired with creative siding ideas, then find a dealer near you that sells LP SmartSide engineered wood products.