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Curb Appeal5 min

Using the Right Siding for a Craftsman Home

Today’s craftsman-style homes are variations of the ones first built in America in the late 1890s in a revolt against the overly ornate Victorian style of the day. The name was coined by the founder of Craftsman magazine, which was devoted to ensuring “serious architecture” was accessible for working-class families.

Given this history, current craftsman homes are known for their charming architectural attributes and unique, yet simplistic aesthetics that remain one of the most popular home style designs today. Specifically, craftsman homes account for more than 25 percent of all house plans.

Defining Characteristics of the Craftsman Home

Craftsman homes are unique in nature, so it's no surprise that there are many popular varieties (including the craftsman bungalow and the prairie-style craftsman home pioneered by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright). While individual in nature, there are overarching characteristics that define the craftsman home, such as:

  • Low-pitched roofs, often in a gable style
  • Wide, overhanging eaves
  • Prominent, covered front porches
  • Intricate woodwork and handmade details
  • Pillars along the entry
  • Dark colored siding

Why Choose Engineered Wood for a Craftsman Home

Chris Rendall, president of Prairie View Homes Inc. in Kansas City, Mo., recently teamed up with designer Chris Castrop on a modern craftsman build. The stunning result won them top honors in the “Show Us Your LP® SmartSide®” contest among hundreds of submissions, which asked pros to submit images of their best projects using LP® SmartSide® siding products.

Rendall’s winning submission featured many of the craftsman’s defining characteristics like a gable-style roof, overhanging eaves and large front porch with exposed beams. He chose LP® SmartSide® Lap Siding in a dark color with a contrasting white LP® SmartSide® Trim & Fascia to bring the build to life.

Because the craftsman-style home is known for its use of natural building materials like wood, stone and brick, Rendall wanted to ensure he chose a siding material that would align with its defining aesthetics but would also last.

“Real wood is a great material, but it can be unstable,” says Rendall. “Engineered wood siding offers a more durable solution that provides weatherability for years to come.” Specifically, Rendall was attracted to LP SmartSide siding products due it its ability to resist damage from the frequent freeze/thaw cycles experienced heavily in his region and ease of installation. “It’s much easier to achieve a quality installation because someone experienced with wood siding and trim already has the tools and know-how required.”

Find Your Inspiration

Have you jumped on the craftsman craze? Click here to spark inspiration with color trends and products that will make your craftsman home a unique showstopper.

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