Siding Styles & Design Options

The style of siding you choose defines the entire character of your home's exterior. From classic American clapboard to modern vertical panels, each profile creates a distinct look that can complement any architectural style. At Superior Industries, we believe you should never be limited in your choices. We offer every major siding style and can mix profiles to create a truly custom exterior that reflects your personal taste.

Below is an overview of the most popular siding styles we install throughout the Denver Metro area. Each style is available in multiple materials including vinyl, composite, wood, and fiber cement.

Clapboard / Horizontal Lap Siding

Clapboard siding, also known as horizontal lap siding, is the most traditional and widely used siding profile in America. Each plank is installed horizontally with the bottom edge slightly overlapping the board below, creating a clean, uniform appearance with subtle shadow lines.

Clapboard siding works beautifully on virtually any home style, from colonial and craftsman to ranch and contemporary. It is available in a range of exposure widths, typically from 4 inches to 8 inches, allowing you to adjust the visual proportions to suit your home's scale. Wider exposures create a more modern, relaxed look, while narrower exposures produce a traditional, detailed appearance.

Board & Batten Siding

Board and batten siding features wide vertical boards with narrow strips (battens) covering the seams between them. This profile creates a bold, vertical rhythm that adds height and architectural drama to any exterior. Originally associated with barns and rural buildings, board and batten has experienced a major resurgence in popularity as farmhouse and modern farmhouse styles have become mainstream.

Board and batten is particularly striking when used as an accent on gable ends, entryways, or upper stories combined with horizontal lap siding below. It is available in vinyl, composite, and fiber cement, and pairs exceptionally well with stone or brick accents.

Dutch Lap Siding

Dutch lap siding is a variation of horizontal lap that features a decorative notch or concave curve at the top of each plank. This detail creates deeper shadow lines and a more dimensional, hand-crafted appearance compared to standard clapboard. The style originated with German and Dutch settlers in colonial America and continues to be a popular choice for homeowners who want something slightly more distinctive than standard lap siding.

Dutch lap is available in most siding materials and works particularly well on colonial, traditional, and craftsman-style homes. The added shadow line gives the exterior more visual depth without being overly ornate.

Shingle & Shake Siding

Shingle and shake siding replicates the look of individual wood shingles or hand-split cedar shakes. Shingle profiles have a smooth, uniform appearance, while shake profiles feature rough, irregular textures that create a rustic, cottage-like character. Both styles are most commonly used as accent elements — on gable ends, dormers, or upper stories — though some homes use them as the primary siding material for a full cottage or coastal aesthetic.

Vinyl and composite shingle siding is especially popular because it delivers the charming look of real cedar shakes without the maintenance burden. These products come in staggered and straight-edge panel configurations that install faster than individual shingles while creating the same visual effect.

Vertical Siding

Vertical siding panels run from the bottom of the wall to the top, creating a sleek, contemporary look that emphasizes height and clean lines. This style is particularly popular on modern, mid-century modern, and minimalist home designs. Vertical siding can be installed as flat panels with reveals, tongue-and-groove planks, or in combination with board and batten for added dimension.

Vertical siding is often used as an accent element to break up large expanses of horizontal siding, drawing the eye upward and adding architectural interest. It works especially well around entryways, on chimney chases, and on gable-end walls.

Mixing Styles for a Custom Look

One of the most effective ways to create a distinctive, high-end exterior is to combine two or more siding styles on the same home. This technique, called mixed-material or mixed-profile design, adds depth, visual interest, and architectural sophistication. Common combinations include:

• Horizontal lap + board & batten — Lap on the main body with board and batten on gable ends or accent walls
• Horizontal lap + shingle/shake — Lap on the lower level with shingle accents on upper stories or dormers
• Board & batten + stone veneer — Vertical siding with a stone wainscot or entry accent
• Dutch lap + vertical panels — Traditional lower sections with modern vertical accents

Our design consultants can help you visualize different combinations and find the perfect mix for your home's architecture and your personal style.

We Never Limit Your Choices

At Superior Industries, we work with multiple manufacturers and carry a full range of profiles, colors, and materials. Unlike contractors who push a single brand or style, we give you access to the complete spectrum of options so you can find exactly what is right for your home. Whether you want the classic simplicity of clapboard, the farmhouse charm of board and batten, or a completely custom mixed-profile design, we have the products and expertise to bring your vision to life.

Browse our types of siding comparison to learn about material options, or visit our siding FAQ for answers to common questions.

See the Options in Person

Photographs and descriptions can only tell you so much. The best way to choose your siding style is to see and touch real samples. Call Superior Industries at (303) 898-4303 or contact us online to schedule a free in-home consultation. We will bring a full selection of samples to your door so you can compare styles, colors, and textures right against your home.