SIDING: Choose a color, design the details

Designed and built for the owner of a lumber yard and avid carpenter in 1948, this Michigan ranch house rests between tall trees, looking westward over the Rouge River basin. The original siding is milled, clear redwood with a 9 inch exposed lap, painted white. A natural split stone wall section and central chimney provide rich contrast to the horizontal shadow lines. Some years ago, in response to the pressure of rising heating cost, the original siding was drilled with holes for blown-in insulation and covered with “double-four” vinyl, which has since suffered normal wear and some damage from a severe wind storm.

We are looking for a change in the appearance of the house to address the necessary maintenance and, at the same time, emphasize our appreciation of the natural landscape where we are at home with deer, great blue herons, wood ducks, and red-tailed hawks. The house has a new roof of “Weathered wood” dimensional shingles. But we have to select colors and textures and some architectural details for the siding and doors.

Tags: color, design, details, paint, siding