FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Exterior Siding and Trimwork - Page 5 of 25

Just like interior trim, siding and exterior trim details go a long way toward defining the architectural and stylistic character of the house. What’s on the outside of the house is the very first thing visitors are going to see, instantly creating an impression that’s positive or, well, not so much.

Carpenters will need a variety of trim carpentry techniques in order to tackle this important building element: how to install siding, how to paint siding, even how to remove siding when it needs replacement. Choosing colors, and combining different types of siding, are important design skills.

Back in the good old days, builders had relatively few choices when it came to choosing a type of siding. There was brick, pine clapboards, cedar shingles or shakes, and possibly board-and-batten in a locally available softwood. These days, a builder might still choose one of those standbys. But the question now may be how to install vinyl siding, or whether vinyl siding can be painted. In some parts of the country, choosing a fire resistant siding is essential. Builders having trouble locating high-quality cedar shingles may turn to vinyl cedar shake siding, or fiber cement that looks just like western red cedar. Each option is a little different, not only in cost and appearance but how it’s installed.

Exterior trim presents many opportunities for stylistic expression. Modern designs are clean and precise. Craftsman Bungalows and stately Colonials are still going to turn heads when the builder gets the details right. New materials like vinyl and fiber cement offer a level of weather resistance and low maintenance not possible a generation ago. Whatever your preference, Fine Homebuilding authors have the experience to show you how.

  • Tools for Vinyl Siding

    Legendary builder Larry Haun outlines the tools you'll need for cutting and installing vinyl siding.

  • How to Install Clapboard Siding

    Carpenter Andy Engel explains how to calculate board exposure, use a story pole for layout, and securely fasten clapboard siding.

  • How to Install Fiber-Cement Siding

    Follow these guidelines for laying out, cutting, and nailing fiber-cement siding for an efficient, good-looking job.

  • Installing Cedar Shingles

    Cedar shingles are the most labor-intensive siding choice; builder Andy Engel shares his tips and techniques for a trouble-free installation.

  • Installing J-Channel for Vinyl Siding around Windows

    Follow these guidelines for cutting and installing J-channel around windows before fitting the vinyl siding panels.

  • How to Install Wood Corner Boards

    Learn tips for fitting and fastening this detail commonly found on traditional homes with clapboard or shingle siding.

  • Aluminum Fascia Fabrication and Installation

    Get tips for using a sheet metal brake to fabricate and fit new fascia out of aluminum coil stock before installing vinyl siding.

  • How to Install a Vinyl Soffit

    Learn how to lay out, cut, and fasten a vinyl soffit before you install the siding panels.

  • Install Vinyl Siding Panels

    Follow along with Larry Haun and a Habitat for Humanity crew as they install vinyl siding on a house.

  • Modular Modern Cladding System

    Terracade ceramic tiles offer a host of benefits over traditional siding materials, including low maintenance, fire protection, and an integral rainscreen assembly.

Page 5 of 25 Previous
  • 1
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 25
Next

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data