Menu
Curb Appeal3 min

Deep Dive: Best Exterior Choices for Cape Cod Homes

Cape Cod–style homes are among America’s favorite residences because of their simple, yet charming cottage design. The style emerged during the late 1600s as colonists built traditional British cottages and adapted them for the harsh New England winter climate.

The best Cape Cod cottages are simple in design with little ornamentation, like the traditional American Colonial–style homes that were built in areas farther south during a similar time period. These practical cottages were built to be sturdy and efficient to properly heat during harsh winters.

What are the main design elements of a Cape Cod house? 

  • Compact, rectangular footprint with either one story or one-and-a-half stories

  • Symmetrical design with center front door and large central chimney

  • Steep roofs with side gables

  • Windows positioned close to roofline; dormers were added later for more light

  • No front porches

  • No decorative flourishes

Like most homes built by pioneers, early houses featured wooden clapboard siding and shutters. The ocean wind weathered homes over time, turning them into a light gray color. If homes were painted, it was often white. Some homeowners added shake shingle siding, but only to the front of the house.

Cape Cod–style homes fell out of favor in the late 1800s when Victorian styles topped design trends. In the 1930s to 1950s, the affordable Cape Cod design became popular again. However, this time its footprint was larger—the second story was built with more bedrooms and dormer windows were added. Homeowners used a bit more ornamentation, including extra trim around the front door and windows.

Which Cape Cod exterior siding looks best?  

Drawing inspiration from the home’s architectural roots, Cape Cod–style homes are typically re-sided in wood siding. If you own a Cape Cod cottage and experience blustery New England weather—or any kind of extreme storms—practicality requires you to look at the most durable finishes. 

Engineered wood products, such as LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding, allow homeowners to mimic the look of traditional wood yet assure long-term durability due to its engineered wood technology that helps to protect against hail, wind and Nor’easters. Add additional charm to your cottage with elements like LP® SmartSide® Cedar Texture Shakes to accentuate the front of your home’s siding or gables.

Which Cape Cod exterior color scheme looks best?

As mentioned, if Cape Cod–style homes were painted in the early days it was traditionally white—both body and trim. In the 20th century Cape Cod cottages were painted in conservative colors, staying with a gray, blue-gray, sage or buff palette (in addition to the ever-popular white). Trim is almost always in white or a very light color. Consider an option like LP® SmartSide® ExpertFinish® Trim & Siding, a prefinished option available in 16 versatile colors, including many of the popular palettes mentioned above that specifically complement the Cape Cod’s classically modern home design.

Ready to start shopping? This article explores three factors to consider when shopping siding.

Continue Reading

Business Solutions

5 min

What's the Value of a Warranty?

Warranties are everywhere, from small consumer products to commercial machinery and everything in between. Sometimes it feels like you need a law degree to understand the terms of a warranty.

Continue Reading
Maintenance7 min
What Should Homeowners Prioritize in a Build?

Whether it's a new phone, clothes, or a family car, today we’re often resigned to the fact that the new things we own won’t last forever. However, there is one thing that we still expect to endure for the long haul, and that’s our homes. 

Renovation8 min
How to Approach Your Siding Project Like a Pro

Re-siding your home can completely transform its look and increase curb appeal exponentially, but completing a re-side is a big job and a significant investment. If you’ve never done it, it’s hard to know what to expect and how to prepare for a siding replacement. 

Trends7 min
Everything You Need to Know About Board & Batten Style Siding

Board and batten style siding is enjoying a resurgence as a way to create visual interest in an otherwise blank wall. Many believe board and batten style is a timeless look that can leave your home’s exterior with major curb appeal for years to come.