Creative Ways to Use Vertical or Shake Vinyl Siding as an Accent Feature
- Staff
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
Vinyl siding doesn’t have to be one color and one style across your entire home. Adding accent features like vertical siding or vinyl shake siding can dramatically improve curb appeal and make your home stand out without the cost of re-siding the whole exterior.
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are the most popular (and effective) ways to incorporate these accents into your home’s design.
1. Gable Peaks
What They Are:
Gable peaks are the triangular upper sections of your exterior walls where two sloped sides of the roof meet. They naturally draw the eye upward and are a perfect place to add a different siding style.
Why It Works:
Breaks up large stretches of horizontal siding.
Adds texture and visual interest to the roofline.
Works especially well with shake siding, which gives a more traditional, handcrafted look.
Common Pairings:
Horizontal lap siding on the main walls with shake siding in the gables.
Vertical siding in the gables for a more modern farmhouse style.
Cost Consideration:
Since gable areas vary, upgrading to shake or vertical siding here can cost between $2500-$6,500.
2. Entire Front of the Home
What It Is:
Covering the entire front facade with shake or vertical siding while leaving the sides and back with standard horizontal vinyl siding.
Why It Works:
Creates a high-impact transformation visible from the street.
Allows you to upgrade the “show” side without the cost of re-siding the entire house.
Works well in neighborhoods where homes look similar — helps yours stand out.
Style Ideas:
Vertical board-and-batten siding across the full front for a farmhouse or craftsman look.
Shake siding across the front for a cozy, cottage-style charm.
Cost Consideration:
Covering the whole front could run $3,000–$9,000, depending on width and height of the home, but still much less than doing all four sides.
3. Partial Front Accents
What It Is:
Using shake or vertical siding only on certain sections of the front facade — not the whole front, but large enough areas to make an impact.
Why It Works:
Lets you highlight key areas like around the entryway, porch, or under second-story windows.
More budget-friendly than covering the entire front.
Flexible — can be as subtle or bold as you want.
Style Ideas:
Shake siding from ground to roofline just in the central section of the home.
Vertical siding on the porch area with horizontal siding elsewhere.
Cost Consideration:
Ranges widely from about $1,500–$5,000 depending on the amount of accent area and material chosen.
4. Naturally Divided or Separated Parts of the Exterior
What It Is:
Some homes have architectural breaks — like bump-outs, bays, sunrooms, or sections divided by trim boards or stonework. These naturally separated areas are perfect for a different siding style.
Why It Works:
Makes use of your home’s existing structure to create visual variety.
Draws attention to unique architectural features instead of hiding them.
Avoids the “patchwork” look since the divisions are already built into the home.
Style Ideas:
Shake siding on a bay window section.
Vertical siding on a garage bump-out.
Mixing shake siding above a lower stone veneer.
Cost Consideration:
Often only a few hundred square feet, so accents in these areas can be done for $1,500–$3,500 on average.
Comparison Chart of Accent Siding Options
Accent Location | Visual Impact | Typical Cost (Installed) | Best For | Style Pairings |
Gable Peaks | Moderate | $1500–$6,500 | Adding texture above main siding | Shakes for traditional, vertical for modern farmhouse |
Entire Front | High | $3,000–$9,000 | Maximum curb appeal without doing all sides | Vertical for farmhouse, shakes for cottage look |
Partial Front | Medium-High | $1,500–$5,000 | Highlighting key architectural features | Any accent style, often contrasted with main siding |
Naturally Divided Sections | Subtle–Medium | $1,500–$3,500 | Drawing attention to bays, bump-outs, or trim-separated areas | Shakes on bays, vertical on garage bump-outs |
Tips for Choosing Your Accent Style
Match the Architecture: Farmhouse, craftsman, and coastal styles often look best with vertical siding. Cottage and traditional styles shine with shakes.
Consider Color Contrast: Lighter main siding with darker accents (or vice versa) makes the features pop.
Think Long-Term: Choose a style and color you’ll still love in 10+ years.
Plan for Maintenance: Vinyl shakes and vertical panels are just as low-maintenance as horizontal siding, but choose quality products for durability.
Bottom Line:
Whether you highlight gable peaks, re-style the entire front, focus on partial sections, or play up naturally divided areas, accent siding can transform your home’s exterior. It’s a cost-effective way to boost curb appeal and give your home a unique personality without a full siding replacement.
In the market for a siding upgrade? If you live within our service area and want a free consultation about how to maximize your siding replacement project and really stand out from your neighbors, give us a call at (877) 846-9566 or fill out the form below to get started. You can also schedule your free inspection or estimate online.
