Explore the Latest in Exterior Trends

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Durable Wood for Exterior Applications

Many people love the look of wood on their homes, but they’re afraid to invest in a natural material that can be damaged by the elements. And very few of today’s homeowners have the time or skill to perform regular maintenance and maximize the lifespan of exterior wood. That’s why synthetic and composite alternatives have grown so popular, but they don’t provide the same appeal as natural wood and eventually end up as plastic waste in landfills. If you’d like an eco-friendly, real-wood solution that performs well through the seasons without upkeep, look into modified wood!

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Cladding That Complements Your Exterior

Finishing your home’s exterior gives you plenty to think about, and one of the first things you’ll decide is what to use on your walls. Have you considered cladding? Although often used synonymously with siding, cladding is actually thicker, more durable, and installs without overlapping. It also creates a rainscreen system because it isn’t nailed down against the waterproof wall sheathing; furring strips or rails keep the cladding securely in place while maintaining a gap between the exterior wall surface and the boards to allow drainage and evaporation. This nifty arrangement blocks the wall from the vast majority of moisture from the get-go, but it’s also prepared to release any that infiltrates the gap before it can cause damage. Rainscreen cladding is preferred in very wet climates, but it can provide peace of mind elsewhere, too.

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What Goes into a Great Deck?

Outdoor living space is what you make it, and there are a lot of choices to make along the way. Decks are particularly diverse—they can be covered or open, stay close to the house or extend well out, and include everything from basic patio furniture to full outdoor kitchens and living rooms. Whatever sort of deck you want to create, the most important part that goes into it is the decking. Here are some aspects of a great deck to help you make the best choice!

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High-Performance Vinyl Siding Options

When it comes to choosing siding for your home, it can be hard to find the right balance between cost, looks, and durability. There are so many diverse options that many homeowners have trouble making the final decision, but they often find that vinyl siding checks all the boxes. It offers a variety of attractive profiles and colors at an affordable price. It’s the most popular siding choice in the United States and can be engineered to withstand the environmental challenges of different regions—here’s how vinyl siding can perform to meet your expectations!

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Decorative Touches to Define Your Home

Have you found the perfect home plan but feel that your design needs a little something extra to stand out on the block? Decorative touches such as shutters, crossheads, louvers, gable pediments, and brackets are a great way to personalize your new home. Here are some design ideas to really increase your curb appeal!

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