Okay, so you’ve got a brick house and you’re thinking about adding some siding to really level up your home’s curb appeal. You’re in the right place! Combining siding with a brick house can be a total game-changer for your exterior—giving it a fresh, modern twist while still keeping that classic, solid brick charm. Whether you’re looking to add some texture, mix materials, or just get your house looking like a total Pinterest mood board, we’ve got you covered.
In this guide, we’re going deep into the siding with brick combo—why it works, how to pick the right material, the best color combos, and everything you need to know to get that perfect look. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Why Mix Siding with a Brick House?
First things first: why would you want to mix siding with a brick house? Brick is already a classic, right? True, but mixing in siding brings a whole new level of style and versatility. Here’s why:
1. Visual Interest
Brick is beautiful, no doubt, but a whole house covered in brick can feel a little heavy or monotonous. Adding siding—whether it’s wood, vinyl, fiber cement, or something else—breaks up the brick, adding layers of texture and dimension. It can give your home a modern vibe while keeping that timeless brick appeal.
2. Cost-Effective Makeover
Bricking an entire house can be pricey. If you’re thinking of adding an addition to your brick home or just refreshing its look, siding is a much more affordable way to cover large areas. Plus, it’s faster to install than brick and requires less maintenance.
3. Customizable Vibes
Mixing siding with brick gives you so many options when it comes to design. You can create bold contrasts or subtle transitions depending on the color and style of siding you choose. Want your house to stand out? Use a bold siding color to pop against the brick. Prefer something more subtle? Stick to neutral tones and let the brick take center stage.
4. Energy Efficiency
Certain types of siding, like insulated vinyl or fiber cement, can improve your home’s energy efficiency. Adding these materials alongside your brick can help regulate indoor temperatures, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Types of Siding for a Brick House
When it comes to pairing siding with brick, the type of siding you choose can make or break the look. You want something that complements the brick but also adds its own unique touch. Here are the top contenders:
1. Vinyl Siding
Affordable, low-maintenance, and available in just about any color you can think of, vinyl siding is a popular choice for pairing with brick. It’s easy to install and lasts a long time with very little upkeep. For a brick house, you could go with a contrasting color like gray or blue, or stick with something classic like white.
2. Fiber Cement Siding
Looking for something a little more durable? Fiber cement siding (like HardiePlank) is a fantastic option. It mimics the look of wood but is way more resistant to the elements. Plus, it’s fire-resistant, making it a super safe option. This type of siding pairs beautifully with brick, especially in natural tones like beige, taupe, or even a muted green.
3. Wood Siding
If you’re into the modern farmhouse look or just love the warm, natural vibes of wood, adding wood siding to a brick house is a vibe. You can go with cedar, pine, or even reclaimed wood for an earthy, organic feel. The contrast between the rough, rustic texture of wood and the solid, clean lines of brick? Chef’s kiss.
4. Metal Siding
If you’re aiming for a more industrial or ultra-modern look, metal siding can be a cool and unexpected pairing with brick. Corrugated metal or sleek aluminum siding can give your home a futuristic edge, and when paired with a brick foundation, it creates a bold contrast that really stands out.
5. Stone Veneer
Okay, so this one isn’t exactly siding, but if you’re after that luxe, high-end look, consider pairing your brick with stone veneer. It adds texture and richness, and when done right, it can make your house look like a million bucks. Pairing stone with brick might sound risky, but when balanced well, it can look both timeless and modern.
Best Color Combinations for Siding and Brick
Let’s be real—color is everything. When mixing siding with brick, the right color combo can make or break your home’s aesthetic. So, how do you choose the perfect colors?
1. Classic White Siding with Red Brick
This is one of those timeless combos that never goes out of style. White siding against red brick gives your home a clean, fresh look that screams classic Americana. You can keep the white super crisp for a modern feel or go with an off-white for a softer, more traditional vibe.
2. Gray Siding with Brown Brick
For a more contemporary feel, go with gray siding. It pairs beautifully with brown or reddish-brown brick, creating a sophisticated look that’s not too loud but still super chic. Gray siding also works as a neutral backdrop, allowing you to play with accent colors in things like shutters, doors, and trim.
3. Navy Blue Siding with Light Brick
Want to go bold? Pair navy blue siding with light or whitewashed brick. This combo is striking and gives off serious coastal or New England vibes. It’s perfect if you want your home to stand out without going too over the top.
4. Black Siding with Red or Orange Brick
If you’re not afraid to make a statement, black siding with red or orange brick is ultra-dramatic and modern. This color combo looks incredible on contemporary or industrial-style homes, giving off major “this house belongs in a magazine” energy.
5. Earth Tones with Natural Brick
For a more rustic, earthy feel, stick with earth-toned siding like beige, taupe, or light brown. This works well with natural brick colors, giving your home a harmonious, warm aesthetic. It’s laid-back, timeless, and easy on the eyes.
Installation Tips for Siding with Brick
Mixing siding with brick isn’t just about slapping on some boards and calling it a day. Here are a few pro tips to make sure your siding installation is seamless:
1. Mind the Transition
One of the trickiest parts of mixing brick and siding is making sure the transition between the two materials looks intentional. You don’t want it to look like an afterthought. Use trim pieces or molding to create a clean, polished separation between the brick and siding.
2. Focus on Balance
When adding siding to a brick house, it’s all about balance. You don’t want one material to overpower the other. If your house has a lot of brick, consider using siding on smaller sections (like gables, dormers, or a second story) to keep things looking balanced.
3. Choose the Right Siding Style
Just like colors, the style of siding you choose matters. For a modern look, go with horizontal siding or vertical board-and-batten siding. If you’re going for a more traditional vibe, lap siding or shiplap siding pairs beautifully with brick.
4. Get the Right Contractor
Mixing materials like brick and siding requires a bit more finesse than sticking with one material. Make sure you hire a contractor who’s experienced in combining materials and can give your home the perfect finish.
Maintenance Tips for Brick and Siding
So, you’ve nailed the look—your house is serving major curb appeal goals with the perfect brick and siding combo. But how do you keep it looking fresh?
- Clean Your Siding Regularly: Depending on the material, your siding may need a gentle wash once or twice a year to keep dirt, grime, and mildew at bay.
- Check for Cracks or Damage: Every so often, inspect both the siding and brick for any signs of cracks, loose panels, or other damage. Catching problems early can save you from bigger (and more expensive) issues down the road.
- Seal the Brick: Over time, brick can absorb moisture, which can lead to mold or erosion. Apply a brick sealant every few years to keep your bricks looking sharp and protected.
- Paint Touch-Ups: If you’ve gone with painted siding, be prepared for touch-ups as the paint can fade or chip over time. Keep some extra paint on hand for quick fixes.
Pros and Cons of Mixing Siding with Brick
Pros:
- Visual Interest: Adds layers of texture and makes your home stand out.
- Cost-Effective: Siding is more affordable than brick and can cover large areas for less.
- Customizable: Tons of options for materials, colors, and styles to create a unique look.
- Energy Efficiency: Certain sidings, like vinyl or fiber cement, can improve insulation and lower energy bills.
Cons:
- Matching Issues: Finding the perfect match between siding and brick can be tricky.
- Maintenance: While siding is low-maintenance, brick requires some upkeep (like sealing) to prevent damage.
- Potential for Clashing: If not done right, mixing materials can look disjointed or mismatched.
Is Siding with Brick Right for Your Home?
At the end of the day, mixing siding with a brick house is all about balance, creativity, and a little bit of boldness. It can give your home a fresh, modern look without losing the classic charm that brick brings to the table. Whether you’re renovating, adding an extension, or just want to give your house a facelift, siding and brick can be the perfect power couple for your exterior.
So, ready to mix things up? With the right materials, colors, and installation, your home could be the best-looking spot on the block.