How To Choose Siding for Craftsman Style Homes
- Sep 13, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Siding Options to Enhance Your Craftsman Home
Upgrading the siding on a Craftsman home requires a balance of historical accuracy, durability, and modern performance—especially in the Portland climate.
Upgrading Siding on a Craftsman-Style Home
Craftsman homes are known for their natural materials, detailed trim, and timeless design. Choosing the right siding helps preserve that character while improving long-term performance.
Popular siding options for Craftsman homes include:
■ HardiePlank® Fiber Cement – durable, low maintenance, and ideal for Portland’s wet climate
■ Cedar Siding – authentic wood appearance with natural warmth and texture
■ Stone Accents – adds depth and architectural detail to columns, bases, and entryways
A combination of these materials is often used to create the classic Craftsman look.
Work With Portland’s Craftsman Renovation Experts
At Lifetime Remodeling Systems, we specialize in Craftsman siding replacement and exterior renovations throughout the Portland Metro Area.
With over 25 years of experience, we guide homeowners through:
■ Design planning and material selection
■ Preserving architectural integrity
■ Modernizing performance while maintaining style
■ Full siding, window, and roofing upgrades
📞 Call: 503-242-4242
What Features Constitute the Craftsman Style?
Craftsman homes are known for their distinct character, natural materials, and detailed craftsmanship. While each home is unique, several architectural styles fall under the Craftsman category.
Common Craftsman Home Styles
■ Bungalows Cozy, typically single-story homes featuring large front porches with tapered columns, low-pitched roofs, and detailed elements like stained glass.
■ Mission-Style Influenced by Spanish design, these homes often include stucco walls, arches, terra-cotta roofs, and decorative tile work, along with courtyards and verandas.
■ Prairie-Style Popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright, this style emphasizes horizontal lines, rows of windows, and low-profile roofs with wide overhangs.
■ Four Square A practical and symmetrical design, these homes are typically two stories with four rooms per floor and a large covered front porch—ideal for city lots.
■ California Craftsman A more traditional Craftsman style featuring low-pitched roofs, exposed details, and inviting porches often enhanced with trellises or wood accents.
Key Design Characteristics
Across all styles, Craftsman homes typically include:
■ Low-pitched rooflines with wide overhangs
■ Exposed beams and detailed woodwork
■ Prominent front porches with tapered columns
■ Natural materials like wood and stone
■ Strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces
Common Craftsman Characteristics
Craftsman homes are defined by their focus on natural materials, detailed craftsmanship, and timeless design elements.
Key features include:
■ Use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick
■ Typically darker, earth-toned exterior color palettes
■ Clean lines with strong horizontal emphasis
■ Intricate woodwork and handcrafted details
■ Low-pitched, often gable-style roofs
■ Wide, overhanging eaves
■ Prominent, covered front porches
■ Tapered columns or pillars at entryways
■ Emphasis on quality craftsmanship and architectural detail
The Evolution of the Craftsman Style
A Timeless Architectural Journey
Craftsman homes originated during the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th century, led by Gustav Stickley.
The goal was simple—create high-quality, functional homes that emphasized craftsmanship, natural materials, and thoughtful design.
1920s–1940s: The Classic Era
During this period, Craftsman homes became widely popular across the United States.
Key characteristics of this era:
■ Built in growing residential neighborhoods
■ Adapted to different regions and climates
■ Gave rise to styles like the California Bungalow and Prairie Style
■ Focused on simplicity, function, and handcrafted detail
1950s–1970s: Decline & Revival
After World War II, architectural trends began to shift.
Decline:
■ Craftsman homes fell out of favor
■ Mid-century modern design became more popular
■ Simpler, faster construction methods dominated
Revival:
■ Renewed interest in historical architecture in the 1970s
■ Appreciation for craftsmanship and natural materials returned
■ Homeowners began restoring original Craftsman homes
1980s–Present: The Modern Craftsman Home
In recent decades, Craftsman homes have made a strong comeback.
Today’s Craftsman homes blend:
■ Traditional architectural details
■ Modern layouts with open-concept living
■ Energy-efficient materials like fiber cement siding
■ Updated systems and smart home technology
This evolution creates a perfect balance between timeless design and modern performance—especially
Common Siding Styles For Craftsman Homes
#1: HardiePlank® Siding
HardiePlank® siding is one of the best options for updating a Craftsman home while maintaining its classic aesthetic and architectural detail.
It offers the look of traditional wood siding with significantly improved durability—making it ideal for Portland’s climate.
Why Portland Homeowners Choose HardiePlank Siding
Key benefits include:
■ Exceptional durability in wet and changing climates
■ Versatile design options for Craftsman-style homes
■ Strong resistance to moisture, rot, and pests
■ Low maintenance compared to wood siding
■ Flexible styles including lap, shingle, and vertical panel
Performance Meets Craftsman Design
HardiePlank siding pairs well with natural materials like cedar and stone, allowing you to create depth, contrast, and texture while maintaining the clean lines and timeless character of a Craftsman home.
Compared to wood siding, it offers:
■ Similar aesthetic with greater longevity
■ Lower long-term maintenance costs
■ Better performance in the Pacific Northwest
#2: Cedar Siding
Cedar siding offers a natural, authentic look that perfectly complements the character and detail of Craftsman-style homes.
Its rich grain patterns and warm tones make it a top choice for homeowners looking to preserve a traditional Northwest aesthetic.
Why Portland Homeowners Choose Cedar Siding
Key benefits include:
■ Natural beauty with unique grain patterns and warm tones
■ Complements exposed beams, trim, and detailed woodwork
■ Timeless appearance that enhances Craftsman design
Durability & Performance
Cedar performs well in the Pacific Northwest when properly installed and maintained.
■ Naturally resistant to moisture, decay, and insects
■ Can last for decades with proper care
■ Performs best with a well-designed drainage system
■ Benefits from high-quality coatings like Benjamin Moore Regal Select
Energy & Comfort Benefits
Cedar siding also adds functional value to your home.
■ Natural thermal insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures
■ Sound dampening improves interior comfort
■ Supports energy efficiency when paired with proper wall systems
Work With a Portland Siding Contractor For Your Craftsman Reside
At Lifetime Remodeling Systems, we specialize in Craftsman siding replacement using high-performance materials like HardiePlank.
📞 Call: 503-242-4242
Design Decisions to Consider When Updating Your Craftsman Home’s Siding
Choosing the right siding design for a Craftsman home can feel overwhelming—but the right guidance makes the process simple and enjoyable.
Visualize Your Project Before It Begins
Design plays a critical role in achieving the right balance of style, materials, and architectural detail.
At Lifetime Remodeling Systems, we provide advanced design services to help you make confident decisions for your siding replacement project.
Our process includes:
■ 3D renderings using HOVER technology
■ Realistic before-and-after visualizations
■ Material and color selection guidance
■ Design recommendations tailored to Craftsman homes
This allows you to see exactly how your siding, trim, and accents will look—before construction even begins.
CONTACT US For A Free In Home Consultation
Replace Your Siding With Portland’s Craftsman Exterior Remodeling Experts
Lifetime Remodeling Systems brings decades of experience in Craftsman home siding design and installation throughout the Portland Metro Area.
We combine premium materials, expert craftsmanship, and a proven process to deliver results you’ll be proud of for years to come.
Built for Design, Performance, and Longevity
As a trusted Portland siding contractor, we specialize in transforming Craftsman homes with:
■ High-quality siding materials built for the Pacific Northwest
■ Custom exterior designs tailored to your home
■ Detailed craftsmanship that preserves architectural character
■ A seamless, professionally managed remodeling experience
See Your Project Before It Begins
Using advanced HOVER technology, we provide realistic renderings so you can visualize your completed project before construction starts.
This ensures confidence in every design decision—from siding and trim to color and layout.
Schedule Your Free In-Home Consultation
Ready to upgrade your Craftsman home?
📞 Call: 503-242-4242
