What Is Vertical Siding? 6 Best Styles For Your Home

When it comes to giving your home a fresh, updated look, siding plays a major role—not just in curb appeal, but also in protection and energy efficiency. Among the many design choices available today, vertical siding has seen a rise in popularity for its bold appearance and versatility. Homeowners in Mankato and surrounding areas are starting to embrace this trend, especially when planning exterior upgrades. If you’re exploring materials or layouts for an exterior remodel, you can find helpful inspiration and options to guide your project right here on our site.

What you’ll learn in this blog:

• Why vertical siding is growing in popularity across Minnesota
• Key benefits and style options to consider
• How vertical siding compares to traditional horizontal styles
• Maintenance, cost, and design considerations for your home
• Which styles work best for specific home types

Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Vertical Siding

While horizontal lap siding remains the standard for many homes, vertical siding offers a fresh design direction that blends modern looks with classic appeal. Whether you’re building new or updating an existing home, vertical layouts can dramatically shift the way your exterior is perceived.

• Unique Curb Appeal: Vertical siding makes homes stand out with clean, architectural lines that add visual height and dimension.
• Design Flexibility: It works well as a full exterior option or as an accent paired with traditional siding, brick, or stone.
• Improved Drainage: Rain and snow slide off vertical panels more easily, which can help reduce moisture buildup in wet climates like Mankato and surrounding areas.
• Compatible With Multiple Materials: Vertical patterns are available in vinyl, engineered wood, fiber cement, and metal—making it easy to match your budget and design style.
• Visual Height: The upward orientation draws the eye, which can make single-story homes feel taller and more open.

6 Best Vertical Siding Styles for Residential Homes

Not all vertical siding looks the same. There are several layout styles and textures to choose from, each offering a slightly different aesthetic and feel. Below are the top vertical siding designs to consider for your home exterior.

1. Board and Batten

One of the most iconic vertical styles, board and batten features wide vertical planks with narrower strips (battens) covering the seams. This creates a rhythmic, layered appearance that feels both rustic and modern.

• Often used in farmhouse and cottage-style homes
• Works well as a full siding or accent on gables or dormers
• Available in vinyl, fiber cement, and engineered wood

2. Vertical Panels

These long, flat panels provide a sleek and uninterrupted look. With no battens or grooves, they’re often chosen for contemporary and minimalist home designs.

• Ideal for modern homes and urban infill construction
• Can be smooth or textured for wood-like grain
• Often installed with hidden fasteners for a clean finish

3. Shiplap

Although traditionally used inside, shiplap is now making its way to exterior designs with modified weatherproof materials. It offers a clean, horizontal overlap with a subtle reveal that works vertically for a fresh twist.

• Narrow reveal lines add visual texture
• Common in modern farmhouse and transitional homes
• Typically available in engineered wood and fiber cement

4. Corrugated Metal

For ultra-modern or industrial-style homes, corrugated vertical panels in steel or aluminum can create a bold statement.

• Extremely durable and low-maintenance
• Excellent weather resistance in snow-prone regions
• Popular for garages, cabins, or accent areas

5. Reverse Board and Batten

This style flips the traditional board and batten look by installing battens behind the panels instead of on top. It creates a more subtle vertical texture and smoother visual surface.

• Cleaner lines for contemporary homes
• Still provides the layered effect of standard board and batten
• Available in select engineered wood and cement-based options

6. Channel Rustic

With a deep groove or notch at regular intervals, channel siding delivers a bold shadow effect that works beautifully when applied vertically.

• Adds depth and drama to exterior walls
• Often used in luxury and custom home designs
• Available in wood-look fiber cement and wood alternatives

Vertical vs. Horizontal Siding: Which Is Right for You?

While both orientations serve the same basic function, they can create very different looks and require slightly different installation approaches. Here’s how they compare.

While horizontal lap siding is still the most common choice, mixing in vertical siding on specific areas—such as second stories, gables, or entryways—can add depth and interest without completely changing the home’s aesthetic.

Maintenance and Material Considerations

Choosing the right material for your vertical siding project will impact maintenance needs, cost, and long-term durability. Here are the most common options used in vertical designs.

Vinyl

• Budget-friendly and low-maintenance
• Easy to clean with a garden hose
• Limited texture options compared to wood or fiber cement

Fiber Cement

• Excellent durability and fire resistance
• Can be painted or prefinished in dozens of colors
• Requires occasional repainting or touch-ups

Engineered Wood

• Offers authentic wood grain with better resistance to rot
• Lighter and easier to install than fiber cement
• Needs sealing and painting every 10–15 years

Metal

• Rust-resistant finishes available for long-term use
• More expensive but ultra-durable
• Best for accent areas or specific architectural styles

When installed properly, all of these materials can last decades and withstand the freeze-thaw cycles common in Mankato and surrounding areas.

Design Tips for Making the Most of Vertical Siding

A few smart design choices can help maximize the look and function of your vertical siding.

• Mix Orientations: Pair horizontal siding on the main body of the house with vertical siding on dormers, porches, or garage walls to create contrast.
• Use Color Blocking: Choose complementary tones for vertical accent areas to enhance architectural features.
• Highlight Gables: Vertical siding works exceptionally well in triangular gable ends, where horizontal boards would require extra cuts.
• Incorporate Stone or Brick: Use vertical siding above or beside masonry materials to balance textures and break up large wall surfaces.
• Choose Matching Trim: Coordinated window and corner trim enhances the clean lines created by vertical siding.

Local Insights for Mankato and Surrounding Areas

Homes in southern Minnesota face specific climate challenges, which makes material and design choices even more important.

Weather Performance

Vertical siding can help reduce moisture buildup thanks to its downward panel orientation. Combined with a rain screen or furring strip system, this layout provides added ventilation.

• Especially helpful during heavy spring rains or snowy winters
• Prevents warping or mildew caused by trapped moisture

Home Styles in the Area

In Mankato and surrounding areas, many homes feature craftsman, split-level, or ranch-style architecture. Vertical siding can offer a modern update without clashing with these styles.

• Use vertical siding to break up long horizontal facades
• Great for rear additions or detached garages
• Adds character to older homes undergoing renovation

Regional Popularity

Vertical board and batten is particularly popular in Minnesota’s rural and suburban neighborhoods, where homeowners value the rustic charm and durability it offers.

• Blends well with barns, sheds, and accessory structures
• Seen often in white, gray, or earthy green tones

Start Your Siding Project With Confidence

Vertical siding is more than just a trend—it’s a practical, stylish, and lasting option for homeowners looking to refresh their exteriors. Whether you want to enhance a modern build, add character to an older home, or create contrast with horizontal elements, vertical siding offers versatile appeal.

If you’re ready to explore styles and materials that match your home and budget in Mankato and surrounding areas, contact us today to start the conversation. Puetz Construction is here to help you design and build a beautiful, low-maintenance exterior that adds value for years to come.