Questions about how vertical and horizontal siding will look on a finished home come up often in Kansas City. The two layouts show up differently across the region, and one style is far less common outside the local area, which makes the comparison important during exterior planning.

Our construction work in 39 states and more than 16 years with James Hardie fiber cement provides a clear view of where each layout appears, how selections are made, and how cost shapes the final design.

What We See With Vertical And Horizontal Siding Across the Country

Across the United States, true vertical siding is rare. Based on our work in many regions, we have only seen vertical siding used inside a 50 to 60-mile radius around Kansas City. Outside that area, lap siding is the layout homeowners consider for their homes.

This does not make either group right or wrong. It shows that siding layout is a preference choice. When Kansas City homeowners ask whether both styles will look right on their home, we help them understand how each layout appears so they can choose what fits their taste.

Key Takeaway: Vertical and horizontal siding both work. The choice depends on what you prefer, not on rules from other regions.

How the Budget Affects the Final Siding Plan

Understanding the Cost Difference

Vertical siding generally costs 30 to 45 percent more than lap siding. Once homeowners see that difference in a full estimate, it often affects what they choose. Many people like the look of vertical siding but decide it would prevent them from updating other parts of the home.

We work with homeowners who realize the higher cost means they cannot get a new front door or new windows. When that happens, many decide that lap siding helps them stay within their overall budget while still achieving a look they like.

Helping Homeowners See the Options

Some homeowners have a hard time visualizing what vertical and horizontal siding will look like on their house. To help with that, we can create custom design renderings and show real addresses in Kansas City where each layout is installed. This makes the choice easier because they can see both options clearly.

Pro Tip: Review how vertical siding affects your ability to complete the rest of your project. This helps you decide which parts of the home matter most right now.

Need expert help with your siding project? Contact Fairway Exteriors for a free consultation.

Why Many Kansas City Homes Use Lap Siding

Performance Observations

Lap siding has performed well on the homes we work on. It drains and deflects water effectively, and less water gets trapped behind it. From what we have seen over many projects, lap siding has historically performed better than other siding layouts.

What We See in Local Neighborhoods

We live in Fairway, and lap siding is used on many new tear-downs around our area. If you look from the Plaza down to around 103rd Street on Mission Road or Nall Avenue, those new builds are using lap siding.

We also see lap siding used on homes in the three-million-dollar range. That tells us the same layout can fit well in homes of different values.

Using Vertical And Horizontal Siding Together

Many homes use more than one siding style. This is common when homeowners want a specific look in certain areas without using the same layout everywhere.

We often install combinations that include:

• Lap siding on three sides
• Hardie shingle or Hardie vertical on the front
• Hardie vertical in peaks and gables

We also see siding mixed with stone, brick, or stucco when homeowners want different materials on the home. These combinations match what we see throughout Kansas City.

Key Takeaway: Mixing siding types is a simple way to change the look of key areas while keeping the rest of the home consistent.

What Guides Most Homeowners Toward a Final Choice

From our experience, preference and budget determine about ninety percent of siding decisions. Once homeowners see the cost difference and view clear examples, they choose the layout that fits their goals.

Start Your Siding Project With Fairway Exteriors

If you are comparing vertical and horizontal siding and want clear pricing and design guidance, we can help. We show real examples, create renderings, and walk you through the decision so you feel confident in how your home will look.

Contact Fairway Exteriors today to schedule your siding consultation and review your options.