Match Exterior Siding and Trim
Nothing says "addition" louder than mismatched siding. Finding an exact match—or knowing when to replace an entire side—is crucial for making your addition look like it was always part of your home.
Quick Summary
Time needed
3-7 days
Cost
$3,000-$15,000+
Professional help
Siding contractor
Why This Step Matters
Your addition will be judged primarily on how well it blends with your existing home. Mismatched siding is the most common visual giveaway of an addition—even small differences in color, profile, or texture are noticeable. The good news is there are solutions for almost every matching challenge.
Plan Early
Siding matching should be researched during design—not discovered as a problem during construction. If your siding is discontinued, you need time to explore alternatives or budget for replacement.
Finding Your Match
Identify Your Current Siding
Before you can find a match, you need to know exactly what you have. Remove a small piece from an inconspicuous area (behind a downspout, under a window) to take to suppliers.
- Measure: Exposure width, thickness, profile shape
- Document: Manufacturer name (often stamped on back)
- Material: Vinyl, fiber cement, wood, aluminum, etc.
Contact the Manufacturer
If you found a manufacturer name, contact them directly. Many keep product lines active for decades, and even "discontinued" products may still be available through special orders.
Pro tip: Major manufacturers like James Hardie, CertainTeed, and LP SmartSide have dedicated matching services. Send them photos and measurements—they may identify exact products or recommend closest matches.
Visit Multiple Suppliers
Bring your sample to at least three building supply stores. Different distributors carry different product lines, and an exact match at one store might not exist at another.
Where to look: Not just Home Depot and Lowe's—try specialty siding suppliers, local lumberyards, and architectural salvage yards for discontinued materials.
Consider Color Matching vs. Color Fading
Even if you find the exact product, your existing siding has likely faded. A perfect "new" match may look noticeably different next to 20-year-old weathered siding.
- New vinyl will often fade to match within 1-2 years
- Fiber cement can be repainted to match after installation
- Power washing existing siding may reveal original color
When You Can't Find an Exact Match
If your siding is discontinued or impossible to match, you have several options:
Replace One Entire Side
Replace all siding on the wall where the addition connects. This creates a natural "break point" at corners. The addition and connecting wall will match perfectly, and corner differences are less noticeable.
Cost impact: Adds $2,000-$5,000 for a typical wall
Replace All Siding
If matching is impossible and your siding is aging anyway, use this as an opportunity to reside the entire house. This guarantees a perfect match and may increase home value more than the additional cost.
Cost impact: Adds $8,000-$25,000 depending on home size
Use Complementary Materials
Instead of trying to match, intentionally use a different but complementary material. For example, if your house has horizontal lap siding, use board-and-batten or shake siding on the addition as an intentional design accent.
Best for: Bump-outs, second stories, or prominent additions
Salvage from Hidden Areas
Remove siding from areas that will be covered by the addition and use it on visible transition areas. Then install new (non-matching) siding on the now-hidden areas. Creative, but requires careful planning.
Matching Trim and Details
Don't forget about trim—fascia, soffits, corner boards, and window surrounds must also match. These details are often harder to match than siding itself.
Window and Door Trim
- - Measure width and profile exactly
- - Check if painted or prefinished
- - Aluminum wrap can be custom colored
- - PVC trim can match any paint color
- - Wood trim may require custom milling
Fascia and Soffits
- - Aluminum soffit is usually matchable
- - Vinyl soffit varies by manufacturer
- - Wood fascia can be custom painted
- - Don't forget drip edge matching
- - Gutters should match house, not addition
Corner Boards
- - Critical for seamless transitions
- - Measure width and thickness exactly
- - PVC corners resist rot and match paint
- - Inside corners often need custom work
- - May need to replace existing corners too
Decorative Elements
- - Shutters (match or replace all)
- - Gable vents (usually replaceable)
- - Decorative brackets (custom order)
- - Light fixtures (relocate existing)
- - House numbers and mailbox
Matching by Siding Type
| Material | Match Difficulty | Best Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | Moderate | Many profiles still available; color may fade to match |
| Fiber Cement | Easy | Standard profiles; repaint entire side if color differs |
| Wood Clapboard | Moderate | Custom mill if needed; paint matches easily |
| Aluminum | Hard | Often discontinued; consider full replacement |
| Brick | Very Hard | Specialty matching; may need complementary approach |
| Stucco | Moderate | Texture matching critical; color can be tinted |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra siding should I order?
Order 10-15% extra for waste and future repairs. If this is an unusual or discontinued product, order 20-25% extra. It's much easier to return excess than to find a matching lot later.
Should I wash my existing siding before matching?
Absolutely. Dirty siding can look several shades different from its true color. Power wash the house before taking samples to suppliers. This also helps identify any existing damage that should be repaired during the project.
Can I mix vinyl and fiber cement siding?
You can, but it requires careful planning. The different thicknesses mean trim details won't align exactly at transitions. It works best when the materials meet at a natural corner or design break, not mid-wall.
Will my insurance cover siding replacement if we can't match?
No—homeowner's insurance covers damage, not cosmetic matching for additions. However, if your existing siding was damaged during construction, the contractor's liability insurance might cover replacement of that specific area.
Ready for the Next Step?
With your siding matched and installed, the next critical integration step is the roof—where your addition's roofing must blend seamlessly with your existing roof to prevent leaks and maintain curb appeal.