Choosing the Best Materials for the Exterior of Your Home [Plus the Top 4 Most Popular Exterior Finishes]

When it comes to choosing the best materials for your home exterior, there are many factors to consider. Will the materials reflect the landscape and make sense when paired with the environment? Will the exterior finishes be durable and withstand the climate? Will the chosen building materials work with existing structures? When selecting exterior finishes, our DK Studio architects here in Austin, Texas consider the principles of exterior materiality. We are going to take you through the process of how to choose the best building materials for your home, plus share the 4 most popular exterior finishes we see used time and time again.

What is Exterior Materiality?

Exterior materiality refers to the concept of applying materials to the architectural design that complete the visual language of the home and compliment the architectural features, as well as the landscape and climate of the home’s location. The chosen materials should accentuate the home as well as draw people in.

At DK Studio, our architects believe that this is a key element of the architectural design process and that the exterior materials chosen should fit the style of the home, blend with materials on existing structures if necessary, provide durability for the climate, and reflect the on-hand materials of the area.

What are the Best Building Materials to Use in Texas?

As an architecture firm located in Austin, TX, our architects often get asked what are the best building materials to use in Texas. Some of the most popular materials we use in our Central Texas projects include natural stone, brick, Hardie board, and stucco.

These materials are not only durable enough to withstand the Texas heat and weather but they also reflect traditional materials used and the popular Hill Country style we often see utilized.

Choosing the Best Materials for Your Home Exterior

When it comes to choosing the best materials for your home’s exterior, you will have to first consider the style you are trying to achieve. Stone could create a rustic look, where brick and Hardi board could create a more traditional feel. Often, stucco is used to achieve a modern appearance. The application of the materials also makes a huge difference in how they convey an aesthetic. When working with an architect, they will be able to guide you to find something that reflects your personal style.

The Top 4 Most Popular Exterior Finishes

We see these top 4 exterior finishes used again and again for their durability, practicality, and unique style offerings. Let’s take a look at what each of these products has to offer.

1. Stone

Stone is a popular choice for its long lifespan and durability. People gravitate to it as a natural option that when properly sourced can be an eco-friendly building material. Stone can be easy to chisel and cut, offering various shapes, and it is available in numerous colors ranging from light to dark. The availability of rough cut, saw cut, and smooth cut as well as differing layup options, or how the stone is laid and patterned, offers a wide range of styles that can be achieved. You will see this material used on a rustic farmhouse or a luxurious estate.

In Texas, the two most common stones used are limestone and sandstone. Texas limestone is typically white, but can also appear with variations of browns, yellows, and grays. This porous stone is typically reserved for exteriors because it offers a unique texture that weathers beautifully. Sandstone offers a similar range of colors as limestone. It’s formed from compressed sand from within the earth, making it easy to carve but durable enough to last a lifetime.

2. Brick

Brick is an incredibly versatile and durable choice for a home exterior. Bricks come in a wide range of colors and sizes and can be laid in different bond patterns for both modern and traditional looks. A stacked bond could create a modern effect where a herringbone would fit perfectly in a traditional garden. Brick is often even painted over or slurry coated to achieve a cleaner look and further customize the color for the home. In many projects, we carry this design element into the interior in the form of a brick wall or floor which creates a more cohesive and textural feel. Brick requires very little maintenance, absorbs exterior noise, and provides optimal protection from the elements.

3. Hardiboard

Hardie board is a siding option that is a blend of concrete and composite materials. Unlike wood or vinyl siding, this material is impervious to rain, wind, and humidity and has a much longer lifespan. It won’t warp, swell, or rot and requires less maintenance. Hardi board is perfect for creating a traditional feel for a craftsman or bungalow style home. However, the product also offers a variety of sizes and shapes that fit a more modern aesthetic as well. You can finish your entire home in this product or simply accent with lap siding, trim, shingles, vertical siding, or soffit panels in a variety of textures, styles, and colors. In Texas, our clients tend to favor board and batten patterns as well as smooth lap siding.

4. Stucco

Stucco is a material made of Portland cement, sand, lime, and water. When applied correctly, this material has lasting durability, low maintenance, and resistance to the elements. It is crucial to properly place expansion joints when using stucco in locations that are functional and less noticed. During application, your tradesman can create a very modern, smooth, and clean finish for a contemporary look or add a more rustic texture for a more Mediterranean or Pueblo feel.

All of these materials are timeless and long-lasting, which is why they have remained some of the most popular choices for decades (and in some cases centuries!). Choosing the proper combination of colors, layups, and finishes are what determines the unique style and feel for your home.

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