Home Exteriors

Welcome to our massive house exterior photo gallery where you can get all kinds of exterior ideas by color, material, architectural style, vote for Your Preferred Home Exterior siding type and more. Also, check out our online visual paint software where you can upload a photo of your house exterior and apply hundreds of different …

Since the dawn of time, man has been using various materials to protect their home, group, family, and friends. Experts identify the thatched roof as the oldest construction material, using palm fronds, water reeds, and straw to protect it from the elements. While humankind has advanced quite a bit on roofing material selection, the goal of protecting …

The length of time your roof will last has a lot to do with the type of material used on the roof and the climate in your region. Not all roof types have the same aesthetic and life expectancy; some are tailor-made for particular conditions. Our discussion of the various roof types and how long …

Yes, you can paint roof shingles. No, you can’t paint roof shingles. What? You Can’t Paint Terra Cotta Tiles As noted by home improvement expert Bob Vila, the type of roof your home or business has decided whether or not you can paint it. If your structure uses terra cotta roof tiles, then you can’t paint …

The phrase, “you get what you pay for,” applies to most building materials. This can be especially true when looking at the variety of shingles available for roofing, and the price range is equally diverse. As the cost increases, the longevity of a roof increases also.  While every part of your building is essential, not …

There are three types of shingle sidings: scalloped, straight edge, or staggered. They can be made of hardwood, softwood, vinyl, or composite material. The real hardwood sidings can come from teak, garapa, and more. Meanwhile, softwood includes pine and Douglas fir among others.  Wood siding exudes a timeless appeal thanks to its homey texture and …

As we know, aluminum is one of the most used materials in the field of construction. For this reason, it is very common to have the metallic silver color that its finishes usually have. However, because it is also widely used in decoration and ornamentation, other shades can be sought. Contrary to what might be …

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home or are looking for a way to do your part for the environment, you’ve probably heard of solar roofing shingles. But what exactly are they and are they really worth the investment? Fear not – this guide will tell you everything you nee to know about solar roofing …

Vinyl siding, as reported by the Siding Authority, has a lifespan of two to four decades. It generally requires the least upkeep to stay in good shape for roughly 20 years or more, while other types of siding can last as long with regular maintenance. When it comes to vinyl siding, many property owners have no …

Although they all fall into the category of mid-century design, homes of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s used different siding products, making the homes of each decade stand out from one another. The house siding used in each decade resulted from a response to economic or cultural drivers of the time. After World War II, …

Quicklist: Types of Exterior House Siding  Board and Batten Log Wood Wood Shingle Horizontal Wood Vertical Wood Vinyl Metal  Brick  Stone Fiber cement Stucco Imitation stone/brick Engineered wood Insulated vinyl with EPS layer Concrete Glass Half-timbering on stucco Steel log    Regional U.S. Exterior House Siding Preferences homestratosphere.com   Exterior siding for homes and buildings …

Driveway gravel has many benefits for both practical and decorative purposes. It is a low-cost and easy-to-install option that can add visual interest and functionality to your property. There are many benefits to using gravel for your driveway. Gravel is an affordable option that can last for many years with proper maintenance. It is also …

Quicklist: Types of Roof Overhangs Shed Overhang Hip Overhang Flat Overhang Gable Overhang Awning Overhang Retractable Awning Overhang Juliet Awning Overhang Canopy Overhang Screened-in Porch Pergola Overhang Cantilever Roof Overhang Bonnet Overhang Curved Overhang Gambrel Overhang Hexagonal Overhang Mansard Overhang I never gave much thought to roof overhangs until recently. I live in a conventional …

Gutters protect your home and landscaping from damage caused by excess undirected water flow. If your gutters become clogged, they can overflow with water which can cause damage to your home’s foundation, and your roof, and even cause leaks in your windows and basement. To protect the structural integrity of your home and keep your …

Our homes protect us from all of the elements outdoors, but they are also subject to them. Sun, rain, dirt, and environmental pollution can all begin to wear on the exterior walls of our homes and begin to make them look worn. This damage can begin to affect the paint job, and mold and mildew …

How many different types of copper are there? The material has many applications, and can be used in everything from roofing to candlesticks. Let’s look at the history of copper, how it can be used, and where it comes from!  The History of Copper Copper was first used by man over 10,000 years ago. A …

If you have a large mansion or a ranch style abode and you want to make an entrance, then you go with a double front door. If you are trying to take full advantage of a space that demands attention, then you do want to go with the double front door. But if you own …

Do you have a small patio? Look no further for a complete list of ideas on how to furnish it, to create a beautiful backyard space. From lounging to hosting dinner parties, all of these furniture ideas will have you covered.  As sunny days and warmer nights start making their approach, now is the perfect …

The Pueblo Revival style or Santa Fe style is a regional architectural style of the Southwestern United States, which draws its inspiration from Santa Fe de Nuevo México’s traditional Pueblo architecture, the Spanish missions, and Territorial Style. It’s revival in New Mexico was unique and created a stamp on the city.  While Arizona, New Mexico, …

What is Japanese burn board technique, or Shou Sugi Ban? Originating in 18th century Japan, shou sugi ban is a particularly striking method of preserving wood by charring it with fire. It may seem that charring wood is a way to break it down, but charring is actually an ancient technique that is tried and true …

There are many architectural and design movements that have influenced where we are today, and the German Bauhaus movement in one of them. If you’ve ever seen a building or chair with bold clean lines, then you’ve most likely seen something influenced by Bauhaus.  The German term Bauhaus—literally “building house”—was understood as meaning “School of …

You’ve most likely seen all the standard roof designs and you’ve probably looked right past them. You probably don’t think a whole lot about roofs until you see one that really stands out as a design that’s actually interesting and unique. And if a roof is ever going to seriously turn your head, it’s probably …

Quicklist: Types of Houses Single-Family (detached) Condominium Apartment Co-op Townhome Bungalow Ranch  Cottage Cabin Chalet Multi-Family In-law Suite (aka basement suite) Barndominium Carriage/Coach House Tiny home Mobile Home Mansion Yurt Floating on Water Residence Tree House Castle Palace Chateau Villa Manor Fort Underground  Cave Container  Split-level Farmhouse Stack House “I” Type  Prairie Cape Cod Hut …

Planning to buy or build a house in a suburban area? Take a look at our compiled list of suburban houses that are absolutely magnificent and get unlimited ideas for your dream suburban home! Related: Types of Lots | What if You Just Bought a Plot and Built a Home | Types of Houses | Home …

Related:  Types of Roof Vents | Types of Roof Trusses | Types of Roof Overhangs | How Long Do Roofs Last What is a hip roof? A hip roof or a hipped roof is a style of roofing that slopes downwards from all sides to the walls and hence has no vertical sides. The hip roof is …

Most people like several architectural styles (aka house styles). I know I do. I’m partial to modern, Cape Cod, Mountain and Shingle home styles. 5 most popular house styles Here’s a snapshot of the 5 most popular house architectural styles based on monthly search volume: Ranch Craftsman Tudor Colonial Cape Cod If buying an existing …

People have different tastes when it comes to houses. Others would love classic and traditional homes, some may be drawn to vintage or rustic and there are minimalists who would prefer modern homes with their sleek and clean lines. The Adobe houses, on the other hand, have their own, unique characteristics. These houses usually have …

Farmhouses can be found mostly in rural areas. It is usually designed to look like a barn or an architecture dominated by wooden materials. Here in Homestratosphere, we gathered the most stylish farmhouses to give you ideas of how this style can look very stylish and modish. Photos A breathtaking view of this farmhouse designed …

Ever wonder why so many things in this world are improperly named? After all, strawberries aren’t berries and koalas aren’t really bears. Heck, Bostom cream pie isn’t a pie — it’s a cake! Storm windows are no better. They sound like something you need to put on your home ahead of hurricane season but storm …

Choosing the windows of your home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Windows can completely change the look of the house and they dictate how you’re going to live in it. Different windows open in different ways. Some are more energy-efficient than others, which affects how much you’ll pay on your utility …

Pretty houses are often associated with luxury. Thing is, a house does not need to be grand for it to be considered as dreamy. Each of us has our own taste when it comes to home designs. There are styes I would find pretty but not for some and the other way around. In this …

Cute houses can be small or huge. It can be bright and charming or dark and stylish. It really depends on the person’s take of cuteness. Now explore our handpicked cute houses designed by known architects around the globe. Related: Pretty Houses | Beautiful Houses | Luxury Houses Photos This home is named “Black Box” because …

If you were one of the many people who read the “Game of Thrones” books, or maybe “Lord of the Rings,” then you’re already familiar with the word “parapet.” Pretty much every single book set in any sort of medieval-like era mentions this word. The thing is, parapets aren’t just for thousand-year-old castles in Europe…or …

If you’ve ever driven through New Mexico or Arizona, you may have journeyed through neighborhoods that are reminiscent of the planet Tatooine from Star Wars. Not only due to the desolate and striking desert biome, but because of the unique structures that are seemingly built into the landscape. I myself experienced this when road-tripping from …

The art of using adobe mud for the home building has been around much longer than you may have thought (1200 CE to be precise!). Using earthen materials to create a home (if you live in a dry climate that is) is highly beneficial for yourself, and for the planet. If you’ve ever visited Taos, …

Jerkinhead actually sounds a bit like a sick burn. In fact, you may want to try it out on that annoying guy who’s always on your nerves. Unless he’s a roofing contractor, an architect, or a truly avid DIYer, he probably won’t know that this is actually a roof style and not a great insult. …

So, it sounds like “shed roof” is really just any roof you slap on top of a shed. And by one definition, that’s exactly what it is. But if you’ve got a shed with a roof, that roof has a specific name that refers to the design. As imprecise as “shed roof” may sound, this …

If you’re familiar with architecture in New England, then you’ve heard of a saltbox house before. This style was all over New England in the 1800s and you can still find saltbox homes all over the area to this day. But it’s not so much about the house itself. It’s really the roof that makes …

Hey, it’s always great when you’ve got a frosty mug of beer. But what if you add a bowl of pretzels to that thirst-quenching drink? How about putting the game on the big screen TV, too? Now, you’ve taken that beer to a whole new level of awesomeness. The mansard roof is pretty much the …

It’s the 1940s. TV still isn’t even really a thing. Soldiers are returning from overseas. And all over the U.S., life is booming. Factories are turning out goods at fast speeds, car companies are putting new designs on the roads, people are having lots and lots of children. And in the neighborhoods among the shade …

When you’re out driving, walking, or riding, you’ll always notice the silhouette of a gambrel roof right away. You probably have no idea what it’s called, where it came from, or how old the design is, but you are definitely familiar with this roof. The gambrel roof is one of those designs that crop up …

You may not know what it’s called, but you know the gable roof. This is the roof you probably picture as soon as you think of a roof. It’s the roof that children always draw when they’re creating a picture of a house. It’s the most common and recognizable roof style in the U.S. But …

So, you may not be able to figure out what a drill press does just from the name or reason your way to discovering the function behind a bradawl. But some things are named for exactly what they are, like a screwdriver. This is the case with the hip and valley roof. Put simply, this …

Like most people, you probably think of a bonnet as one of those old-fashioned hats women used to wear. You might not even know that your house can have a bonnet, too. The bonnet roof is one of the most unique roof designs, but most people have no idea what it’s called. Find out what …

Fancy houses are very popular because of their charming looks in both interior and exterior. Check out these fancy houses we have compiled and got ideas for your own fancy home. Related: Pretty Houses | Beautiful Houses | Luxury Houses | Cute Houses Photos A fancy house finished in black, designed by BENT Architecture. It’s a …

People have different dream houses, whether it’s a traditional or modern home, or maybe set in the middle of the woods or situated in a busy city. But dream houses have some things in common, and that is the exciting features and amenities that it offers. Take a look at these dream houses we have …

Related: House Exterior Colors | White Exterior Houses | Natural Wood Exterior Houses | Green Exterior Houses | Blue Exterior Houses | Yellow Exterior Houses | Red Exterior Houses  Photos Outside view of the house showcasing its black exterior surrounded by the tall trees around the home. Focused look at this house’s stunning exterior and warm …

Large houses are perfect for large families and for families who have lots of friends to invite. Whatever style large houses are paired to, they’re going to look so amazing, whether it is Mediterranean, modern, contemporary, or traditional. With that said, here are some of the large houses we have gathered for everyone to enjoy. …

Even though priced at a very expensive rate, luxury houses are worth it because of their high-end quality and long-lasting materials, along with their elegant finishing touch. With that being said, here are some of the best luxury houses we have gathered for everyone to enjoy. Related: Adobe Houses | Farm Houses | Pretty Houses | …

A stone or brick home has a timeless elegance that many love but redoing your siding to be made of stone or brick is expensive, time-consuming, and you need to hire a contractor. However, faux stone and brick veneer gives you that timeless elegance for a significantly lower price and you can install it yourself. …

Cleaning gutters is one of those things many folks can do themselves, but as you’ll see with our nifty gutter cleaning cost calculator, it’s not all that expensive. You can save yourself 3 to 6 hours of unpleasant work parting with a couple of hundred bucks. The thing is, many people can’t navigate ladders all …