Westminster Siding Replacement: LP SmartSide with Board & Batten and Lap in Cavern Steel
This Westminster home needed new siding. The old material had run its course, and the homeowners were ready for a full replacement that would hold up better and look significantly different from what they'd had before. They chose LP SmartSide Expert Finish siding and trim, a factory-primed engineered wood product, and worked with us on a two-style design that gave the exterior a much more intentional, finished look.
What We Did
- Removed the existing siding and prepared the exterior for new installation
- Installed LP SmartSide Expert Finish lap siding across the primary field areas
- Installed LP SmartSide Expert Finish board and batten panels in contrasting zones to create visual depth
- Applied Abyss black corner trims throughout the exterior
- Trimmed all windows and doors in white LP SmartSide trim for a clean contrast against the Cavern Steel body
- Completed the full scope with LP SmartSide trim throughout
Why the Material Choice Matters on Colorado Exteriors
Engineered wood siding performs differently than vinyl or fiber cement, and it's worth understanding what you're getting before committing to it. LP SmartSide products are built with a treated wood strand composite that resists moisture, impact, and the kind of temperature swings Colorado's Front Range sees regularly. Hot summers, cold winters, and dramatic shifts in between.
The Expert Finish line specifically comes with a factory-applied primer coat, which tightens up the surface before any field paint goes on. That matters because a properly sealed surface is less vulnerable to moisture intrusion, which is one of the more common long-term issues with wood-based siding products when they're not finished correctly.
The design approach on this project, mixing board and batten with lap siding, is also worth noting from a practical standpoint. Board and batten runs vertically, which means water sheds differently than it does off horizontal lap siding. When both styles are detailed and flashed correctly at the transitions, the result is a clean look that doesn't create vulnerable seams. Getting those transitions right is one of the more important parts of a mixed-profile installation.
A Modernized Exterior in Westminster
The combination of Cavern Steel panels, Abyss black corners, and white window and door trims gives this Westminster home a grounded, contemporary look that stands out on the street. The two-profile siding layout adds dimension that a single-style installation wouldn't have achieved. It's a solid material choice for a Colorado home, and the design decisions behind it were deliberate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LP SmartSide Expert Finish siding?
LP SmartSide Expert Finish is an engineered wood siding product manufactured by LP Building Solutions. It's made from treated wood strands and comes with a factory-applied primer, which prepares the surface for paint and helps protect against moisture. It's available in multiple profiles, including lap siding and board and batten panels.
How does engineered wood siding hold up in Colorado's climate?
Engineered wood siding is designed to handle temperature variation, humidity changes, and impact. Colorado's Front Range sees a wide range of conditions throughout the year, and LP SmartSide's treatment process is specifically aimed at reducing moisture absorption and resisting damage from those kinds of stresses. Proper installation and finishing are important factors in long-term performance.
What's the difference between board and batten and lap siding?
Lap siding runs horizontally, with each board overlapping the one below it. Board and batten runs vertically, with wide flat panels and narrow strips covering the seams between them. Many homeowners use both profiles on the same exterior to create visual contrast between different sections of the home.
How long does a full siding replacement project typically take?
The timeline depends on the size of the home, the complexity of the design, and site conditions. A straightforward replacement on an average-sized home might take several days to a week. A project with multiple siding profiles, detailed trim work, and color transitions like this one may take longer to complete properly.