I’ll be looking at a few outdated ranches this week. I suppose you can say that’s more of a challenge than restoring an old farmhouse. In anticipation of this possible project, I’m trying to come up with some fun ideas for the exterior.

Now since money is the main factor, as long as the -ugh- vinyl or aluminum siding is in good shape, the least expensive thing to do would be paint it some funky color. Yes, these surfaces can be painted as long as they are properly prepped. The cute yellow house above has painted aluminum clapboard.

Remember that awesome bungalow in The Rockaways? Corrugated metal seems like a more modern and tasteful approach than your run of the mill siding.

Board and batt can work with any style home, from a church to a barn. If it’s a straight siding job, you can assemble and paint before installation. Sure, there will be touch up, but it should be much easier than painting once it’s attached to the house. You can and should also pre-paint wood clapboard.

This is 4’x10′ sheets of hardipanel ripped down to 24″ and painted. As long as it keeps the water out and isn’t crazy to maintain, there are plenty of materials out there that can be used as alternatives to plain ole’ siding.

Here’s what they call “Redneck Siding”. What does it say about me that I love it? And it can be made from 100% recycled materials!

 

Can’t decide? Why not mix it up? Here’s a variety of reclaimed materials that would probably work well on a raised ranch as there varying depths on the exterior.