Top 5 Siding Styles for Montana Homes

When it comes to giving your home a fresh look and long-lasting protection, siding plays a major role. But with so many styles to choose from, how do you decide what’s right for your home?

At MCLC Contracting, we specialize in LP® SmartSide® siding with Diamond Kote® finish—an unbeatable combo of strength, beauty, and low maintenance. And thanks to LP’s wide variety of design profiles, you can customize your exterior to match your style and Montana’s rugged charm.

Here are the Top 5 Siding Styles that look great and perform even better in our local climate.

Classic. Clean. Timeless.

Lap siding—also known as horizontal lap—is one of the most popular choices for Montana homes. It mimics the look of traditional wood boards while offering superior performance through engineered wood technology.

✅ Works well on ranch homes, farmhouses, and modern builds
✅ Available in various reveal sizes (how much board is visible)
✅ Clean lines add visual width to your home

Best For: Homeowners who want a traditional or modern style with strong curb appeal.

Rustic meets modern farmhouse.

This vertical siding style is quickly growing in popularity, especially in rural and mountain settings. It offers a bold, structured look with alternating wide boards and narrow battens (strips).

✅ Creates vertical visual height
✅ Excellent for accent walls or full-house installations
✅ Looks amazing with Diamond Kote’s color selection

Best For: Cabins, cottages, and homes with rustic or craftsman-style architecture.

Texture and charm with modern performance.

Want to add a warm, cottage-like feel to your home without dealing with real cedar maintenance? Engineered wood shakes are a beautiful solution.

✅ Great for gables, dormers, and upper stories
✅ Mimics the rich texture of hand-split cedar
✅ No rotting, curling, or repainting

Best For: Accents and detailing that boost curb appeal on traditional and craftsman homes.

Sleek and modern, yet timeless.

This narrow horizontal siding profile creates a subtle, shadowed “nickel gap” between each panel. It’s perfect for homeowners who want something clean and unique.

✅ Sharp, minimal look
✅ Excellent for modern, coastal, or mid-century homes
✅ Pairs well with mixed materials (metal, stone, or wood)

Best For: Contemporary homes or remodels where simplicity speaks volumes.

A bold, custom look that turns heads.

The most eye-catching homes often combine two or more siding styles. Think: lap siding on the main body, vertical board & batten on the gables, and shakes around the porch.

✅ Adds dimension and interest
✅ Lets you personalize your home’s exterior
✅ Boosts resale value and curb appeal

Best For: Homeowners who want to stand out and make a statement.

Montana’s climate is no joke. Whether it’s snow, wind, or sun exposure, your siding has to do more than just look good.

At MCLC Contracting, we help you choose siding styles that:

✔ Complement your home’s architecture
✔ Perform well in our climate
✔ Fit your personal taste and long-term goals
✔ Are backed by industry-leading warranties

Whether you’re building new or remodeling, we can walk you through a full siding design consultation—from style and color to layout and trim.

📞 Call (406) 412-2036
🌐 Visit www.mclccontracting.com
📍 Proudly serving Deer Lodge, Butte, Missoula & all of Western Montana