The latest trends in siding and external materials

In the third annual national survey recently conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Alside, U.S. homeowners once again voted off-white/cream as the most popular siding color (18 percent) if they were going to update the color of their home exterior in 2025.  

This classic, understated hue continues to dominate the market, according to Alside, as the research shows over two in five U.S. homeowners (42 percent) say they would choose a "timeless neutral look" if selecting an exterior home color in 2025.

"The persistent appeal for neutral and classic aesthetics like off-white and cream lends to the versatility of the palette and ability to enhance curb appeal without overpowering the overall design of a home," said Ryan Gibson, Alside's business director, vinyl & composite cladding. "These hues are a timeless choice that are less likely to become outdated or decrease your home's resale value, making them a smart choice for homeowners no matter which part of the United States they live in. They also provide a solid foundation to designing a home that allows for a more personal touch giving accent colors and features space to make a statement."

Conversely, bold colors are the least likely to be chosen by homeowners. In fact, one-third of U.S. homeowners (33 percent) say one of the colors they would most likely avoid if updating their home exterior in 2025 is red.

"There is certainly a place for bolder colors in home exteriors. They are often used more prominently in certain architectural styles and can add a vibrant, eye-catching element when used thoughtfully. The key is to balance it with neutral tones and consider the overall style of the home and neighborhood," adds Gibson.

Exterior color preference breakdown
The survey, which covered a representative sample of over 1,300 U.S. homeowners, revealed that off-white/cream (18 percent) was the preferred choice among homeowners if they were going to update the color of their home exterior in 2025, while white (16 percent), light brown (13 percent), light gray (11 percent) and medium blue (8 percent) rounded out the top five color choices.

When adding complementary colors to accent the exterior of the home, about three in five American homeowners (62 percent) typically match the trim with their siding color. Other answers include:

• Shutters (43 percent)
• Porches and decks (38 percent)
• Roofing (32 percent)

When asked how they would choose the exterior color, homeowners cite several key factors. In addition to selecting a timeless neutral look (42 percent), top answers include:

• Cost (36 percent)
• Availability (25 percent)
• Their spouse or significant other will pick (22 percent)
• Based on something they saw in a magazine/home improvement show (20 percent)
• Meets HOA/local guidelines (20 percent)

Among homeowners, women are more likely than men to say they would go for the timeless neutral look (48 percent vs. 37 percent) or would choose based on something they saw in a magazine/home improvement show (24 percent vs. 16 percent). Meanwhile, men are more likely than women to say their spouse or significant other will pick (28 percent vs. 16 percent).