The homeowners of this North Oaks, MN home wanted to move on from their dated exterior. The combination of faded vertical cedar siding and old brick made the home look tired and out of step with its beautiful wooded setting. Their goal was to create a warm, cohesive design that introduced texture, modern lines, and lasting materials—anchored by a new front portico that would completely redefine the home’s entry.
Project Specs
Location: North Oaks, Minnesota
Home Style: Two-story traditional home surrounded by mature trees
Problem: Dated brick and weathered vertical cedar siding that lacked contrast and curb appeal
Solution: Replace old materials with durable, modern James Hardie products and a custom-built portico featuring natural stone
Colors: James Hardie Timber Bark lap siding and straight-edge shakes, Khaki Brown trim, Black fascia
Accents: Boral V-Groove soffit, Orijin Stone in Oyster Bay, Standing seam black metal portico roof, Cedar ceiling and brackets
Result: A unified, modern exterior blending natural textures with architectural precision
Certifications: James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor
Project Overview
This North Oaks, MN renovation began with a home whose dated brick and vertical cedar siding had seen better days. The homeowners wanted a cleaner, more cohesive design that still respected the wooded character of their neighborhood. Craftsman’s Choice delivered a full exterior transformation that emphasized natural materials, modern lines, and unmatched durability.
We removed the existing brick and cedar siding and installed James Hardie lap siding and straight-edge shakes in Timber Bark. The deep, earthy tone anchors the design while Khaki Brown trim provides crisp definition. The black fascia frames the rooflines, complementing the surrounding landscape and giving the home a polished, timeless look.
To add warmth and character, we built a new custom portico as the home’s focal point. The portico features Orijin Stone in Oyster Bay on the columns, a cedar V-groove ceiling, and custom cedar brackets that tie the architectural details together. The standing seam black metal roof adds a sleek, modern finish while providing long-term performance.
The same Oyster Bay natural stone was used to reface the chimneys, unifying the design across the façade. Paired with Boral V-groove soffits and James Hardie fascia, the result is a complete exterior system that blends craftsmanship, color, and texture—ready to stand up to Minnesota’s seasons for decades to come.
This project showcases lasting design with Minnesota-ready performance. Every element—from the fiber cement siding to the natural stone and metal accents—was selected to resist moisture, impact, and temperature extremes. The combination of durable James Hardie products and carefully chosen natural materials ensures that this home will maintain its curb appeal, integrity, and warmth through countless Minnesota winters and humid summers alike.
FAQs
1. Why did the homeowners replace both the siding and brick?
The existing materials were outdated and mismatched. Replacing them with Hardie siding and stone allowed for a cohesive design with modern performance.
2. What makes Timber Bark such a popular siding color?
Timber Bark is a rich neutral that pairs beautifully with both natural stone and wood, creating warmth without overwhelming the design.
3. Why choose Orijin Stone for the portico and chimney?
Orijin Stone’s Oyster Bay color offers subtle variations of cream and gray, adding elegance and durability that withstands Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles.
4. What’s the advantage of a standing seam metal roof on a portico?
Standing seam roofs provide excellent weather protection, clean lines, and a modern contrast to traditional materials like stone and cedar.
5. How does James Hardie perform compared to wood siding?
James Hardie fiber cement resists moisture, rot, and pests—delivering the look of wood with minimal maintenance.
Glossary
- Straight-Edge Shakes: Uniform fiber-cement panels that mimic cedar shakes for consistent, timeless texture.
- Portico: A covered entry supported by columns that enhances curb appeal and protects the entryway.
- V-Groove Soffit: Tongue-and-groove boards that create a linear, natural-wood look under roof overhangs.
- Fascia: The finishing board along a roof’s edge that supports gutters and provides a clean transition.
- Standing Seam Roof: A premium metal roofing system featuring raised interlocking seams for watertight durability.
