15 Creative Split Level Siding Ideas for Your Home

Updating the siding on a split-level home can feel like a tough task.

Many homeowners struggle to highlight the unique shape of these houses, often ending up with a flat look that hides their best features. I’ve seen this problem firsthand working with clients who want to refresh their homes.

I can help you transform the exterior of your split-level into something special. With the right siding choices, you’ll enhance your home’s unique structure, adding value and curb appeal.

In this guide, I’ll share 15 creative siding ideas that work perfectly for split-level homes. From mixing materials to smart color choices, these tips will help you maximize your home’s unique design.

15 Creative Split-Level Siding Ideas for Your Home

1. Contrast Different Levels

Adding varied textures and colors to each section of your split-level home creates clear visual breaks. Try using brick on the lower level with vinyl siding above or stone accents around the entry with fiber cement on the upper floors.

This method helps guests notice your home’s unique structure while making the layout easier to understand from the street.

2. Color-Blocking for Depth

Using bold and subtle color pairings adds depth to your home’s exterior. Could you paint the middle section in a standout hue while keeping the upper areas in lighter tones? This trick draws the eye across different parts of the house, making it look more spacious and well-designed. Dark lower sections with lighter upper areas can make your home appear taller.

Gray, taupe, and white siding create a clean base for your split-level home. Add wood-look panels around the entry or upper sections for warmth and texture. This blend looks fresh without trying too hard. The neutral backdrop lets your windows, doors, and other design elements stand out, while wood touches bring a natural feel that stops the look from becoming plain or cold.

3. Modern Neutrals & Accents

Gray, taupe, and white siding create a clean base for your split-level home. Add wood-look panels around the entry or upper sections for warmth and texture. This blend looks fresh without trying too hard.

The neutral backdrop lets your windows, doors, and other design elements stand out, while wood touches bring a natural feel that stops the look from becoming plain or cold.

4. Mixing Brick & Siding

Pairing brick with siding gives your split-level home lasting charm. Use brick on the lower level for a strong base, then add siding above to lighten the look. This mix works with many styles, from traditional to updated classics. The different materials naturally mark where one level ends and another begins, showing off your home’s steps and stages subtly.

5. Wood Paneling for Warmth

Wood panels bring natural beauty to split-level homes. Use cedar or pine boards on the middle section to create a focal point. The grain patterns add rich detail that vinyl can’t match. The wood siding looks good with almost any other material, making it perfect for accent walls or entryway highlights. The color deepens over time, giving your home a lived-in, cozy feel that new materials can’t copy.

6. Stone Veneer for Graceful

Stone veneer turns ordinary split-level homes into standout properties. Apply it around the front door or lower level to create a base that looks solid and costly. The texture catches light and shadow throughout the day, adding depth to flat walls. Stacked stone patterns work well with modern or rustic designs, letting you pick a style that matches your taste and neighborhood setting.

7. Fiber Cement for Longevity

Fiber cement siding offers split-level homes both style and staying power. Made from sand, cement, and wood fibers, it stands up to harsh weather without fading, cracking, or needing much upkeep. It comes in many styles—from wood-look planks to smooth panels—letting you match your home’s character. The material takes paint well, so you can change colors down the road without replacing the siding itself.

8. Metal Siding for an Industrial Edge

Metal siding brings a clean, sharp look to split-level homes. The flat, smooth panels create strong lines that highlight your home’s angles and steps. Steel or aluminum options come in many colors, from silver to matte black.

The metal catches light in ways other materials can’t, making your home look different as the sun moves. This choice works well for making older split-levels look fresh and forward-thinking.

9. Garage-Integrated Siding

Many split-level homes feature a level hanging above the garage. Turn your garage door into a design feature by treating it as part of your overall siding plan. Paint it to match accent walls or trim for a pulled-together look. Black garage doors with matching light fixtures create focus against light-colored siding.

This approach turns what could be a plain feature into a key design element that ties the whole house together.

10. Layered Entryway Siding

Make your front door area stand out by framing different siding materials. Stone or brick around the entry with contrasting siding above pulls the eye toward your door.

Wood panels or board-and-batten siding near the entry adds depth while creating a clear path for guests. This focused approach makes even wide split-level homes feel more welcoming and helps visitors know exactly where to go.

11. Accent Walls with Vertical Siding

Adding vertical siding to one section of your split-level creates instant visual interest. While most homes use horizontal siding patterns, a vertical accent wall breaks this pattern well.

You can try it on the tallest part of your home or around the entry area. The up-and-down lines make walls look taller and draw the eye upward. This small change can make your house look more current and thoughtfully designed.

12. Balcony & Overhang Integration

Adding a balcony or roof overhang to your split-level home’s upper floor creates style and function. Could you extend the siding material onto these features for a smooth, connected look? Matching the railing color to your window trim ties everything together.

This addition gives your home extra outdoor space while adding depth to the exterior. The shadows cast by these features add natural dimension throughout the day.

13. Retro-Inspired Siding Combinations

Split-level homes often have mid-century roots worth celebrating. Honor this history with siding choices that nod to the past while looking fresh today. Combine smooth panels with textured sections in a pattern that follows your home’s lines.

Earth tones like olive, rust, or gold paired with cream or tan create a retro feel without looking dated. Adding wood-look panels in key areas adds warmth that balances the clean lines of modern materials.

14. Staggered & Stacked Designs

Your split-level home already has a built-in stepped look; smart siding choices can make this even better. If your house has multiple stair sets and offset floors inside, echo this pattern outside.

Use different siding types or colors that follow the natural breaks in your home’s structure. This approach turns what might seem like a design challenge into your house’s best feature, creating depth and interest from the layout alone.

15. Transitional Siding for a Hybrid Look

Combining old and new siding styles creates a balanced look that appeals to many tastes. Pair classic lap siding with smooth modern panels for a home that feels updated but not too trendy.

Use traditional materials like cedar shakes on gables while keeping the main walls clean and simple. This mix works well for split levels, which often sit between eras in home design. The result feels current but has staying power beyond fads.

Conclusion

These siding ideas can turn a plain split-level into a home with real character. Each option highlights what makes these houses special – their built-in layers and steps.

The beauty of split-level siding is that you don’t have to pick just one approach. Many homeowners find that mixing materials and colors works best, with each choice flowing into the next across different house sections.

Your split-level has good bones and a unique structure worth showing off. Rather than hiding its stepped design, the right siding choices make these features shine.

Take another look at your home with fresh eyes. Those levels and angles aren’t problems; they’re opportunities to create something eye-catching with smart siding choices.