The Different Types of Siding You’ll See in the Poconos (and How They’re Properly Painted)

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Interior & Exterior Painting Tips, Tricks and Local NEPA Stories

Let the Masonry Lead

Stone and brick give a home something paint alone cannot: texture, permanence, and natural variation. They can make a property feel established and connected to its surroundings, particularly in Northeastern Pennsylvania, where older homes often combine masonry with painted siding, trim, shutters, porches, and other architectural details.

But those same qualities can make exterior color selection more complicated.

Stone and brick are rarely one flat color. A single wall may contain several shades of gray, brown, tan, red, cream, or even subtle blue and green undertones. Choosing a paint color that looks attractive on a small sample can therefore produce a very different result once it is placed beside the masonry.

The best approach is usually not to find a paint color that matches the brick or stone.

Instead, find one that works with it.

For homeowners in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Dallas, Shavertown, Mountain Top, White Haven, and the surrounding Poconos, this distinction can make all the difference between an exterior that feels naturally coordinated and one where the painted areas seem disconnected from the masonry.

What Is an Accent Color on a Home Exterior?

The Difference Between Matching and Coordinating

Trying to match brick or stone exactly is often unnecessary — and sometimes impossible.

Natural masonry contains too much variation for a single paint color to reproduce it accurately.

Coordination is a better strategy.

For example, if your stone contains warm gray, cream, and brown tones, a soft greige may coordinate beautifully without looking like an attempt to imitate the stone.

Likewise, if your brick has deep red and brown tones, a muted green or warm charcoal can provide contrast while still feeling connected to the masonry.

Think of the exterior as a palette rather than a collection of separate materials.

Why Accent Colors Affect Curb Appeal

A home exterior is something people typically see from a distance before they notice individual details.

The primary siding or exterior color establishes the overall impression. Accent colors then help the eye understand where to look.

A darker front door can make the entryway feel more prominent. Contrasting shutters can frame windows. A carefully selected trim color can emphasize rooflines, dormers, or other architectural features.

In design terms, contrast creates visual hierarchy.

Instead of every exterior element receiving equal attention, the accent color tells the eye which features deserve emphasis.

That can make an otherwise plain exterior feel more architectural and considered.

Choosing White Paint Around Brick and Stone

White is one of the most popular exterior paint choices, but “white” is not one color.

Some whites have strong yellow undertones. Others lean gray, blue, cream, or beige.

This becomes especially noticeable beside masonry.

A bright, cool white may look crisp beside cool gray stone but can appear harsh next to warm red brick.

A softer warm white may blend beautifully with traditional brick but look yellow against certain cool-toned stones.

Before selecting white exterior paint, examine the masonry in natural light.

A white sample should be tested directly against the brick or stone whenever possible.

Consider the Roof, Too

Brick and stone are not the only permanent materials affecting exterior color.

The roof is another major visual element that typically remains in place for many years.

If the home has a dark charcoal roof, for example, a warm tan exterior may need different supporting colors than it would with a brown roof.

Consider the relationship between:

Masonry + Roof + Paint + Trim + Landscaping

These elements do not need to match.

They need to make sense together.

A home with red brick, a dark gray roof, cream trim, and muted green shutters can have significantly more visual depth than one where every element is painted a similar shade.

Consider the Roof, Too

Brick and stone are not the only permanent materials affecting exterior color.

The roof is another major visual element that typically remains in place for many years.

If the home has a dark charcoal roof, for example, a warm tan exterior may need different supporting colors than it would with a brown roof.

Consider the relationship between:

Masonry + Roof + Paint + Trim + Landscaping

These elements do not need to match.

They need to make sense together.

A home with red brick, a dark gray roof, cream trim, and muted green shutters can have significantly more visual depth than one where every element is painted a similar shade.

Accent Colors Should Support the Masonry

Once the main paint color has been selected, accent colors can provide another layer of definition.

Common accent areas include:

Front doors
Shutters
Garage doors
Porch railings
Window trim
Gables
Architectural details

The accent color can pick up a subtle tone from the brick or stone.

For example, a stone facade containing small amounts of dark charcoal might provide the inspiration for a charcoal front door.

A brick exterior with subtle dark brown tones might pair beautifully with a deep brown or muted green accent.

This creates a visual connection without making the entire exterior look overly coordinated.

Don’t Ignore Mortar Color

One detail homeowners sometimes overlook is the mortar between bricks or stones.

Mortar can have a surprisingly strong influence on how the masonry appears from a distance.

Light mortar can make brickwork appear brighter and softer. Darker mortar can emphasize individual bricks and create stronger contrast.

That means the overall appearance of the masonry is not determined by the brick or stone itself.

When selecting paint, consider the mortar as part of the visual field.

A warm white exterior may relate beautifully to light mortar, while a cooler gray could create a more contemporary contrast.

exterior house painting tan and dark shudders siding painting

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Color Choices for Wooded Homes in the Poconos

Homes in wooded areas have a particularly rich backdrop.

Instead of treating the trees as a challenge, use them as part of the color selection process.

Deep greens, natural grays, muted taupes, warm creams, and earthy neutrals can create a strong relationship between the home and its surroundings.

For a property surrounded by mature trees, a very bright exterior may create dramatic contrast. That can be beautiful, but it should be intentional.

A softer palette can create a quieter, more integrated appearance.

There is no requirement that a house in the woods look rustic.

A sophisticated neutral palette can feel just as appropriate while giving the property a polished presence.

The Bottom Line

Brick and stone give a home a head start when it comes to character. The right paint color should preserve that character while creating a cohesive relationship between masonry, siding, trim, roofing, and the surrounding landscape.

The most successful exterior palettes do not try to make every material look the same.

They let each material do its job.

Brick can provide warmth and texture. Stone can provide natural variation and permanence. Paint can frame those materials, highlight architecture, and introduce just enough contrast to make the entire exterior feel finished.

For homes throughout NEPA — from established neighborhoods around Wilkes-Barre to wooded properties near Harveys Lake and the Poconos — the surrounding environment is part of the design.

Start with what is already there.

Study the brick. Look closely at the stone. Notice the roof, mortar, landscaping, and natural light. Then choose paint colors that support those elements rather than fighting them.

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The Poconos is home to a wide variety of architectural styles, from cozy cottages to modern cabins. One key feature that defines a home’s appearance—and protects it from the region’s seasonal weather—is its siding. Understanding the different siding types and how to properly paint them ensures your home looks beautiful and stays well-protected for years.

Ensure your Poconos home will shine like a star in your neighborhood with cleanly installed and beautifully painted siding.

Common Siding Types in the Poconos

interior house painting bedroom and ceiling and trim

Wood Siding

Classic and charming, wood siding adds natural beauty to any home.
Requires regular maintenance, including cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting to prevent rot, warping, and moisture damage.

Vinyl Siding

Low-maintenance and durable, vinyl siding resists fading and moisture.
While it rarely needs painting, when repainting is desired, high-quality, acrylic-based exterior paint with proper cleaning and priming ensures long-lasting results.

Fiber Cement Siding

Made from cement and cellulose fibers, fiber cement offers durability and a premium look.
It holds paint well, but proper surface preparation—cleaning, priming, and using high-quality exterior paint—is essential to prevent cracking and peeling.

Aluminum Siding

Lightweight and resistant to rot, aluminum siding is often found on older Poconos homes.
To repaint, surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned, sanded, and primed with metal-appropriate primer to ensure adhesion and long-term protection.

Stucco or Synthetic Siding

Often used for a smooth, modern exterior finish.
Painting stucco requires high-quality, breathable exterior paint to avoid trapping moisture, which can cause cracking or mildew growth.

Make Your Home Stand Out in the Poconos with Premium Siding Choices

In the Poconos of Pennsylvania, standout homes balance luxury, durability, and comfort—while still fitting naturally into the mountain landscape.
Natural, Upscale Aesthetics: Earth tones, deep greens, charcoals, soft grays, and wood-look finishes complement forests, lakes, and mountain settings while delivering a refined, high-end appearance.
Premium Materials: Fiber cement and engineered wood provide the warmth of real wood with superior longevity and reduced maintenance—ideal for Pocono weather conditions.
Built for the Climate: Professional-grade paints and proper sealing protect siding from snow, ice, moisture, and summer humidity while maintaining a polished look year-round.
Comfort & Efficiency: Quality siding and finishes help reduce drafts, manage moisture, and support insulation for a quieter, more comfortable home in every season.
Subtle Luxury That Adds Value: Clean lines, smooth finishes, and expert workmanship signal quality to buyers, renters, and guests without looking out of place in Pocono communities.

Painting Tips for Longevity

Preparation is Key: Clean, sand, and repair siding before painting. This ensures paint adheres properly and lasts longer.
Use the Right Primer: Different siding materials require specific primers. Wood, fiber cement, and metal all benefit from primers that prevent peeling and weather damage.
Choose Quality Exterior Paint: High-quality paints resist UV rays, moisture, and temperature fluctuations—especially important in the Poconos’ seasonal climate.
Hire Professionals: Experienced painters know how to handle different siding types safely and efficiently, delivering smooth, lasting results.

Protect Your Pocono Home with Professional Siding Painting

Properly painted siding not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but also protects it from the Poconos’ harsh winters, humid summers, and frequent storms. Working with local professionals ensures the job is done right the first time, preserving your investment for years to come.

Refresh your home’s exterior with expert siding painting services and enjoy beauty, durability, and peace of mind.