Characteristics of Cape Cod Exteriors

This article focuses on some of the main characteristics of Cape Cod exteriors. These features include a central chimney, boxy shape, natural shingles, and low ceilings. In addition, these homes tend to have one or two small windows that are often hidden under crown molding. These traits are common to most Cape Cod homes, but there are some differences that make these homes distinct from other styles. Here are some characteristics that you should look for when choosing a house plan.

Natural shingles

If you’re considering a makeover for your Cape Cod exterior, consider adding natural shingles. This traditional style will give you a home with an old world charm and a simple and efficient design. Natural shingles are an ideal choice for this type of home because they require minimal maintenance compared to painted siding.

Cedar shingles are one of the most popular materials used for Cape Cod exteriors, and they’re available in a wide variety of colors and grades. They’ll complement your home’s architecture and blend with other materials. Cedar ages naturally, so you can choose a lighter tone to blend in. This natural wood product is also highly sought after by coastal residents.

Cedar is a durable wood for cape cod exteriors. It’s naturally resistant to decay, insects, and rot. And once it ages gracefully, it will retain its old world charm for years. The wood in cedar shingles is also dimensionally stable, so they won’t expand or contract, unlike pine. Cedar is also a renewable resource.

Cedar shingles are an old-world choice for Cape Cod exteriors. However, real cedar requires a lot of upkeep and changes color over time. If you’d like to keep the natural look of cedar, choose a product with Ageless Cedar blended color technology. This prevents the color from deepening and blackening. Also, choose a product with housewrap, which adds a layer of protection and beauty.

Low ceilings

Low ceilings are common in Cape Cod homes. Many of these homes were built to protect against salt air, and consequently they have lower ceilings. This means that interior spaces are smaller and natural light is less abundant. The layout can also be compromised, especially if the home is built with a central fireplace. Older Cape Cods may also have poor insulation and other problems, making them unsafe.

Traditionally, Cape Cod homes have a low ceiling and a gabled roof. These features help reduce the weight of snow on the roof, and also keep the interiors warmer during winter months. Some of the older Cape Cod homes feature a massive chimney in the center, which also helps conserve heat and prevent ice from building up at the base. Other styles of Cape Cod homes feature brick or stone exteriors. Grey shingles are also common.

Whether you want a home with high ceilings or a cozy interior, a Cape Cod exterior has a classic look. These homes often feature a steep staircase, called a captain’s stairway, and a symmetrical layout. This design makes it easy to spot among the other homes in the neighborhood.

Traditionally, these homes have low ceilings, though modern home constructions may have higher ceilings. For example, a single Cape will have two windows on the long side of the front door, while a three-quarter Cape will have one window on the short side and a center chimney. The low ceilings in older houses were created so that the fireplace could keep the house warm.

Central chimney

The central chimney is a signature feature of Cape Cod exteriors. In the past, these chimneys were the focal point of the home, providing heat and light to all areas. In addition, the steep roof shed rain and snow. As New England’s climate changed, however, the style of Cape Cod homes evolved. Today, many Cape Cod houses are designed with multiple chimneys to provide sufficient heat and light.

In the past, the Cape Cod exterior featured a central door and a central chimney, with one window on either side. Larger homes also featured two windows on each side, and symmetrical rows of windows on the second story. The central chimney was also a common feature of Colonial-era homes, providing heat to a cluster of rooms. Today, heating technologies have allowed chimneys to be placed on the side.

Although the Cape Cod style is a popular choice in Canada, it is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. The style was originally adapted from thatched cottages in the UK, and its basic design evolved to accommodate the climate conditions of the early colonies. The steeply pitched roof allowed for less snow accumulation and helped prevent ice from accumulating. In addition to its simple design, Cape Cod homes typically had a central chimney to keep out cold and rain.

Although these houses are generally small in size when compared to Colonial Revival-era homes, they are typically snug and cosy. The original Cape Cod house was centered on a large chimney, and the rooms were arranged around it. The layout was similar to the traditional English hall. However, with the advent of modern heating methods, the fireplace became less important. Therefore, chimneys were moved to one end of the house. Modern adaptations of Cape Cod houses have shortened the size and reduced the number of rooms.

Boxy shape

If you’re looking for a home that has a traditional, boxy shape and square corners, consider a Cape Cod home. This style is generally small and symmetrical with a centralized front door leading to a grand room. This room is the hub of the home, and it will be located near the front of the house or near the back. Many Cape Cod homes also feature a single fireplace, but newer versions feature multiple chimneys.

Cape Cod exteriors are popular throughout the country. While it can be difficult to duplicate the details of a traditional Cape Cod house, there are several things to consider when designing your own. Because these homes are so symmetrical, they are visually appealing. A full Cape will usually have symmetrical windows on both sides of the chimney. Also, the windows will be accented with decorative shutters or sidelights.

While most Cape Cod homes are simple and boxy in shape, later versions became more decorative and featured a small portico or porch columns. Many homes also featured a half story on the second floor. This allowed homeowners to save money on building and gain square footage. This style is also known for its low ceilings and cozy, cozier feel.

Another traditional style is the half-Cape. The half-Cape has two windows on one side of the front door and one window on the other. Half-Cape homes typically have modest windows. As the family became more prosperous, the glazing would expand.

Wood floors

While wood floors are traditionally used for indoors, today wood floors are a popular choice for exteriors of Cape Cod homes. These homes feature small rooms and low ceilings, making the look of wood floors particularly appropriate. Wood floors are also a popular choice for homes with a coastal vibe.

Wood floors are durable and can last a lifetime with proper care. They are also resistant to stains and are eco-friendly. Stonewood Flooring offers one of the most comprehensive selections of hardwood flooring available on Cape Cod. The owners have relationships with the finest hardwood mills in the nation, allowing them to provide a variety of beautiful, high-quality materials.

Classic Cape Cod exteriors feature white siding, but white siding requires a lot of upkeep. Choose a darker color for your exterior if you want a house that looks its best year-round. Dark exterior paint will provide greater weather resistance and more year-round curb appeal. Another option is a white interior and dark wood exterior. This combination will give your Cape Cod house a warm, inviting atmosphere.

A Cape Cod house’s second level is more like an attic than a floor space, so it is important to plan for storage and functionality in this space. You can build beds, shelves, and other features to make the most of this space. Some newer Capes feature a dormer that adds height and light to the floor plan. You can even add a cozy nook in this space.

Captain’s stairway

The captain’s stairway is one of the most traditional elements of Cape Cod exteriors. This narrow stairway is used to gain access to the second floor of a home. It features steep risers and shallow treads. This design allows the home to maximize space on the first floor. Many Cape Cod homes feature cedar shingle siding, but more modern homes are often made of brick or stone.

The original Cape Cod home floor plan featured a large fireplace in the center of the home. However, the style has evolved over time, with the kitchen and bedrooms positioned at opposite ends of the home. Most Cape Cod houses have a symmetrical design centered on the main living area. This symmetry was essential to the early Settlers, as they wanted heat to circulate throughout the home. In order to achieve this, they also incorporated low ceilings, which helped maintain the warmth of the home.

A captain’s stairway can be a charming detail on Cape Cod exteriors. It is reminiscent of the stairway in a fairy-tale cottage. These stairs were built to access the attic without taking up space in the home. A steep “captain’s stairway” provides easy access to the attic and can save space on the ground floor.

The style of a traditional Cape Cod home is simple, but distinctive. The classic look of a cape is complemented by window boxes and shutters that add cheer to the facade. During the eighteenth century, the style was a rare feature. A typical full cape home had a chimney in the center of the home, as well as numerous fireplaces around the exterior. In the nineteenth century, the Cape Cod style was the mainstay of New England architecture. The three-quarter cape style was another popular choice. This style featured an entry offset from the chimney.

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