Materials to Improve Your Tiny Home’s Exterior
Tiny homes are all about taking up as little space as possible on the inside, so it’s a good idea to let the outside feel like you have endless room to roam and enjoy yourself.
These are the best materials to improve your tiny home’s exterior, and why it’s such a good idea to give it a boost.
1. Using Thin Cladding to Avoid Extra Weight
Although almost every tiny house has vinyl siding to avoid weight and make it easy to transport, you don’t necessarily have to go for a classic siding look! Instead, if you make a change to faux wood cladding, your exterior can still be safe, moisture-proof, and lightweight but will have a unique look that might suit your personality better.
You can use real brick if you’re never planning on selling or moving your home, but this added weight isn’t a good idea in most cases.
2. Stronger Porch Ceiling
Your porch ceiling will more than likely need to be able to handle jostling from moving, and it still has to look incredible. Going for a rustic porch ceiling gives it an artsy and attractive look while also ensuring that you’re safe from extra sunlight and annoying rain.
A porch ceiling is a must if you want to get the most out of your outdoors. Even if you simply attach a retractable awning, it can be enough to let you get out and have some fresh air instead of spending all day cooped up inside.
3. A Driveway That Leads Home
Although tiny homes are built to be small and mobile, it’s vital that they still feel like a home to you. Creating a driveway gives you the opportunity to make that happen! Instead of driving back and forth on a dirt road, or live grass, you can use permeable pavers to make the driveway of your dreams.
These pavers should be sealed against cracking or splitting and spacious enough for whatever car, truck, or bike you have!
4. A Mini Deck For Outdoor Space
A deck can take your home to the next level. A mini deck that isn’t attached to your tiny home physically can let you feel like your property is bigger and give you more room to spread out.
This is also a great detail for entertaining, something that’s otherwise impossible in a tiny home. Make sure your deck still has all of the safety features a full-sized home would have, like welded wire deck railing and a good sealant to keep out moisture and rot.
5. Don’t Fear Going Solar
Going solar is one of the top topics people are going over when deciding to go tiny. There isn’t much roof space for panels, but fortunately, a small home means you can use more of the land around it for solar panels.
Make sure you pick an area where there are no trees or buildings overhead that could stop the sunlight and check with your HOA. Although most HOAs are okay with solar panels as long as they’re away from the front-street view, many have gotten more strict.
6. Create a Garden That Feels Purposeful
Your garden should feel like it belongs there for a reason. This means the food you can eat, flowers you love to look at, and plants that pollinators enjoy visiting. A great garden can make your home feel more lively and can give you the opportunity to save money and avoid buying food or overfilling your kitchen.
Creating above-ground garden beds will give you a leg above anyone else and stop rabbits, deer, and other creatures from getting into it and eating your crops. Complete the look with a ground paver path from the home to the garden.
Tips to Keep in Mind
Keep your weight down when building! If adding something heavy like a full porch or a large deck, make it unattached to your tiny home. You can keep it close to it, but avoid attaching anything that would make it impossible to move your home.
Remember to moisture-proof your tiny home. Water is the foe of any structure, but this is especially true for a small home where your breath, shower steam, and running water all add a lot more moisture to the area.
Insulation keeps noise and weather outside. Insulate as thoroughly as possible! This means your walls, ceiling, floorboards, and anything else that needs it. Not only will this protect you from the temperatures and moisture outside, but it will also soundproof your tiny home to a degree, which will make it feel more comfortable and private.
Every Time Home Can Turn Heads!
Whether you’re updating your tiny home so you can sell it or you simply want space to enjoy the outdoors on your property, it’s a good idea to give the exterior a boost. Consider following some of these tips to make your dream a reality!
