In the 14th and 17th century, during the Renaissance period, Italian architecture popularized gable roofs and influenced the homes of many. This design, though, originated from the temples of Ancient Greece where two sloping sides that meet in the middle of the roof is considered a staple design element.
Over time, gable roofs became a traditional roof type, especially for areas with cold or temperate climates. But it was during the popularity of Gothic homes that gable brackets became a thing. These small but striking additions can transform the look of your house, enhancing its curb appeal in a way that’s both easy and affordable.
But how can they make such a big difference? Here are the reasons why it’s worth considering. But first, it’s important to understand why cedar is the best material for this upgrade.
Why Cedar?
Cedar has a warm, natural color and a unique grain that looks great whether you leave it as-is or add a coat of stain or paint. Not to mention, it is tough. It naturally fights off bugs and does not rot easily. So, your brackets will stay in good shape for years with little maintenance work.
This combination of beauty and durability makes cedar gable brackets a smart choice for homeowners who want to improve their home’s look without a lot of hassle.
It Adds Charm and Character
One of the biggest ways cedar gable brackets boost curb appeal is by adding charm to your home’s design. Without them, the gable area will look plain or unfinished. It’s just a blank triangle sitting there, not doing much to catch the eye.
But when you add a bracket, something changes. Suddenly, that empty space has personality. The bracket draws attention upward, making your roofline look more interesting.
Their natural look softens the sharp lines of a roof, giving your house a warm, inviting feel. And because cedar gable designs come in different shapes and sizes, you can pick one that matches your style.
It Creates Balance and Focus
Another great thing about cedar gable brackets is how they bring balance to your home’s exterior. If you look at your house with multiple gables, they may look plain, and the house might feel a bit lopsided. But if you add brackets to each gable, everything starts to look more even and put together.
If your house only has one gable, like above the front door, a single bracket can become a standout feature. It creates a point of focus that guides people’s eyes to that spot and makes the entrance feel more important.
It Allows You to Play with Color and Contrast
While cedar’s natural reddish-brown tone looks amazing on its own, you can also add more vibrance to it. As mentioned earlier, you can add stains or paint to match or stand out from the rest of your house.
For example, if your siding is light, a dark-stained bracket can create a bold contrast that pops. Or, if you want a softer look, you could stain the bracket to blend it with your roof trim.
This flexibility lets you customize your home’s style. If you are gravitating towards a rustic vibe, leave the cedar at its natural color or use a light stain. But if you go for a modern appeal, you can paint the bracket with a sleek black or gray shade.
It Can be Matched with Other Features
Cedar gable brackets don’t have to stand alone. They work even better when they tie into other parts of your home. If you’ve got cedar window trim, a cedar porch railing, or even a cedar front door, adding matching brackets creates a unified look.
Even if you don’t have other cedar elements yet, brackets can be a starting point. You might add them now and later decide to bring in more cedar details. Over time, these little choices build a consistent style that boosts your curb appeal even more.
It’s Easy to Install and Maintain
If you’re handy with tools, you could probably install the cedar gable brackets yourself. This is because most brackets come pre-cut and ready to attach with screws or nails.
But if DIY isn’t your thing, a local handyman can handle it in no time. It’s not a huge project like redoing your whole roof or siding or fully building a gable roof, so it won’t take much of your time.
Once they’re up, maintenance is a breeze. Because cedar resists rot and insects, you won’t need to fuss over them much. A sweep scan every couple of years is usually enough. If you added stain or paint, you might need to refresh the finish every five to ten years. But that depends on your climate.
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, cedar gable brackets are a small addition with a big impact. The charm and balance it brings and that touch of nature to your home’s exterior, are aesthetically appealing. It also shows that you, as a homeowner, have attention to detail. This is something attractive to homebuyers. Although you’re not planning to sell your home soon, this is how you can prep it for better value.
