After you trim out all the windows (or at least the ones on the first floor), you'll want to trim out the doors in the same fashion. The only difference is that there usually isn't a bottom. In some circumstances though, there is. In either case, just follow the same procedure you did for the windows. Be sure the top piece laps over top of the side pieces to prevent water from getting in behind the J.

Difficult Siding Problems

Sometimes you will run into a situation that is far from the normal rectangle-type door or window. Arched windows and doors can be a challenge but do not prevent you from doing a nice looking job. If you must trim out an arched opening you will basically divide the radius into smaller, straight pieces. The smaller you make the pieces, the more round the arch will appear, but also the more work you'll do. Cutting takes a lot of time and you can easily spend an hour on a big arched window.

On the other hand, if you make the pieces too long, you'll be able to see the existing siding because of gaps that will be created.

Installing the Siding

Once you have the corners, starter strip, and openings trimmed, you're ready to begin. I usually start on the front of the house so that people see what the siding will look like right away. It gives a nice representation and lets people comment on the color and style. However, this is only if the house is even all around. If there is a porch or other circumstance that makes some parts of the house higher than others, you have to start at the low point and then match up the high points when you reach them.

Once things are trimmed out, we can look at putting some siding up.