Discover the ideal clapboard sizes for your home with tips for choosing the right fit
Clapboard siding is made from long, horizontal wood planks or imitation wood. With styles from elegant to rustic, clapboard siding isn’t sold in a single standard size, but there are some common dimensions. Each board of this traditional exterior cladding overlaps with the one under it, shielding the home from the elements. You can find clapboard siding in wood, vinyl, and fiber cement. Check out the common clapboard siding sizes, and determine which is best for your home’s exterior.
| Dimensions | Size in Inches |
|---|---|
| Width | 4½ to 6½ |
| Thickness | ½ |
| Exposed heights | 2½ to 4½ |
| Depth | ¾ |
| Desired overlap | 1 to 2 |
There is no single "standard" clapboard size, but they are typically between 4½ and 6½ inches wide and ½ inch thick, with variations in exposed heights of 2½ inches, 3½ inches, and 4½ inches and depths of ¾ inch, depending on the desired overlap, which is usually 1 to 2 inches. Keep in mind that most clapboards will be between 5 and 6 feet. However, about 30 percent of your materials should be shorter for use around windows, doors, gable ends and dormers.
Clapboard siding (also known as “weatherboard” or “bevel” siding) is made up of single panels with a wedge shape. The panel’s bottom side is slightly thicker than its top. In the past, boards were split in thin, wedge-shaped strips to achieve this uniform shape. The original design was created to allow water to run off a structure’s exterior.
Originating in the Northeast United States, clapboard continues to be a popular choice for use on homes, barns, garages, not only for its water-resistant properties, but also for its charm and aesthetic appeal. Today, clapboard siding is more effective at protecting structures than ever due to the modern materials used to create the panels, high fabrication, and easy-to-install designs.
Actual clapboard sizes depend on the manufacturer and desired aesthetic and a number of relevant factors.
The type of home you have will influence the size of your clapboards. For example, traditional or historical clapboard styles have a narrower width than those used on modern homes. To ensure you purchase and install the right size clapboard for your home’s architectural style, consult a local siding contractor to get their opinion.
There are several types of clapboard siding, all of which have slightly different dimensions. Fiber cement and engineered wood are often made wider than wood clapboards, which are narrower for structural integrity.
The size of your home can dictate the size of your clapboards. Smaller homes typically use narrower clapboards, while larger residences can accommodate wider boards.
The type of clapboard you choose may require more time and labor, affecting overall costs.
Wider boards may be preferred as they take less time to install. To get an accurate labor estimate for this project based on clapboard sizing, consult multiple siding contractors to compare pricing.
Overlapping narrower clapboards may provide better resistance to wind-driven rain. If your area experiences frequent extreme weather, you may opt to install more narrow clapboards instead of wideset boards.
You may choose clapboard sizes based on personal preferences or to match homes in your neighborhood.
To measure the appropriate clapboard size for your home, follow these steps:
Determine what the visible part of the board should be, then choose the size that allows for the ideal overlap to achieve that exposure. (For example, a 6-inch clapboard width will give you about 4-inches of exposure.)
Measure the height and width of each side.
Multiply it to get the total square feet per side.
Measure the areas not included in those measurements, like dormers and gables.
For areas that are triangular in shape, measure the area from the base of the triangle to the top and multiply that number by half of the length of the base.
Your lumberyard or hardware store can help you with specific sizing. Make sure to check with local regulations regarding clapboard size and installation.
Clapboard is one of the most used siding materials and is made from a wide selection of materials. Material cost ranges from between $2 to $15 per square foot. The cost of installing clapboard siding ranges from $4,200 to $5,800, depending on home size and labor costs.
If you choose to work with siding contractors in your area, you’ll pay an additional $1 to $3 per square foot.
If you choose clapboard siding made from wood, the price will vary based on the type. At between $1 to $5 per square foot, pine is the least expensive wood. In comparison, redwood is between $4 to $20 per square foot, and western red cedar is priced between $3 to $4.50 per square foot.
Exterior clapboard siding can last up to 50 years with the proper maintenance. To avoid larger issues with clapboard siding, inspect at least every six months for visible damage. Clean clapboard siding regularly to remove harmful substances like dirt, mildew to keep it durable. To remove dirt, use warm, soapy water and a soft-bristled brush, cleaning in sections. For mildew, use a solution made of one part bleach to four parts warm water and gently scrub before rinsing the solution off.
Check for cracked paint and caulked seams around windows and doors. As temperatures change wood expands and contacts—if these are damaged, water can penetrate the clapboard and your home’s structure. If any pieces of clapboard are damaged, make sure to repair or replace them as soon as possible.
Plants around your home should not directly touch clapboard siding, as they retain moisture and cause scratches. Also, make sure to keep gutters free of debris to prevent water from dripping down the clapboard.
Clapboard is considered to be eco-friendly, as it is mostly sourced from sustainable natural resources and it has insulating properties. Clapboard is more sustainable than vinyl siding materials, which are made of plastic. Clapboard made from fiber cement can also be considered environmentally friendly. This material mimics the look of wood without the impact of deforestation.
Traditional clapboard siding, particularly with panels made from wood, is not a significant insulator on its own. However, you can keep your home cooler in summer and warmer with "insulated clapboard siding," which is a type of vinyl clapboard siding with a built-in foam insulation. Consult a local siding contractor to determine whether insulated siding is right for your home.
You should use a siding nail gun for siding installation, but if you don’t have one you can use a framing nailer instead, if the nails are long enough to firmly attach to the clapboard siding. However, framing requires longer nails that join lumber together. In that instance, siding nails will not be enough.
