This rundown of clapboard siding basics shows why clapboard siding gets applause
Clapboard siding features overlapping horizontal boards that protect your home from rain and snow, making it ideal for harsh weather climates.
Clapboard materials cost $1 to $12 per square foot, with pine at $1 to $5 and cedar at $3 to $4.50 per square foot.
You can choose from three clapboard styles: traditional lap, Dutch lap with grooves, or beaded seam with a V-shaped lip for visual interest.
Hiring a local siding professional keeps your clapboard installation weather-tight and level, ensuring proper overlap and protection from moisture damage.
Clapboard siding is considered one of the most popular siding options for homes and has been a favorite for generations. The overlapping siding helps provide an extra layer of protection from the elements, making it a suitable option for homeowners living in areas with extreme weather conditions. If you're ready to build or replace your home's exterior and you're wondering what clapboard siding is and if it's the right choice, read on for everything you need to know.
Historically, clapboard siding referred to the siding material—wood—rather than the style which it is now more commonly known for. Typically used on homes in New England, clapboard is often referred to as bevel siding, lap siding, or weatherboard and is installed for a horizontal design.
Clapboard siding was originally made by splitting thick wooden boards into thin strips that could be nailed onto the sides of a home, serving as protection from harsh weather conditions. The design, with its overlapping pattern, allowed the wood to flex and move as the temperature changed, preventing water and snow from penetrating the structure and causing damage.
In the past, clapboard siding was made from split pine, oak, and spruce. Now, pine, red cedar, and redwood are popular clapboard siding materials. Despite originating as a wood siding, clapboard can now be created from types of vinyl siding or fiber cement but usually still features a wood-like appearance. This makes it a more resilient and maintenance-free siding option while still offering a classic wood aesthetic.
Here are the outlet types you find in most U.S. homes:
15-amp, 120-volt (2-prong and 3-prong): The standard household outlet for lamps, TVs, and chargers.
20-amp, 125-volt: A higher-power outlet for kitchens, laundry rooms, and workshops.
240-volt (20-amp to 50-amp): A large-appliance outlet for dryers, ranges, and EV chargers.
GFCI: A shock-protection outlet for kitchens, baths, and other wet areas.
AFCI: A fire-protection outlet for bedrooms and living spaces.
Tamper-resistant: A child-safe outlet with internal shutters, now standard in new homes.
Weather-resistant: A corrosion-resistant outlet built for outdoor use.
Convenience types: Switched, combination, USB, smart, and rotating outlets.
Clapboard siding is available in three different styles: traditional lap, dutch lap, and beaded seam. Each siding option can be crafted from different materials and comes in an assortment of finishes.
Standard horizontal lap siding is referred to as traditional lap siding. These boards usually have a width of 4 to 6 inches and are attached by nailing the lower edge of each board beneath the upper edge of the one above it.
Dutch lap siding, commonly made of vinyl, consists of larger siding sections that give the illusion of two panels being connected. This style has grooves in the design, which give the effect of multiple panels layered on top of each other. Dutch lap lies flatter than traditional lap siding, and its classic aesthetic works with a range of home styles, from ranch to coastal.
To create a more distinct aesthetic, beaded seam siding is often used instead of traditional lap siding. Its unique design features a bottom panel with a V-shaped lip that curls beneath the board, resulting in an interesting contrast of light and shadow. Installing this type of siding in a home brings a classic, Colonial, or Victorian touch to the exterior.
A major benefit of using clapboard siding is the extra level of protection it provides. The angled bevel method of installation makes the siding extremely water-resistant. For homeowners living in areas with lots of rain or snow, clapboard makes a great choice to protect the home from water damage.
The style of clapboard siding is easy to customize, making it ideal for homeowners seeking a unique appearance for their home's exterior. Not only can homeowners choose different siding materials, but they can opt for various board sizes and overhang styles. Plus, for DIY warriors, installing clapboard siding is DIY-friendly.
One of the only downfalls of using clapboard siding is that it can create gaps. These gaps can cause dust to collect in certain areas, which requires regular cleaning. Additionally, gaps can be appealing to insects. Pests can find a warm home in the gaps, which could lead to an unwelcome infestation.
Clapboard siding is one of the more affordable wood siding cost options. As one of the most widely used siding materials, clapboard features a straightforward installation and can be obtained in a wide selection of materials. The cost for materials ranged between $1 to $12 per square foot. If you hire a local siding contractor, the labor adds on $1 to $3 per square foot.
If you choose wood for your clapboard siding, the price will vary based on the type. Pine is the least expensive option at between $1 to $5 per square foot. Depending on your location, redwood ranges in price between $4 to $20 per square foot. Western red cedar siding cost ranges between $3 to $4.50 per square foot and is easy to source.
To protect the life of your clapboard siding, you will need to know how to maintain wood siding. Annually checking over your siding is recommended to ensure there are no issues that require attention and is a good schedule to keep the siding clean. If you opt for it, cedar siding maintenance may carry different requirements as it is a softwood.
The guys at PaveWay are top notch. From the estimate to the job being completed,all was done in a timely and professional manner. I myself was a DOT Engineer Inspector(know what to look for) and got to talking with Cameron and he himself was a Contract inspector for a few years,same job as...
All Star Paving and SealingWe live in a condo and had space to add a tall cabinet. The problem was the space was already occupied by our catsâ litter box. We needed to still keep the litter box in that same corner. Beiler Custom Cabinets was able to work with our need and design request. What was created was an...
Beiler Custom Cabinets, LTDWe had a gutter blockage that was causing water to sheet down the side of the house and ultimately it started to come in at a window (need mortar people next). Called around 7:30am, and he responded by 8am. He was able to come out the same morning and do a look over and clean out. He also...
Kevin was thorough and efficient with the repairs he made to our exterior cedar siding.
KMM Homes ImprovementI purchased the "Big Deal": $199.00 for exterior pressure-washing of one- or two-story home up to 2,000 square feet. They cleaned the siding only. I wasn't aware when I bought the Big Deal that they would not do any other surfaces other than the siding (i.e. sides of the gutters or stucco). I...
Complete Home ServicesOn 11/3/15, I called Todd of Todd's Roofing and left a message. He promptly called my back and I indicated that I needed a roof repair for a roof that had a leak. He explained his basic prices, gave me the I'm not the cheapest or the highest speech, and he agreed to come by the property...
He was knowledgeable and nice, but was lacking on the customer service side with the follow up. He charges the same amount as a professional engineer.
Inspector C.H.R.I.S.This brownstone is historical and the carpentry work is very detailed. I was very happy to secure a company in NY and living in OH to complete the request. Wood work on this brownstone has been existing since approximately 1888 and West side did a GREAT JOB. I will not be able to...
Westside Home ImprovementI was very impressed with Miller Cantrell! I live in an old home in which the sewage line that runs from my home to the sewage system is a line of clay tile. These eventually collapse and need to be replaced - an expensive problem and sure to happen at the worst time. I told them that my...
Love the staff and my doctor dr Dickerson is patient kind and attentive. Great bed side manner.
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
How much does clapboard siding cost? This guide reviews cost factors, prices per square foot, and more to help you plan your budget.
Cedar siding is expensive, but it’s beautiful, timeless, and adds insulation to your home. Use this cedar siding cost guide to see what your project will total.
Explore common clapboard siding sizes and get tips on selecting the right dimensions and styles for your home's exterior.
While Dutch lap is a more detailed type of siding, clapboard is often less expensive and more widely used. If you're weighing these options against each other, our guide can help you decide which type makes the most sense for your home’s facade.
Clapboard or lap siding is one of the oldest modern exterior wall options. Let’s look at the pros and cons and if it’s a good fit for your home.
Clapboard siding is classic, reliable, and hardy, but these wooden boards can get damaged in poor conditions. Here’s how to do a DIY repair for clapboard siding.
