What Is Clapboard Siding? Everything You Need To Know About This Popular Wood Siding

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.

What Is Clapboard Siding?

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Clapboard siding was originally made by splitting thick wooden boards into thin strips that could be nailed onto the sides of a home, serving as protection from harsh weather conditions.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.

Types of Clapboard Siding

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.

1. Traditional Lap

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.

2. Dutch Lap

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.

3. Beaded Seam

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.

Clapboard Siding Pros and Cons

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.

The Cost of Using Clapboard Siding

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.