Most existing or future homeowners look forward to having a perfect house. As such, they will remodel or renovate it from time to time.
Since the exterior determines how appealing your home is, it should get an update every few years. One of the best options to consider would be changing your siding.
This project will help lower maintenance costs, increase the home’s value, and improve energy efficiency.
Siding protects your home while giving it the curb appeal it deserves.
Two popular siding options that many people select are Dutch Lap and Clapboard siding.
Although they are similar, each option offers different characteristics and pros/cons. The following article will help you choose one that meets your preferences.
What is Dutch Lap Siding?
Dutch Lap siding is a popular classic choice and comes with overlapping horizontal rows and a concave face.
Further, each of its courses has a notch at the bottom. Thanks to the shadow this notch creates, the Dutch Lap siding highlights a distinctive appearance.
Dutch lap siding is considered a variant of the more traditional Clapboard siding method.
It is usually found in a few specific architectural designs. You can use this style in various old-school or traditional architectural designs, including Colonial architectural designs.
Yet, regardless of where you use it, it will provide you with a trendy and a unique aesthetic appeal because of its carved notches.
Dutch lap siding is an excellent choice for homes that need enhanced customization. You could attribute this to the fact that most Dutch Lap material comes in Vinyl.
This material is lighter, can be cut easily and can be installed even from non-experienced people.
This siding comes in various color schemes as well. Most experts will suggest brighter and lighter colors. This way, you can be sure of a more appealing shadow in the long run.
Initially, Dutch lap siding was made from cedar, pine, or wood. However, thanks to advanced technology, you can find it in other affordable materials. For example, most manufacturers nowadays use vinyl.
This material can protect you against moisture, insects, and thaw conditions. In addition, it is relatively less costly to maintain and easy to install.
Advantages of Dutch Lap Siding
Everyone looks forward to a siding method that offers value for money. Thankfully, the Dutch lap siding is a choice you’ll not regret. It provides you with the following benefits:
- Better aesthetics: This siding offers a stylish profile, assuring you of more unique appearance. It also gives your home a more relaxed yet complex texture.
- Strength and durability: This option withstands extreme temperatures and abuse. That means it will last long enough to give you enhanced value for your money.
- Accessibility: Dutch lap siding is available almost anywhere, including home supply stores and major hardware stores.
Disadvantages of Dutch Lap Siding
- It could be relatively costly if the material is wood. However, if the material is Vinyl this is a cheaper option.
What is Traditional Clapboard Siding?
Clapboard siding is a popular yet traditional method of home exterior siding. You could also refer to it as level siding, weatherboard siding, or lap siding.
This style varies with regions, and it is made from wedge-shaped boards that overlap with each other. Remember, this clapboard siding is installed horizontally.
Clapboard siding is a popular choice in America. You’ll often find it in frame homes. Clapboard siding is layered like shingles, where the thin clapboard side lies under the thicker edge.
These clapboards could be unfinished or painted, depending on personal preferences.
Typically, clapboard siding is made from wood. One of the most notable choices is red cedar. That is because it can withstand significant abuse, extreme weather and temperature, and pests.
However, you could also consider other soft and hardwood options. Some manufacturers have also opted for plastic, fiber cement, and metal to make these clapboard sidings.
Installing clapboard siding is a seamless process. However, it would be best to get professional help if you need outstanding results.
Repairing clapboard siding could also be time-consuming. That means you have to remain on top when maintaining them. The best approach would be to paint them quite often. Painting protects the wood from rot and breakage, or damage.
Clapboard siding can last for between 15 and 40 years. With consistent maintenance, you can be sure of an extended period. Unfortunately, this maintenance could be significantly costly in the long run.
Advantages of Clapboard
- Classic and stylish: This siding option offers your house a touch of elegance and class. Its classic appeal allows it to complement multiple architectural designs.
- Strength and durability: This siding often comes with red cedar, which can withstand extreme weather conditions and temperatures. This element means you can use it in any region.
- Easy to paint: Painting clapboard siding is relatively straightforward. Wood soaks up paint much faster. Also, it becomes easier to paint it per your preferred exterior décor.
Disadvantages of Clapboard
- It could be a little too costly especially if wood is used as material.
Dutch Lap vs. Clapboard Siding – Comparison
Dutch lap and clapboard siding are two of the closest rivals when choosing an option for your home exterior. While they are both classic options, these two siding methods have also some notable differences. The following are a few insights into what they feature.
Design
Most experts suggest that the Dutch lap style has a unique look. Yet, it appears considerably modern. It comes with a trendy style, thanks to the vinyl material used on it.
The special carve of the planks as they overlap gives this siding option a more refined and elegant look.
On the other hand, the clapboard option appears more classic and is considered the traditional choice.
It gives your home exterior a simple touch, yet an outstanding one. This option is suitable for homeowners that want to have a premium siding material if they choose hardwood such as cedar.
Materials Used
The Dutch lap uses materials made from vinyl. This material is easy to maintain and install, and it is elegant. You could also get Dutch lap sidings made from cedar, pine, or wood. These materials are classic, yet they can withstand significant abuse, extreme temperatures, and pests.
At the same time, clapboard siding is made from timber. The most popular wood choice is red cedar, which offers enhanced resistance against abuse and temperature. This aspect means that you can rely on it in any environment.
Cost
The cost of your siding will often determine the value for money you get. Choosing an affordable yet durable option assures you of a better investment return. When deciding between the Dutch lap and clapboard sidings, the former will be a little cheaper.
The Dutch lap is made from vinyl, which is considerably less costly. This material is also much cheaper to maintain and repair.
Conversely, you could consider clapboard siding if you want a more rustic aesthetic and don’t mind the cost. It is made from wood usually therefore the overall cost including the frequent maintenance required will be higher than Dutch Lap.
Durability
Enhanced durability offers better returns on investment. It would be best to choose an option that offers enhanced sturdiness and reliability.
Today, the Dutch lap seems more durable. It lasts for between 20 and 50 years. Its enhanced robustness will help protect your home against storms, extreme temperatures, and snow or rainwater. However, this durability will vary with the material used to do the Dutch lap.
On the contrary, clapboard siding is moderately durable and depends a lot on the maintenance effort of the homeowner.
It will last for between 15 and 40 years, depending on how you maintain it. Excellent maintenance assures you of an extended period.
Installation
A seamless installation process will help save time and even costs. Fortunately, there is no significant difference in the ease of installation between the clapboard and the Dutch lap sidings.
Each of these options requires no more than a clip-on to install. The difference arises when installing wooden sidings. This option requires advanced siding tools. You might also need additional skills to get perfect results.
Appearance
The Dutch lap and the clapboard siding are strikingly similar, thanks to a comparable design approach. However, the Dutch lap comes with a gentle concave appearance, setting it apart. This face curves out into a notched overlap.
Thanks to this design, you get a dramatic shadow that offers a slightly prominent overlay. That means the difference between the Dutch lap and the clapboard siding is in the aesthetics.
Does Dutch Lap Siding Cost More?
The Dutch lap siding is slightly less costly than clapboard. You could attribute this to its Vinyl material and ease of installation.
Typically, Dutch lap siding will cost you between $2 and $8 per square foot. This cost includes the price of the panels, materials, and labor. The color and texture could also alter the price.
For instance, wood is likely to cost you much more than vinyl. That means wooden clapboard could cost a little more than a Dutch vinyl lap. Brighter colors will also cost more, thanks to the increased aesthetic value they offer.
Is Dutch Lap Vinyl Popular?
Yes. Most people are slowly embracing Dutch vinyl siding. You could attribute this to the trendiness this material offers. In addition, it is significantly affordable to acquire and maintain. You’ll also get it in different color schemes, meaning that it will complement various exterior décor options you’ve chosen.
Vinyl Dutch lap costs about a third of the Dutch wooden option. This pricing makes it an ideal choice for most homeowners on a tight budget. Its low maintenance costs will also protect you from unwanted stress.
Is Clapboard Siding Expensive?
The cost of clapboard siding depends on the quality of the wood used. This price is often between $5 and $10 per square foot. Add also the extra cost associated with its maintenance (frequent painting etc).
However, you could save a significant amount if you considered vinyl. That is because vinyl is much easier to install and maintain, saving you a lot in the long run. You could also consider DIY options if you want to save an extra coin.
In conclusion, choosing between Dutch lap and Clapboard siding is a challenging process. That is because these options are relatively similar, popular, and they both offer value for money.
As such, the decision will often depend on personal preferences. With the information above, your selection process could be much more seamless.
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