What is Lap Siding Installation?

Lap siding, which can also be referred to as horizontal siding or a clapboard, is the outer most part of a home that can be made from wooden, fiber-cement, plywood, hardboard, or similar materials. The set up techniques are fairly the same even with having such a variety of materials.

Most lap siding is beveled, which means that the bottom facet is thicker than the pinnacle. They are typically lined by having a higher siding board lapping over each other one to inches.  

When working with thick siding profiles, nails can be hidden by driving them into the upper part of a board and covering them with the overlapping board above. Alternatively, they can be left exposed and later concealed with paint by driving them into the lower portion of a board, just above the top edge of the one beneath it.

If you’re planning to paint your siding, a smart move is to prime all sides of each board before installation. This extra step helps protect the backside from rot and reduces the risk of the boards warping over time. Also, trimming the board ends before installation ensures a cleaner, more precise fit.

For a high-end, custom look, some builders meticulously miter lap siding at exterior corners. While this creates a seamless, classic finish, it demands advanced carpentry skills and perfectly stable boards that won’t shrink. The more common and practical approach is to install corner trim first and then fit the siding against it—giving you a clean, professional finish with less effort.

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