Dutch Lap vs. Traditional Siding: Which Should You Choose?

Installing siding involves a wide array of style choices, some with very subtle differences. Dutch lap and traditional lap siding are common siding styles that look very similar at first glance but aren’t quite the same. We’ll explore the differences between Dutch lap and traditional siding so you can make the right choice for your home. 

Dutch Lap vs. Traditional Siding: Key Differences

Dutch lap and traditional lap siding both consist of overlapping horizontal planks or boards. Dutch lap is a style of lap siding that differs from traditional lap siding due to its grooved or notched bottom edge, which creates a defined shadow line under each plank or board. Both siding styles are available in a wide array of materials, widths, and colors. A local siding pro can help you select which type of siding will work best for your home. 

What Is Dutch Lap?

Dutch lap siding is a type of lap siding that creates a more textured look due to its slightly concave face with a notched bottom edge. The angle of the planks gives a defined shadow between each plank, offering a more dramatic and eye-catching look than traditional lap siding. Dutch lap siding is found on different home styles, including Craftsman, Greek revival, and Victorian homes.

Best for: Craftsman, Greek revival, and Victorian homes

Pros of Dutch Lap

The main benefit of Dutch lap siding is its aesthetic. The pronounced shadow edge and visual separation between planks can give this siding a more upscale feel and differentiate it from surrounding homes. 

Cons of Dutch Lap

Dutch lap siding’s more complex design means it can be more time-consuming and expensive to install. The added groove on the bottom of each plank can also be more difficult to clean than traditional lap siding, which doesn’t have the deep indentation that can collect as much dirt and debris.

What Is Traditional Siding?

Traditional lap siding is installed horizontally and consists of flat planks that slightly overlap to create a subtle ridge between planks. Traditional lap siding is one of the most common siding styles used in the U.S. and offers a classic aesthetic for your home’s exterior.

Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners

Pros of Traditional Siding

Traditional lap siding costs less than Dutch lap and is easier and faster to install. This kind of siding is also available in a wide range of color, widths, materials, and styles, making it easy to customize the look of your home’s exterior. 

Cons of Traditional Siding

Traditional lap siding won’t stand out from the neighbors when it comes to looks, since it’s such a common siding style. Due to its flat panels, it also tends to be thinner than Dutch lap, and depending on the material, the thinner panels may be more prone to warping and cracking.

Dutch Lap vs. Traditional Siding

Choosing between Dutch lap and traditional lap siding mostly depends on which aesthetic style you prefer, but the two styles differ slightly in some categories. Here’s how they stack up.

Appearance: Dutch Lap

Dutch lap, with its defined shadow between planks, offers a slightly more polished and dramatic look than traditional lap siding. While choosing between the two ultimately comes down to preference, Dutch lap has an edge, appearance-wise.

Options and Customization: Traditional Siding

Both types of siding are available in a wide variety of materials and colors, but Dutch lap siding is typically found in lighter colors to enhance the effect of the shadow between planks. Traditional siding comes in a wider array of choices, making it easier to customize the look of your siding.

Price: Traditional Siding

The cost to replace siding depends primarily on the material you choose, but Dutch lap tends to be more expensive than traditional siding when comparing the same material. The concave shape and notched bottom add to Dutch lap’s price tag.

Ease of Installation: Traditional Siding

Both Dutch lap and traditional siding are common types of siding, so siding installers will likely have plenty of experience with both, but Dutch lap’s more complex design means it takes a little longer to install than traditional siding. Hire a siding contractor with experience installing whichever kind of siding you choose to ensure your house is protected.

Lifespan: Tie

How long siding lasts will depend on the material you choose, the quality of installation, and how well it’s maintained. Vinyl siding can last 20 to 40 years, while fiber cement siding can have a lifespan of 50 years or more.