What Is Lap Siding? Pros, Cons, and Costs
Lap siding is a horizontal style of siding available in a range of materials
Lap siding consists of boards or planks installed horizontally, overlapping one another.
Styles of lap siding include traditional lap, Dutch lap, clapboard, and beaded seam.
Lap siding can be made of wood, engineered wood, vinyl, or fiber cement.
Trying to decide on a siding style means learning the difference between your options. Lap siding is one of the most common styles of siding installed on US homes, and there are many different types and materials to choose from. Learn all about lap siding, the pros and cons, and what it costs, so you can decide if it’s the right choice for your home.
What Is Lap Siding?
Lap siding is a horizontal siding style that consists of boards or planks that slightly overlap one another, giving it its name. This style of siding is very common in the US, found on homes of different architectural styles in all areas. Lap siding can be made from vinyl, wood, fiber cement, or engineered wood. It is available in multiple styles, including clapboard, shiplap, beaded seam, Dutch lap, and traditional lap siding. These styles have slight variations from each other, offering different options for the look of your home’s exterior.
Lap siding and board and batten differ in their orientation—lap is horizontal and board and batten is vertical—and in the size of the components. Lap siding uses boards that are a uniform width, while board and batten alternates wider boards with narrower battens.
Pros of Lap Siding
Lap siding is so popular because it’s available in a wide range of styles, materials, and colors, so you can customize your home’s exterior. Depending on the material, this kind of siding can be among the most budget-friendly siding options, making it a good choice for homeowners looking to keep costs down. Lap siding is straightforward to install, lasts for decades, and is suitable for most climates.
Cons of Lap Siding
Since lap siding is so common, it may not help set your home apart visually from your neighbors. Maintenance depends on the material, but wood lap siding, which was the most common siding type before the widespread use of vinyl and newer materials, requires regular upkeep to prevent rot, mold, and splintering.
How Much Does Lap Siding Cost?
The cost to replace or install siding depends on the material you choose and the size of your home. The average cost to replace siding ranges from $5,600 to $17,600, so it can be a significant investment. Be sure to carefully consider all your lap siding options before deciding, so you can pick a style and material that fits your budget.
| Siding Material | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | $3–$12 |
| Fiber Cement | $5–$14 |
| Wood | $3–$15 |
| Engineered wood | $3–$14 |
DIY Lap Siding Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
You shouldn’t attempt to install siding as a DIY unless you have siding installation experience. Hire a siding contractor to measure and properly prep your home and install your siding correctly. A local siding pro with experience working with the siding you choose will ensure your new siding protects your home and looks great for decades to come.
How long siding takes to install depends on the specifics of the project, but most siding installation is completed in one to two weeks. Necessary steps include removing and disposing of old siding, making any necessary repairs to your home’s exterior, prepping the exterior with house wrap, and installing the siding.
Siding underlayment varies based on the type of material, but most siding is installed on top of a vapor barrier, a moisture-resistant house wrap, sheathing made from plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), and a layer of insulation sheeting. Having the correct underlayment is a critical part of properly installing siding and will protect your home from water intrusion, structural damage, and energy loss.
