Dutch Lap Siding Vs Traditional Siding

Traditional vinyl siding that looks like it has some foam insulation behind it.

Dutch lap siding vs traditional siding.

Wood has traditionally been what you made lap siding from although there are now vinyl options also for you to choose from when you re talking about dutch lap or clapboard. It also comes in many different textures that look just like real wooden planks. Sometimes called traditional lap siding because it has been around for centuries. The lower half hangs at a 90 degree angle.

Cedar dutch lap aka novelty german drop siding has a rabbeted edge overlap is also larger. Dutch lap siding is a horizontal plank style that has a slightly concave face with a notch at the bottom of each course. This notch creates a shadow over the course below giving the siding its distinctive appearance. Dutch lap although mostly a vinyl siding in modern times was also produced out of timber in the past.

Dutch lap siding is a traditional type of siding that grew in popularity in the 1880s as it was considered more economical than other siding styles at the time. Horizontal or clapboard vinyl siding is siding that runs across the house horizontally hence the name. While simple it has always remained the most traditional and common type of siding as it was easier and cheaper to produce out of timber when compared to dutch lap. Comes is several popular styles such as dutch lap beaded and flat.

Dutch lap siding was first used by northern europeans and brought to the united states especially the mid atlantic states during the colonial period. Untapered lap siding is usually larger and often of imitative materials. Just like a long smooth wooden board. Vinyl siding can be made either textured to look just like real wood with deep grain lines or smooth like a freshly painted wooden board.

Their way of connecting doesn t truly do what is meant by lap siding although the look is made to imitate it. In your example the drop is larger than normal and a bit odd looking. Manufacturers of imitative siding will use whatever name they think will sell more of their product and of course none of. This profile resembles the look of boards that have been beveled on the top half at a 45 degree angle.

Another key difference is that this type of siding offers a recessed curve that aligns the top of each plank which allows it to fit more tightly against the wall and also gives it a more distinguished look than the typical square or beveled edges of traditional wall cladding. Off hand it looks like the dutch lap has more insulation behind it. Dutch lap siding has been popular for so long that it can easily be found in many siding materials including vinyl.