For those discerning homeowners who are looking for a new and improved way to change up the facade of their home, Dutch lap siding might be the type of product they seek. The thin planks that make up this building material offer an effective and efficient way to protect the exterior walls of a structure while offering a unique design scheme as a finish. Sometimes referred to as cover siding, this product is installed in such a way as to create overlapping horizontal rows which offer a distinct profile to the home’s exterior.

What Exactly Is Dutch Lap Siding?

This building material is principally used as a decorative covering on the exterior of a home. Similar to clapboards in that they are installed on the exterior of a building and serve to protect the exterior surface from the elements, it also offers the added benefit of giving a home’s exterior an appealing aesthetic quality that surpasses that of ordinary wall cladding. 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.

Dutch Lap Siding Materials

Originally, this building material was made with either real cedar or pine wood products, although alternative wood could also be used with varying degrees of success. Currently, the emphasis is on using materials that are both cost efficient and more resilient to the elements than natural wood. This has thus led to options which include vinyl and hardboard versions, both of which are relatively low-cost. Additionally, aluminum is another option, but it has certain drawbacks similar to those of its wood counterparts, mainly in cost and resiliency.

Options that Encourage Individuality

Aside from the obvious aesthetic appeal this type of siding offers, there are also additional choices that homeowners have to make their home truly unique. Choices include smooth or textured siding, and for those looking for a more traditional wooden facade, there are also embossed planks that can be painted or stained to more closely mimic actual wood products.

Besides offering a wide array of personalized options to create a more unique home design, the resilience and durability of this building material make it a viable choice, especially in areas that experience heavy fluctuations in climate. Both affordable and easy to install, an active homeowner can likely take on this project without the need for outside help or special equipment, saving a substantial sum on installation while providing the home with a valuable upgrade that is sure to last. For those discerning homeowners who are looking for a new and improved way to change up the facade of their home, Dutch lap siding might be the type of product they seek. The thin planks that make up this building material offer an effective and efficient way to protect the exterior walls of a structure while offering a unique design scheme as a finish. Sometimes referred to as cover siding, this product is installed in such a way as to create overlapping horizontal rows which offer a distinct profile to the home’s exterior.