Horizontal (Lap) Siding: Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to giving your home that timeless, welcoming look, few choices are as beloved as horizontal lap siding. Drive through any American neighborhood, from charming New England suburbs to breezy California developments, and you'll see this classic style adorning homes of every size and architectural design.

There's a good reason why horizontal siding has stood the test of time - it simply works. Like a well-tailored suit, it manages to be both practical and attractive, protecting your home from the elements while creating clean, elegant lines that naturally draw the eye. Whether it's traditional wood, modern fiber cement, or low-maintenance vinyl, lap siding offers homeowners a perfect blend of curb appeal and durability.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about horizontal siding - from the various materials and styles available to the nitty-gritty of costs, installation, and maintenance. Whether you're building a new home or giving your current one a facelift, understanding your siding options is the first step toward making an informed decision that you'll be happy with for years to come.

What is Horizontal (Lap) Siding?

Lap siding is a series of long boards installed horizontally across your home's exterior walls, with each board overlapping the one below it. Each board's lower edge covers the top portion of the board beneath it, typically by about an inch. This overlapping design isn't just for aesthetics - it creates a natural pathway for water to run down and away from your walls.

The boards themselves come in various widths, though typically 4 to 7 inches wide (what's exposed to view). When you look at a home with lap siding, those horizontal lines you see are the exposed faces of each board.

Today's lap siding comes in several materials. Traditional wood remains popular, but vinyl has become the most common choice due to its affordability. Fiber cement (the only siding we offer due to its durability and beauty) almost perfectly mimics the look of painted wood. Engineered wood products provide another option, combining real wood fibers with binding agents for improved stability.

The real beauty of lap siding lies in its simplicity. While the materials have evolved dramatically over time, the basic concept hasn't changed since early American builders first started using it - because it works.

Types of Horizontal (Lap) Siding

Let's explore the main types of horizontal siding:

Traditional Clapboard

This profile represents the quintessential American siding style. These overlapping wooden boards, cut from durable materials like cedar or pine, create clean horizontal lines and excellent weather protection. Modern engineered wood options provide the same classic look while offering enhanced durability and lower maintenance requirements.

Dutch Lap

Dutch lap takes the basic clapboard design a step further by incorporating a decorative groove at the top of each board. This subtle detail creates appealing shadow lines and adds architectural interest to the home's exterior. The result is a more dimensional appearance that works well on both traditional and contemporary homes.

Beaded Lap

Beaded lap features a distinctive rounded bead along the bottom edge of each board, lending a refined appearance that's particularly appropriate for historic renovations and upscale homes. This elegant detail was common in colonial-era construction and remains popular for creating a sophisticated exterior.

Shiplap

Shiplap distinguishes itself through an interlocking design where boards fit together with a rabbet joint. This creates not only a secure installation but also a distinctive look that's become increasingly popular in modern and rustic-modern designs. The tight board-to-board fit provides excellent weather resistance while maintaining clean lines.

Log Lap

Log lap offers the warmth and character of a traditional log cabin in a more practical format. The boards are milled with a rounded face to replicate the appearance of full logs, making it an excellent choice for rustic designs or mountain homes where traditional log construction might be impractical.

Benefits of Horizontal (Lap) Siding

The biggest draw for lap siding is how nice it looks on almost any house. We've installed lap siding on everything from 1920s Craftsman bungalows to sleek modern homes, and it works beautifully on all of them. You can go with crisp white for a classic look, rich cedar for warmth, or bold fiber cement in contemporary colors - the options are practically endless.

Installation is straightforward compared to other siding types. The boards stack naturally from bottom to top, each one overlapping the next. While we always recommend professional installation, we've seen skilled DIYers successfully side their garden sheds or garages using basic tools and careful planning.

The overlapping design isn't just for looks - it's incredibly effective at keeping water away from your walls. Think of it like shingles on a roof: each piece directs water down and away from the house. We've seen 30-year-old lap siding still doing its job perfectly, especially the newer materials like fiber cement that stand up to harsh weather.

As for maintenance, that depends on what material you choose. Vinyl needs little more than a good wash with soap and water every year or two. Wood requires more attention - regular painting or staining - but many homeowners feel the natural beauty is worth the extra effort. Fiber cement splits the difference, giving you the look of wood with much less upkeep.

Best Materials for Horizontal Siding

Each siding material has its sweet spot depending on your needs and budget. Let's break down the most popular options:

Vinyl

Vinyl remains the go-to choice for many because it's the most affordable option - and today's vinyl looks a lot better than what your parents might remember. But vinyl is still not super durable, especially in places like San Antonio, where hailstorms are a major threat.

Wood

Wood siding is still the gold standard for natural beauty. Cedar, in particular, has been used for centuries because it naturally resists rot and insects. But the reality is - wood is high maintenance. You'll need to repaint or re-stain every 5-7 years, and it can be vulnerable to moisture damage if not properly maintained. Over wood siding's lifetime, you can end up spending up to $50,000 just on professional repainting. Still, nothing quite matches its authentic charm.

Fiber Cement

Fiber cement, specifically James Hardie, is the only siding we sell at Southwest Exteriors. Why? Well, it looks remarkably like wood, and (when properly installed) it's impervious to most hailstones. It resists fire, stands up to hurricane-force winds, and never rots.

Yes, it costs more upfront, but it can last 50 years with minimal maintenance.

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood is a middle ground. It's essentially wood fibers mixed with resins to create a more stable product. While more affordable than real wood, it still requires regular maintenance. We've found it performs well in moderate climates but can struggle in wet conditions.

Is Horizontal (Lap) Siding Right for You?

From a price and durability perspective, horizontal siding does not differ at all from other siding styles, like vertical or architectural panels. 

The choice really comes down to what style of home you have and what kind of design you prefer.

Start by identifying your home's architectural style. A Spanish Colonial Revival home will need different treatment than a Mid-Century Modern or Texas Ranch. Look at the original siding width - wider exposures (7 inches) tend to suit larger homes and more modern styles, while narrower exposures (4-5 inches) often look better on smaller or more traditional homes. We can help you make these assessments during our initial consultation.

Color choice is crucial. Light colors make a home appear larger and reflect our intense Texas heat, while darker colors can help a large house feel more grounded. But don't just consider what looks good today - think about how those colors will age with your neighborhood and your home's architecture. We often recommend driving through neighborhoods with homes similar to yours to see what works and what doesn't.

Texture is another key decision. Smooth finishes suit contemporary homes, while wood grain textures work better with traditional styles. 

Consider these specific design elements:

• Board width: Affects the scale and visual weight of your home
• Shadow lines: Deeper shadows create more visual interest
• Trim details: Can dramatically change how the siding reads on your house
• Corner treatments: Inside and outside corners can be handled several ways for different effects

Don't forget about your home's other exterior elements - windows, doors, roof, and stonework all need to work together with your new siding. We often see homeowners focus so much on the siding itself that they forget about these important relationships.

The best designs we've done always start with the home's original architectural intent and then thoughtfully update it for today's materials and aesthetics. Whether you're looking to preserve your home's historic character or give it a contemporary update, we can help you make choices that will look appropriate now and for years to come.

James Hardie: The Final Word In Siding

After over 30 years of installing all types of horizontal siding in San Antonio, we've settled exclusively on James Hardie fiber cement siding, and here's why: it simply outperforms every other option in our challenging climate.

While we've covered the basics of horizontal lap siding here, many homeowners ask us specifically about James Hardie products. It's a natural question - they want to know why we've chosen to work with only one manufacturer when there are so many options available. The answer comes down to proven performance and value. In our hot, humid climate, with hailstorms and intense UV exposure, we've watched James Hardie siding protect homes year after year while maintaining its appearance and structural integrity.

Want to learn more? Our Ultimate Guide to James Hardie Siding dives deep into everything you need to know about this exceptional product. You'll discover:

• Why it outperforms other siding materials in Texas weather
• How its color technology keeps homes looking fresh for decades
• What makes its warranty the best in the industry
• How it can increase your home's value

Download our free guide now to learn why James Hardie siding has become the gold standard for home exteriors. And when you're ready to explore siding options for your home, we're here to help you make the best choice for your specific situation.