Dutchlap vs. Clapboard Siding: What’s Best for My Maryland Home
If you’re deciding on a new siding installation, you’ve probably seen countless examples of dutchlap siding and clapboard siding online and in your neighborhood. These are the two most popular siding installation designs and create a timeless appearance perfect for any Maryland home.
So, how do you decide between the two? Is there a difference? Is one any better vs. another? We are here to help.
Dutchlap siding and clapboard siding are very similar but do have distinct differences in style, cost, and home insulation benefits. Dive in to our dutchlap vs clapboard siding breakdown and discover which new siding installation is right for your home.
When you’re ready to begin, call Politz Enterprises in Maryland to start your new siding replacement and bring a fresh makeover to your home. Servicing homes and businesses in the DMV since 1963.
What is Dutchlap Siding?
Dutchlap siding is a siding style that has a beveled edge, creating deep shadows between siding planks. The concave design adds texture to your home for a more stylized appearance.
Best for light colored siding, the contrast of light colors and the deep shadows creates an elegant appearance that can improve home value as well as curb appeal.
You can get dutchlap siding in wood, vinyl, and fiber cement/Hardie Board. Dutchlap siding complements homes of a Colonial style, farmhouses, and Victorian designs, making them very popular for Maryland homes.
What is Clapboard Siding?
Clapboard is another style of siding that is extremely popular and found on most Maryland homes. The boards of clapboard siding are straight and flat, slightly overlapping, like shingles on a roof. This creates an appearance of clean, narrow edges that is very sharp looking. You will find clapboard siding on most modern homes or newer built houses.
You can purchase clapboard siding in wood and metal, although vinyl and fiber cement/Hardie Board are the two most popular choices.
Differences Between Dutchlap vs. Clapboard Siding
Architecture
You will find dutchlap siding more popular with Victorian homes, farm houses, and Colonial designs. Clapboard siding is most often found on newly built houses or modern homes.
Color
Because you can get both dutchlap siding and clapboard siding in a variety of materials, you have many color options to choose from, from light and natural to dark and bold. However, because of the deep shadows found in dutchlap siding designs, you want to pick a lighter color to get the maximum contrast of the style.
Cost
Cost of clapboard siding vs dutchlap siding comes down primarily to the materials chosen. However, dutchlap is traditionally slightly more expensive and has higher labor costs due to a trickier installation. Consider your budget, curb appeal, and home value when assessing the cost of a new siding installation.
Durability
As with cost, the durability of either siding type relies on the material used. Clapboard siding has the benefit of being flatter, resisting any precipitation buildup for a longer lifespan. However, dutchlap can be better for insulation and energy efficiency because of its thicker design.
Work With Politz Enterprises for Your New Siding Installation
Whether you want a new fiber cement dutchlap siding installation or a traditional vinyl clapboard siding installation, Politz Enterprises can help. We offer fiber cement siding, vinyl siding, and LP Smartside siding installations. We can do dutchlap, clapboard, or most other styles you are envisioning for your home.
Contact us today for a new siding replacement in Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia. We are 5-star rated and excited to help you elevate the curb appeal and value of your home. We are the experts and we have the guidance for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main visual difference between dutchlap and clapboard siding?
Dutchlap siding features a beveled edge with a concave design that casts deep shadows for a textured look, while clapboard siding has straight, flat boards that slightly overlap for a clean, modern appearance.
Which siding style is better for Colonial or Victorian homes in Maryland?
Dutchlap siding is better suited for Colonial, Victorian, and farmhouse-style homes due to its classic, shadowed profile.
Is one siding style more expensive to install than the other?
Yes, dutchlap siding is typically slightly more expensive than clapboard siding due to more complex installation and higher labor costs.
Which siding style offers better energy efficiency?
Dutchlap siding can offer better insulation and energy efficiency because of its thicker design and concave structure.
Does the siding material affect the durability of dutchlap or clapboard siding?
Yes, durability depends on the material used. Clapboard’s flatter surface resists precipitation buildup, while material choice like vinyl or fiber cement affects longevity for both styles.