Nearly every vinyl-sided house in the Midwest wears one of two horizontal profiles. They look alike from a moving car, but up close they cast very different shadows, and that changes the character of the whole house.
Clapboard (Straight Lap)
Clapboard came into wide use in 17th-century America, when sawing logs into thin overlapping boards took far fewer trees than building log cabins. Vinyl clapboard keeps the same simple, straight horizontal lap. It reads clean and calm, and it suits Craftsman, ranch and modern homes.
Dutch Lap
Dutch lap adds a curved, beveled recess at the top of each course. That groove throws a deeper shadow, so the wall has more texture and depth, especially in raking morning or evening light. It is a natural fit for Colonial, Victorian and Cape Cod homes.
Every ProVia Lap Profile
| Profile | Style | Thickness | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CedarMAX® Single 7″ | Clapboard | .050″ | 16′ 2½″ | R-2.3 insulated |
| CedarMAX® Double 6″ | Clapboard | .050″ | 12′ 6″ & 16′ 2½″ | R-2.4 insulated |
| CedarMAX® Triple 4″ | Dutch lap | .046″ | 16′ 2½″ | R-2.8 insulated |
| Cedar Peaks® Double 4.5″ | Clapboard | .046″ | 12′ 1″ & 16′ 8″ | Patina cedar grain |
| HeartTech® Double 4″ / Double 5″ | Both | .044″ | 12′ 6″ / 12′ | Oak grain |
| Willowbrook™ Double 4″, 4.5″, 5″ | Both | .042″ | 12′ – 16′ 8″ | Brushed cedar grain |
| Ultra™ Double 4″ / Double 5″ DL | Both | .040″ | 12′ 6″ / 12′ | Soft woodgrain |
All ProVia clapboard and Dutch lap siding is made with Tri-Pigment Reflective Technology, Color Keeper anti-fade protection, the Weather Barrier Shield and the SPX-2000 UV blocker. See how that technology works.
Photos
Clapboard vs. Dutch Lap Siding Questions
Is Dutch lap or clapboard more popular?
Both are common. Clapboard is the default on newer and modern homes; Dutch lap is the favorite on traditional two-story and Colonial houses.
Does Dutch lap cost more than clapboard?
Within the same ProVia line, the price is generally similar. Thickness, insulation and color choice drive cost far more than profile.
Can I mix clapboard and Dutch lap on one house?
It is unusual on the same wall. Pairing either one with board and batten or shake on gables is the more common way to add contrast.
What does Double 4″ mean?
Each panel shows two courses, each with a 4″ exposure. A Single 7″ panel shows one 7″ board.
Ready to price new siding?
John Beal Roofing is a family-owned exterior contractor serving St. Louis, Kansas City and the Midwest. We measure your walls, bring real ProVia samples to your house and give you a written siding price. Hail or wind damage? We help with the insurance claim, too.
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