What Is Dutch Lap Siding?

Last Updated on March 5, 2021 by legacy450

You may not know this siding profile by name but you will recognize it by the profile as it has been around for many decades and is very common on the eastern coast of the United States. The Dutch lap siding profile is also known as german lap siding, german dutch lap siding, cove dutch lap siding, drop lap siding, drop siding, cove lap, wood pattern 105, wp105, dutch shiplap, or german shiplap. Most likely you have seen vinyl siding formed with a very similar profile (see image here). The profile on wood is very similar to traditional shiplap and channel rustic siding except there is a radius section on the upper leading edge of each board. While shiplap siding has no detail on the face of the board, channel rustic has a square relief milled on the top side and the Dutch lap has a radius (scooped) groove profile. The Dutch Lap profile is installed exactly like shiplap so it is very good at sealing out wind, rain, and other natural elements. This unique profile is copied on almost every type of siding material on the market including vinyl siding because of the unique shadow line it provides.

Species and Material Grades:

Cedar and Cypress wood species are great options for a new custom home. Cedar Dutch Lap is most readily available in STK grade (select tight knot) or higher grades may be available based on mill production runs. The most common size is a 1 x 6 but other sizes may be available as a custom milled product. The face of each board including the radius will have a smooth texture for clean classic look.

Cypress Dutch Lap Siding is readily available in #2 common grade which will have visible knots (similar to cedar STK grade) and can be had in the higher “Select” grade. Both species will have a smooth board face and a smooth radius for that clean classic look.

Pine is an option as well and many old historical homes are re-sided with a pressure-treated KDAT (Kiln Dried After Treatment) version that is primed on all six sides. Using pine in this form leaves the owner with one finish option and that is to apply a solid color either in the factory or on the job site after the material is installed. Some builders prefer a primed plus one factory coat application and then will apply a second solid color coat after the installation to make sure everything is coated properly.

Finishing

As with any type of natural wood siding, the best way to protect the wood and your investment is to have it stained, primed, or painted before it is installed (known as Prefinishing). When prefinished in any one of these options, the backside will be coated (also known as back primed) to protect the wood from moisture and harmful UV rays. If you have a small job, this task can be done at the job site if you have adequate space, racking, and window of good weather above 40 degrees F. If this is an issue call us and see if we can help.

NOTE: It’s important to note that when installing any siding whether it be natural wood, fiber cement, engineered wood any cuts done in the field need to be sealed with either a primer, stain, or latex based paint. This is the best way to make sure moisture does not get absorbed into the siding boards causing a premature failure which will lead to the material needing to be replaced somewhere down the road.

Benefits of Pre-Finishing

There are a number of benefits to prefinishing your new siding including being able to perform this service year round. First, our facility is indoors and climate controlled so wind, rain, snow, pollen, direct sunlight, dew, leaves, and other debris that may fall out of the sky are not an issue. Second, the finish is machine applied so there are no runs, drips, sags or lap marks. Third, each board will have the same consistent finish from one end to the next throughout the entire job. Fourth, there is no onsite paint clean up, masking windows, overspray on other parts of the house or on other contractors. Fifth, your siding goes up finished giving you instant curb appeal as the house comes to life as the job progresses. Lastly we send touch up paint with every order so field cuts can be sealed and the paint or stain is the same used to create the job so the colors will match.

If you have any questions at all please call us at 704-528-7136 or send us an e-mail to sales@legacyprefinishing.com