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What Is Clapboard Siding in East Brookfield, MA: A Guide

Clapboards are one of the most popular and enduring types of wood siding, having protected homes for generations. This classic exterior finish is known for its overlapping horizontal planks that create a timeless look while providing excellent weather resistance. But what is clapboard siding exactly?

Traditionally, clapboards are long, thin boards of wood, often cedar, that are installed horizontally on a building's exterior. They are typically tapered, with the bottom edge being thicker than the top. When installed, the bottom of each board overlaps the top of the board below it. This method, known as lapping, allows water to shed away from the structure, protecting it from moisture. A standard clapboard measures 1/2" thick and 6" wide, with an installation that typically leaves 4" exposed to the weather and a 2" overlap. Explore our guide on what a clapboard is for East Brookfield, MA, business and residents.

Where Is Clapboard Siding Used?

Originating in the Northeast, clapboard siding is a hallmark of Colonial New England architecture. Its durability and classic charm have made it a popular choice across the country for a variety of building styles, from traditional farmhouses to modern homes. You can find it on primary residences, barns, garages, and sheds, used either as the main exterior covering or as a design accent on features like dormers.

Clapboard vs. Shiplap

While both are popular wood siding types, clapboard and shiplap are different. The key difference lies in their installation and profile. Here are the key differences between the two:

  • Clapboard: Uses a simple overlapping method where the bottom of one board lays over the top of the board below it. This creates a tapered, beveled appearance with distinct shadow lines.
  • Shiplap: Features boards with a special grooved edge, called a rabbet, on both the top and bottom. These grooves allow the boards to interlock and fit snugly together, creating a flatter, more uniform surface with very tight seams.

Types of Wood Siding We Offer

At Howe Lumber, we offer a wide variety of clapboard options to suit the specific needs and aesthetic of your project. Explore different types of wood siding you can choose from for your next project:

Pre-primed Clear Cedar

This is the top grade of cedar siding. It arrives already primed, saving you a critical step in the finishing process. This high-quality product still requires a topcoat of paint, but the professional primer application provides a perfect base for a lasting finish.

Clear Cedar

The highest unprimed grade of cedar siding, this option showcases a beautiful, tight vertical grain. It is an excellent choice for a natural look.

  • Finishing: A coat of semi-transparent stain will enhance the natural beauty of the wood grain.
  • Durability: The vertical grain structure helps minimize warping and twisting over the years.
  • Versatility: Solid stain can also be used to achieve a different look while still benefiting from the quality of the wood. For more information, see our guide on ordering paint and stain.

Cedar Ayes

This midgrade cedar siding has what is called a flat grain, which is less uniform than the clear vertical grain (CVG).

  • Best Use: It is an attractive and more budget-friendly option, often finished with a solid stain or paint.
  • Installation Note: Some builders install Ayes grade clapboard with the rougher, unplaned side facing out for a more textured look. However, if a rustic appearance is your goal, our Rustic Cedar option is specifically milled for that purpose.

Rustic Cedar

This grade shares a similar grain pattern to the Ayes but is rough-sawn and not planed, resulting in a textured surface.

  • Appearance: This is the perfect siding for achieving a rustic, natural look for your home.
  • Cost-Effective: Because it undergoes less milling, it is a more affordable option than planed clapboards.
  • Finishing: It is most commonly finished with a semi-transparent stain to highlight its texture, though a solid stain can also be applied.

Finger Jointed Primed Cedar

This is another grade of clear cedar siding, but instead of being single, solid boards, they are made from smaller pieces of clear wood finger-jointed together.

  • How it Works: A finger joint is a strong woodworking joint that glues two pieces of wood together, creating a nearly seamless bond.
  • Benefits: This process allows mills to create long, straight, and defect-free boards. The longer lengths (often 16 feet) make installation faster by reducing the number of joints on a wall. These clapboards come pre-primed for quick and easy installation.

Pine

We also stock pine clapboards, which are the most economical choice.

  • Maintenance: Pine requires more diligent maintenance than cedar, as it lacks cedar's natural resistance to weather and rot. It relies on its pitch content for protection.
  • Appearance: Pine can provide a classic, rustic New England feel and accepts paint and stain very well.

Clapboard Siding Installation Tips

Proper installation is key to ensuring your clapboard siding performs well and lasts for decades. Our clapboard siding installation tips include:

  • Acclimatization: Allow the wood to acclimate to your local environment for several days before installation to prevent shrinking or swelling.
  • Fasteners: Use high-quality, corrosion-resistant nails (such as stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized). Fasten each board just above the overlap of the board below it, allowing for natural expansion and contraction.
  • Cutting: When cutting boards, always seal the cut ends with a primer or sealant to prevent moisture from penetrating the wood.
  • Finishing: For maximum protection against the elements, apply paint, stain, or a clear finish to all sides of the board (front, back, and edges) before installation. Our paints and sundries section offers a variety of finishing options.

Contact Howe Lumber Today!

For more details on clapboard siding, installation techniques, and finishing products, we invite you to explore the full range of resources and materials available at Howe Lumber. Whether you're planning a new project or looking for expert advice, our organized product categories and detailed guides are designed to help you succeed. Contact us today to learn more!