2023 Dutch Lap Siding Cost, Installation, Pros & Cons

Dutch lap siding is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a way to make your house stand out in your neighborhood.

This siding style is recognized by its unique horizontal planks that create a captivating shadow with their design.

Besides lowering energy bills and keeping the interior safe from weather elements, Dutch lap siding gives your home a distinctive and charming look.

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How Much Is Dutch Lap Siding?

The cost of Dutch lap siding depends on several factors, which include the material used, the quality of the material, the size of the panels, and the size and complexities of your home.

The price will also depend on the manufacturer, the installation and labor costs, and your location. 

The average price of Dutch lap wood or vinyl siding typically ranges from $2.50 to $8.50 per square foot, including the installation and additional materials.

For a 2,000-square-foot house, the average cost of materials, installation, and labor is between $5,000 and $20,000.

Dutch Lap Siding Cost By Material

Dutch Lap Siding comes in different materials, which all vary by price.

Materials	Average Cost With Installation	Average Cost for 2,000-Square-Foot House
Overall	$3-$8.50	$6,000-$17,000
Wood	$2.50-$15	$5,000-$30,000
Composite Wood	$3.50-$9.50	$7,000-$19,000
Vinyl	$2.50-$10.50	$5,000-$21,000
Fiber Cement	$5-$11.50	$10,000-$23,000
Steel	$4.50-$9	$9,000-$18,000

Dutch Lap Wood Siding

Dutch lap siding was initially hand-carved and made of wood.

This made it more expensive and available only to wealthier homeowners.

Today, it’s not as expensive, but its price is still higher than some materials.

The average cost with installation and labor is $2.50–$15 per square foot, depending on the wood used. 

Pro Tip: Wood is more susceptible to damage, rotting, and insect nesting, so it requires regular maintenance, which adds additional costs. 

Dutch Lap Composite Wood Siding

Dutch lap siding made of engineered wood is more durable than natural wood.

It is also more resistant to insects and decay.

The average cost is between $3.50 and $9.50 per square foot.

Dutch Lap Vinyl Siding

Dutch lap vinyl siding is the most common today.

It’s made from PVC, which makes it less expensive than the traditional wood one.

It is also easy to install, lowering installation and labor costs.

You can expect to spend between $2.50 and $10.50 per square foot for vinyl Dutch lap siding. 

Dutch Lap Steel Siding

Dutch lap siding made from steel is durable and resistant to extreme weather conditions but quite costly.

It is also completely recyclable and non-combustible, which makes it a worthwhile investment.

The average price of steel Dutch lap siding is between $4.50 and $9 per square foot.

Dutch Lap Fiber Cement Siding

Dutch lap cement siding combines cement, sand, and cellulose fibers.

It is very durable and won’t require replacement for many years.

However, the manufacturing and installation processes are more expensive, so the price is higher.

The average cost of fiber cement Dutch lap sidings ranges between $5 and $11.50 per square foot.

Dutch Lap Siding Cost By Size

The price of Dutch lap will also depend on the size of the boards.

It’s hard to say the accurate price for each size since it heavily depends on the materials and other factors.

However, the average prices of some of the more popular board lengths can be estimated.

The average price for an 8-foot vinyl Dutch lap board is between $2 and $8 per square foot.

For a 12-foot board, the average cost is a bit higher, ranging between $6 and $10 per square foot.

The 16-foot boards are the most expensive, with the average price between $10 and $14 per square foot.

Dutch Lap Installation Cost

The factors affecting Dutchlap siding installation costs depend on the contractor and job difficulty.

Expect the price to be higher if your house requires additional features such as corner pieces or trim.

The installation costs $1-$4 per square foot, while additional features and materials usually add $1-$2 per square foot.

Who Sells Dutch Lap Sidings?

 Dutch lap house siding can be found at home improvement stores, such as Lowe’s and Menards.

Wholesale Dutch Lap Home Siding

You can find high-quality Dutch lap panels sellers at Boulder Creek Stone, CertainTeed, Edco, Rollex, Royal, Eldorado Stone, James Hardie, LP SmartSide, Quality Edge, Klauer, and Whirlwind.

How To Measure Dutch Lap Boards 

If you want to measure Dutch lap siding correctly, you need to look at these several parts:

• The length of the entire panel — measured from the part where the previous plank overlaps to the bottom of the second plank
• The length of the front flat spot — measured from the curve of the slope to the end of the entire panel
• The slope — measured from the projection to the beginning of the curve of the slope
• The length of the projection (the thickness of panel overlap) — measured by placing the measuring tape horizontally
• The length of the flat spot at the top (present only on some panels) — usually a quarter of an inch

Pro Tip: The easiest way to measure is by marking these five parts on the panel with a pencil. You can check whether your measurements are correct by adding the length of the front flat spot to the length of the slope (and the length of the flat area at the back, if there is one) and seeing if it matches the length of the entire panel. 

Sometimes the measuring tape can be too big to place under the overlapping to measure the projection.

In that case, align a piece of paper against the projection and mark it with a pencil. This way, you can simply measure from the edge of the paper to the marked place.

How To Measure Double Dutch Lap Siding

Double Dutch lap panels have two “laps” or two rows of planks connected.

They are measured the same way as Dutch lap boards with a single plank.

How To Install Dutch Lap House Siding

Installing Dutch lap paneling can be easy for someone with the right skills and tools.

If you’re not confident or knowledgeable enough about such a project, it’s best to leave it to experienced contractors. That way, you won’t have to worry about any mistakes, and the job will be done sooner.

The installation of Dutch lap boards will also depend on the material you’re using.

However, you need to follow a few general steps regardless of the material.

1. Measure the walls and make sure to leave 10% for waste.
2. Make sure that the wall surface is clean and prepared.
3. Install the first strip along the bottom of the wall as the base.
4. Place the subsequent rows of siding. 
5. Cut the corner pieces and install them at the corners of the house.
6. Install the trim around the windows, doors, etc., and paint the panels if needed.

If you’re installing Dutch lap wood siding, there are a few things to consider regardless of whether you’re the one installing the panels or not.

• Allow the wood to adjust to the new climate for one to two weeks after arrival. The wood will slowly change its size at the new temperature, and you should never install it during this time.
• Ensure airflow between the panels so the moisture doesn’t accumulate and cause the panels to curve. Unwrap the boards and separate them into smaller groups so they are not stacked on top of each other.
• Cover the wood with lumber wrap that allows airflow during the rain. Avoid putting the panels in enclosed spaces with fresh concrete or where they might be heated or cooled by an artificial source.
• Plan for drainage and air space so stains don’t accumulate on the inside of your walls once the siding is installed.
• Leave at least 18 inches between the siding and the ground to protect your siding from rain splashing back.

How To Remove Dutch Lap Siding

Removing Dutch lap is no different than removing any other type.

However, it’ll depend on the material of the siding.

If you plan to remove vinyl siding, you’ll need a siding removal tool that you can find in any home improvement store.

Since the siding is put up from the bottom to the top, the easiest way to remove it is by going in the reverse order. 

1. Determine what’s holding the top panel. If it’s nailed or screwed down, remove the nails and screws first. 
2. Use the removal tool under the panel to separate it from the wall.
3. Once you have the top panel off, the rest gets easier. Undo the nails from the wall with a hammer or another tool and remove the rest of the panels.

How To Replace Dutch Lap Siding

Replacing the whole wall is unnecessary if your siding seems damaged in some areas. You can replace the damaged part with a new panel.

If you’re replacing wood siding, you’ll need a hammer, a pry bar, and a nail gun.

1. Remove the trim from the sides with the hammer and a pry bar. Do it up to the nail above the last panel that needs replacement. Try not to damage the trim.
2. Remove the damaged panels with the same tools.
3. Place the new panel. Make sure that the panel size matches the other ones. If you’re replacing multiple pieces, install the bottom piece first.
4. Nail the new panels.

If you’re replacing a part of the vinyl siding, the process is similar to the removal instruction. 

Dutch Lap Pros And Cons

As with every product, there are many advantages and disadvantages of Dutch lap home siding that you need to consider before purchasing. They will also vary depending on the material you choose, so carefully consider which type fits best with your location, house size, and the amount of time you can dedicate to its maintenance.

Pros

• Durability: Dutch lap siding is a great way to fight cold winters and humid summers. The thickness of the boards can withstand strong wind, heavy rain, and snow, while the shape doesn’t allow water to accumulate behind them and cause condensation and molding. If you settle for vinyl siding, you don’t have to worry about rotting. In addition, insulating the boards gives extra protection in all climates.
• Esthetics: Dutch lap siding is timeless and designed after the traditional Old World wood siding. The interesting shape of Dutch lap creates an appealing shadow effect and adds dimension to your home. You can also choose between various colors and finishes that will complement the rest of your home. Furthermore, you can add wood grain texture to vinyl boards to keep the traditional look while not compromising durability.
• Ease of Use: Dutch lap vinyl siding is a good choice if you want the installation process to be quick and easy. It’s also fantastic if you want to dedicate minimum time for maintenance in the future. Vinyl planks are easy to cut, handle, and maintain. They are also less expensive than wood siding.
• Availability: Dutch lap is widely popular and available in most hardware stores.
• Energy Efficiency: Dutch lap house siding, you can save on energy bills. The thick overlapping boards are excellent at regulating temperature and will make your home a pleasant living space.

Cons

• Cost: Dutch lap wood siding is pricier than vinyl varieties or other types of siding in general.
• Maintenance: Unlike vinyl siding, Dutch lap wood siding requires regular cleaning and inspection for any damage. Care is even more necessary in areas with severe weather conditions. It’s also more likely to attract insects and rot.
• Size Limitation: Dutch lap comes in limited sizes and might only work for some houses.
• Style Limitations: Dutch lap paneling goes well with many architectural styles, such as Victorian, Greek revival, Gambrel, and Colonial-style houses. However, its unique appearance might not suit other architectural styles or go well with the rest of your house decoration.
• Color Limitations: While Dutch lap comes in an array of different colors, it tends to look best in lighter shades because the shadows are more prominent. However, light colors might differ from your taste or not match the rest of your house. They also might not fit in with the rest of your neighborhood if it’s in an area where uniformity is important.

Did you know? Over the years, some regions have developed a preference for different colors. The siding in the Northeast tends to be of a lighter color, such as white and light gray. The Midwest homes are often clad in bright and cream colors. Dark tones are more prevalent in Southern regions where traditional brick shades have translated into deep, rich siding colors. Homes in the Northwest feature earthy and natural colors such as beige, clay, and blue and gray hues.

However, if you don’t want to limit yourself to only one color, you can mix and match different shades to fit your preferences.

For some house styles, such as the Victorian style, it’s even recommended. 

It’s also a good choice for drawing attention to specific architectural details of your home or giving big monotonous walls a livelier look. You can do this simply by going a few shades darker or adding a new color to your palette.

With vinyl siding, the options are endless.

Dutch Lap vs Clapboard Siding

Clapboard siding looks similar to Dutch lap, but it doesn’t have concaves and notches that create that unique shadow of Dutch lap planks.

It has a flat, smooth profile that’s made of straight planks that overlap horizontally. 

Nowadays, both styles are made of vinyl and come in various colors.

However, while Dutch lap looks best in bright colors, there are no such limitations for clapboard siding.

Both styles work well with different architecture. 

Dutch lap paneling looks excellent on Victorian-style houses, but clapboard siding might be more suitable for countryside homes.

Still, the ultimate choice will depend on your own preference.

In addition, Dutch lap is slightly more expensive than clapboard siding, usually between $1 and $7 per square foot, with installation costs.

If you choose Dutch lap wood siding, the price goes up.

The manufacturing process is also less expensive and easier for clapboard siding. 

The maintenance and durability are similar if both styles are vinyl. The only difference is that Dutch lap retains less water than clapboard due to its thicker panels.

Dutch Lap vs Traditional Siding

Dutch lap differs from traditional siding in a similar way it differs from clapboard siding.

Traditional siding is flat, so it causes water to stay longer on the boards.

Dutch lap is also more expensive than traditional siding. 

Moreover, traditional siding works with multiple colors and architectural styles.

The maintenance and durability are relatively the same if both are made from vinyl.

Dutch Lap vs Shiplap Siding

Dutch lap and shiplap siding are very similar from afar, but shiplap doesn’t have any details on its boards.

While Dutch lap is installed by overlapping, shiplap is installed by overlapping and nailing each board through the top.

They’re similar regarding rain, wind, snow, and hail resistance, but Dutch lap is more durable because of its design.

Dutch lap gives your home a more traditional, classic look, while shiplap has a more rustic appearance. 

How Wide Are Dutch Lap Panels?

Dutch lap boards can be of different widths, but the most popular are 4 inches, 4.5 inches, 5 inches, and 6 inches.

Does Dutch Lap Home Siding Cost More?

Dutch lap generally costs more than other siding types but not significantly.

Is Dutch Lap House Siding Popular?

First used by the settlers more than a century ago, Dutch lap has been popular for a long time.

It decorates thousands of houses nationwide because of its many benefits, especially if made from vinyl.

Is Dutch Lap More Durable Than Other Siding Types?

Dutch lap siding is more durable than some types of siding due to the shape of its panels which allow less water to remain on them.

Is It Worth It?

Even though it might be slightly more expensive than other styles of siding, Dutch lap is sure to prove its value and make your home more secure and comfortable.

Give Your Home A Classic Look With Dutch Lap Siding

Dutch lap residential siding is a popular choice nationwide because of its many benefits.

It’s a perfect choice if you want to give your home a more traditional look while keeping the interior safe and energy bills low.