Traditional lap siding, with long horizontal boards that overlap from the bottom up, is the most popular siding style in Chicagoland for good reason. It suits nearly every home, from brick bungalows to two-story colonials, and it comes in every major siding material.
Lap siding profiles
Clapboard / straight lap
The classic look: simple horizontal boards with a clean shadow line. Exposures from about 4″ to 8″ change the feel from traditional to modern.
Dutch lap
A beveled groove at the top of each board creates a deeper shadow and a more handcrafted, historic look.
Beaded lap
A small rounded bead along the bottom edge adds refined detail popular on traditional and coastal-style homes.
Lap siding materials we install
| Material | Products | Why choose it | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber cement | James Hardie HardiePlank® (smooth and Cedarmill® textures) | Most durable; resists rot, pests and fire; best resale return in Chicago | $$$ |
| Composite | Alside ASCEND® 7″ flat-face lap | Fiber-cement look, lighter weight, built-in insulation | $$ |
| Engineered wood | LP® SmartSide® lap | Real wood-grain texture with engineered strength | $$ |
| Steel | Quality Edge TruCedar® lap and Dutch lap | Noncombustible, woodgrain finishes, impervious to woodpeckers | $$$ |
| Vinyl | CertainTeed, Ply Gem and Variform; insulated options | Most affordable; very low maintenance | $ |
Design tips for lap siding
- Wider exposure, more modern. A 7″ or 8″ reveal reads contemporary; 4″ to 5″ reads traditional.
- Mix with accents. Pair lap siding with board & batten on gables or shake on dormers for depth.
- Trim matters. Wide corner boards and window trim give lap siding a finished, custom look.
- Test colors first. Try colors on your own home with our free Visualizer Tool, or browse James Hardie Dream Collection colors.
Ready to see your options?
Get a free, no-pressure estimate from Style Exteriors by Corley, or try our complimentary Visualizer Tool to see new colors and materials on your own home first.
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Prefer to talk? Call (708) 292-0410.