What is clapboard siding?

Clapboard siding is commonly used for siding on a building's exterior walls. It is made from wood planks cut to a certain length and width. Clapboard is a traditional siding material that was used in colonial America because early settlers had ample supplies of wood to cut planks.

Clapboard siding is made from a variety of woods. Tom Silva of "This Old House recomends western red cedar because of its look and durability, as well as its ability to absorb paint. Newer man-made materials for clapboard siding include fiber-cement. Strong, well-installed clapboard siding can last for the lifetime of a house.