Old Wood Siding Types: A Guide to Classic Exterior Materials

Old wood siding has adorned homes for centuries, providing both protection and aesthetic appeal. From rustic cabins to stately Victorian mansions, various types of wood siding have shaped architectural styles across different eras and regions.

Weathered wooden siding on a rustic barn, with varying textures and colors, showing signs of age and wear

Wood siding offers durability, insulation, and a timeless charm that many homeowners still prefer today. While modern alternatives exist, traditional wood siding remains popular for its natural beauty and ability to be customized. Understanding the different types of old wood siding can help homeowners make informed decisions about restoration or replication projects.

1. Bevel Siding

Bevel siding is a classic wood siding option that has adorned homes for generations. It features planks with a tapered profile, thicker at the bottom and thinner at the top. This design allows each board to overlap the one below it, creating a weatherproof seal.

Typically made from cedar or pine, bevel siding offers both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. The angled shape helps shed water efficiently, protecting the structure from moisture damage. It also creates attractive shadow lines that add visual interest to the exterior.

Installation of bevel siding requires precision to ensure proper overlap and alignment. Boards are nailed at the top, with the bottom edge overlapping the board below. This method conceals the fasteners, enhancing the siding’s clean appearance.

Bevel siding comes in various widths, allowing homeowners to customize their home’s look. Wider boards create a more rustic feel, while narrower planks offer a more refined appearance. The versatility of bevel siding makes it suitable for both traditional and modern architectural styles.

2. Board-and-Batten

A rustic barn with weathered board-and-batten wood siding, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and a clear blue sky

Board-and-batten siding is a classic wooden exterior cladding style that dates back to the 19th century. It consists of wide boards placed vertically with narrower strips, called battens, covering the seams between the boards.

This siding type creates a distinctive pattern of alternating wide and narrow vertical lines. The boards are typically 8 to 14 inches wide, while the battens measure 1 to 3 inches in width.

Board-and-batten siding offers excellent protection against the elements. The battens prevent water from seeping between the boards, ensuring the structure remains dry and well-insulated.

Traditional board-and-batten siding is made from cedar, pine, or other durable woods. These materials provide natural resistance to decay and insect infestation when properly maintained.

The vertical orientation of board-and-batten siding can make a building appear taller. This effect has made it popular for barn exteriors and rural homes throughout history.

Board-and-batten siding requires regular maintenance to preserve its appearance and functionality. Periodic staining or painting helps protect the wood from weathering and extends its lifespan.

3. Shake Siding

Shake siding is a traditional wood siding option that offers a rustic and natural appearance. Made from split logs, shakes are thicker than shingles and have a more textured surface.

Cedar is the most common wood used for shake siding due to its durability and resistance to decay. Other wood options include redwood and pine, each providing unique characteristics and colors.

Shake siding can be applied in various patterns, such as straight, staggered, or wavy courses. This versatility allows homeowners to create distinctive looks for their homes.

One advantage of shake siding is its natural insulation properties, which can help improve a home’s energy efficiency. It also provides good sound dampening qualities.

Installation of shake siding requires skill and experience to ensure proper weatherproofing. Regular maintenance, including staining or sealing, is necessary to protect the wood from moisture and UV damage.

While shake siding offers aesthetic appeal, it can be more expensive than other siding options. It also requires more upkeep compared to modern alternatives like vinyl or fiber cement siding.

4. Shiplap Siding

Shiplap siding is a popular choice for both exterior and interior use in homes. It consists of wooden boards with rabbeted edges that overlap each other, creating a distinctive horizontal line pattern.

Traditionally, shiplap was made from pine or cedar, though modern versions may use engineered wood products. The boards are typically 6 to 10 inches wide and have a smooth or rough-sawn texture.

Shiplap offers excellent protection against the elements when used as exterior siding. Its overlapping design helps shed water and prevent moisture infiltration. This makes it particularly suitable for coastal or rainy climates.

Installation of shiplap siding is relatively straightforward. The boards are nailed directly to the wall studs or sheathing, with each board overlapping the one below it. This creates a tight seal and a uniform appearance.

While often associated with rustic or farmhouse styles, shiplap can be adapted to various architectural designs. It can be painted or stained to achieve different looks, from classic white to bold colors or natural wood tones.

Maintenance of shiplap siding involves regular cleaning and occasional repainting or restaining to protect the wood from weathering. With proper care, shiplap siding can last for many years, adding charm and character to a home’s exterior.

5. Clapboard Siding

Clapboard siding is one of the oldest and most recognizable types of wood siding. It consists of long, narrow boards installed horizontally, with each board overlapping the one below it.

Traditionally made from split logs, modern clapboard siding is typically sawn from cedar, pine, or spruce. The boards are tapered, thicker at the bottom edge and thinner at the top.

This design allows water to run off easily, providing excellent protection against the elements. Clapboard siding creates a classic, timeless look that suits various architectural styles.

Installation of clapboard siding requires precision to ensure proper overlap and alignment. Boards are usually nailed at the bottom edge, with the nail heads covered by the overlapping board above.

Clapboard siding can be painted or stained to achieve different aesthetic effects. Regular maintenance, including painting and sealing, helps preserve the wood and extend its lifespan.

While durable, clapboard siding may require more upkeep than some modern alternatives. It remains a popular choice for homeowners seeking an authentic, traditional appearance for their homes.

6. Channel Rustic

Channel rustic siding is a distinctive wood siding style that creates a unique shadow effect. It features boards with a channel or groove cut into one edge, which overlaps the adjacent board.

This design allows for better water drainage and provides a more dimensional appearance to the exterior of a building. Channel rustic siding typically uses wider boards, often ranging from 8 to 12 inches in width.

The boards are installed horizontally, with the grooved edge facing upward. This arrangement ensures that water runs off easily, protecting the structure from moisture damage.

Channel rustic siding was popular in the early 20th century, particularly in Craftsman and bungalow-style homes. It offers a rustic, yet refined look that complements various architectural styles.

Wood species commonly used for channel rustic siding include cedar, redwood, and pine. These woods are chosen for their natural resistance to decay and insects, as well as their aesthetic appeal.

Proper maintenance of channel rustic siding involves regular cleaning, staining or painting, and addressing any damaged boards promptly. With proper care, this siding type can last for many decades.

7. Drop Channel Siding

Drop channel siding is a classic wood siding option known for its distinctive profile. It features a groove or “channel” along the top edge of each board, which fits into the bottom edge of the board above it.

This design creates a tight, interlocking system that effectively sheds water and provides excellent protection against the elements. Drop channel siding is typically made from durable woods such as cedar or redwood.

The boards used in drop channel siding are usually wider than those found in other siding types. This wider profile creates a bold, eye-catching appearance that many homeowners find appealing.

Installation of drop channel siding requires precision to ensure proper alignment and water resistance. The boards are nailed through the top edge, with the nail heads hidden by the overlapping board above.

Drop channel siding offers versatility in terms of finish options. It can be painted, stained, or left natural to showcase the wood grain. Regular maintenance, including repainting or restaining, helps preserve its appearance and longevity.

8. Tongue and Groove Siding

Tongue and groove siding is a classic wood siding option known for its interlocking design. Each board features a protruding “tongue” on one edge and a matching groove on the other, allowing the pieces to fit snugly together.

This siding type creates a tight seal against the elements, providing excellent protection for the home’s exterior. It offers a smooth, uniform appearance that many homeowners find appealing.

Tongue and groove siding can be installed horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The versatility in installation patterns allows for various aesthetic options to suit different architectural styles.

Common wood species used for tongue and groove siding include pine, cedar, and redwood. These materials offer natural beauty and durability when properly maintained.

Installation of tongue and groove siding requires precision to ensure a proper fit between boards. Professional installation is often recommended to achieve the best results and longevity.

When maintained regularly, tongue and groove siding can last for decades. Proper care includes periodic cleaning, staining or painting, and prompt repair of any damaged boards.

9. Log Cabin Siding

Log cabin siding replicates the rustic charm of traditional log cabins. This type of siding consists of long, horizontal planks with curved outer surfaces that mimic the appearance of stacked logs.

Typically made from cedar or pine, log cabin siding offers natural insulation and durability. The wood’s natural oils provide resistance against decay and insect infestation.

Installation involves overlapping the planks to create a tight seal, protecting the structure from moisture and drafts. The siding can be left natural or stained to enhance its appearance and longevity.

Log cabin siding suits various architectural styles, from country homes to mountain retreats. It creates a warm, cozy atmosphere and connects buildings with their natural surroundings.

While authentic log cabin siding uses real wood, synthetic alternatives are available. These offer similar aesthetics with reduced maintenance requirements and improved weather resistance.

Proper maintenance of log cabin siding includes regular cleaning, staining, and sealing to preserve its appearance and structural integrity. This helps protect the wood from UV damage, moisture, and pests.

10. Novelty Drop Siding

Novelty drop siding emerged as a popular wood siding option in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It features a distinctive profile with a concave curve at the top and a projecting lip at the bottom.

This design allows each board to interlock with the one below it, creating a tight seal against the elements. The unique shape also adds visual interest to building exteriors.

Novelty drop siding typically comes in widths ranging from 4 to 6 inches. It is often made from high-quality woods such as cedar, redwood, or pine.

Installers place novelty drop siding horizontally, starting from the bottom of the wall and working upwards. The projecting lip of each board overlaps the concave top of the board beneath it.

This siding type offers good weather resistance and durability when properly maintained. Regular painting or staining helps protect the wood from moisture and UV damage.

Novelty drop siding remains a choice for homeowners seeking to restore historic buildings or add a touch of vintage charm to newer constructions.

Types Of Old Wood Siding

Wood siding has been a popular choice for homes for centuries. Different styles emerged over time, each with unique characteristics and visual appeal.

Bevel Siding

Bevel siding, also known as clapboard or lap siding, features long, horizontal planks. These boards are thicker on one edge and taper to a thinner edge on the opposite side.

When installed, the thicker edge of each board overlaps the thinner edge of the board below it. This creates a distinctive shadow line and helps shed water effectively.

Bevel siding was commonly made from pine, cedar, or redwood. It typically came in widths ranging from 4 to 8 inches. Wider boards were often used on older homes, while narrower options became more popular in later years.

Board-And-Batten

Board-and-batten siding consists of wide vertical boards with narrow strips (battens) covering the seams. This style creates a bold, rustic look that was popular on barns and rural homes.

The main boards are usually 8 to 14 inches wide. Battens measure 1 to 3 inches in width. Both elements are typically made from the same type of wood for a cohesive appearance.

Board-and-batten siding offers excellent weather resistance. The battens prevent water from seeping between the boards. This design also allows for natural expansion and contraction of the wood.

Shiplap

Shiplap siding features horizontal boards with specially cut edges that allow each piece to overlap slightly. This creates a tight seal while maintaining a smooth, flat appearance.

The overlapping joint in shiplap is less pronounced than in bevel siding. This gives it a more subtle, refined look. Shiplap boards are typically 6 to 8 inches wide.

Originally used in shipbuilding, shiplap became popular for homes in coastal areas. Its tight fit provides good protection against wind and moisture. Shiplap was often made from pine or cedar, prized for their natural resistance to decay.

History And Evolution Of Wood Siding

Wood siding has been a staple in construction for centuries, adapting to changing architectural styles and technological advancements. Its journey reflects the evolution of building practices and aesthetic preferences.

Early Use Of Wood Siding

Wood siding emerged as a practical solution for protecting structures from the elements. Native American tribes used bark and wood planks to cover their dwellings. European settlers in North America adopted similar techniques, utilizing the abundant forests for building materials.

In colonial America, clapboard siding became popular. Craftsmen split logs into thin, overlapping boards, creating a weatherproof exterior. This method spread rapidly across the East Coast, becoming a defining feature of early American architecture.

By the 18th century, wood siding styles diversified. Shingle siding gained traction, especially in New England. It offered better protection against harsh coastal weather and added visual interest to homes.

Development Of Different Styles

The 19th century saw a boom in wood siding varieties. Victorian-era homes showcased intricate patterns and designs using various wood siding styles. Board-and-batten siding emerged, featuring vertical boards with narrow strips covering the seams.

Drop siding, with its interlocking boards, became popular in the late 1800s. It provided a tighter seal against the elements and a sleeker appearance. Novelty siding, characterized by its decorative grooves, added visual interest to building exteriors.

The Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century favored natural materials. This led to a resurgence in the use of wood shingles and shakes, often left unpainted to showcase the wood’s natural beauty.

Impact Of Technological Advancements

The industrial revolution brought significant changes to wood siding production. Steam-powered sawmills increased output and standardized sizes. This made wood siding more affordable and widely available.

In the 20th century, preservative treatments improved wood siding’s durability. Pressure-treated lumber resisted decay and insect damage, extending the lifespan of wood exteriors.

The development of engineered wood products revolutionized siding options. These materials combined wood fibers with resins to create durable, low-maintenance alternatives to traditional wood siding.

Modern manufacturing techniques now allow for precise milling and shaping of wood siding. This enables the creation of complex profiles and textures, expanding design possibilities for architects and homeowners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood siding styles have evolved over the decades, with different types gaining popularity in various eras. Identifying and understanding these siding options can be valuable for homeowners and renovators alike.

How can I identify the type of wood siding on my old house?

Look for distinctive patterns and shapes. Bevel siding has a tapered profile, while clapboard features overlapping horizontal boards. Board-and-batten consists of wide vertical boards with narrow strips covering the seams. Shake siding resembles wooden shingles.

What are the common types of siding used on houses from the 1950s?

Clapboard and shiplap siding were popular choices in the 1950s. Bevel siding also saw widespread use during this period. Some homes featured board-and-batten siding for a more rustic appearance.

Which siding options were prevalent for homes in the 1970s?

In the 1970s, cedar shake siding gained popularity for its natural, textured look. Vertical wood siding, including board-and-batten, was also common. Some homeowners opted for wide clapboard or bevel siding for a more traditional appearance.

What are the distinguishing features of clapboard siding?

Clapboard siding consists of long, narrow boards installed horizontally with a slight overlap. It typically has a smooth surface and creates distinct shadow lines. The boards are often wider at the bottom edge, tapering towards the top.

Can you explain the differences between vertical and horizontal wood siding?

Vertical siding runs up and down, often using board-and-batten style. It creates a tall, linear appearance. Horizontal siding, like clapboard or bevel, runs side to side. It emphasizes a home’s length and is more traditional in style.

What are some characteristics of double ogee siding?

Double ogee siding features a distinctive S-shaped profile on both the top and bottom edges of each board. This creates a decorative, scalloped appearance when installed. It provides depth and visual interest to the exterior of a home.

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