Lap Siding Patterns

SHIPLAP SIDING PATTERN

Ship Lap Siding is a type of Drop Lap siding with a tight "flush joint" profile. It is similar to tongue and groove but with a single over lap - usually 1/2" in depth but can be more or less depending on the width of the board 6", 8", 10" or the shiplap profile selected. Shiplap is known for its ability to form a tight seal while allowing the wood siding to "breathe" with changes in season and humidity. 

Shiplap siding

NICKEL GAP SHIPLAP PATTERN

In the last years Custom modification to the standard Shiplap "Flush Joint" profile has gained in prominence. Sometimes called Nickel Gap, Shadow Gap, Shadow Profile, Shadow Line, Small Reveal and "Thin Line" this profile includes a narrow gap where the boards overlap. When installed a "shadow" effect is created. 

Nickel Gap Shiplap siding

Exposure and Sight lines: Many designers plan other elements around the sight lines created by wood siding patterns. A 1x4 “Nickel Gap” pattern is going to create a shadow line every 3 inches, while a 1x6 creates its shadow line every 5 inches for the same pattern. Some designs place a tremendous amount of importance on where the sight lines are located and how far apart they end up when installed. It is important to understand that milling standards are changing and some of the diagrams in use are becoming obsolete. We have created our diagrams with A,B,C dimensions to compensate for a changing industry standard.

DUTCH LAP WOOD SIDING PATTERN

Dutch Lap is also know as Cove Lap and German Lap Siding. The WWPA (Western Wood Products Association) simply calls it pattern "105". Cove Lap (as we refer to it) has the same general pattern outline as channel rustic lap siding but with a curved "reveal" that displays between the installed boards (pictured above). Our Cove Dutch Lap siding is best milled when extra dry so request fully air-dried or Kiln Dried seasoning.

Dutch Lap Siding

CHANNEL RUSTIC LAP SIDING PATTERN

Channel Lap has 1/2" overlap and a 1" to 1 1/4" reveal that creates a channel effect between boards. The Channel Siding pattern allows for maximum dimensional wood change (breathing) in climates of highly variable moisture levels between seasons - without adversely affecting the appearance of your channel lap siding. Usually available smooth, rough or saw textured. The back face has a center groove to prevent cupping in wider boards. You can flip the board to display the grooved face.

Channel Lap Siding

LAP SIDING PATTERNS traditionally are milled for horizontal applications installed so that each board overlaps the one below it allowing water to run off. When installed vertically a slightly beveled edge is recommended to ensure maximum protection from draining water. Horizontal Lap Siding patterns are nailed through sheathing into studs and should not be nailed through overlapping edges.

Check your cedar siding SQFT to LFT coverage

The Western Wood Products Association (WWPA) and the California Redwood Association (CRA) provide pattern diagrams with measurements that are lumber industry standards. These diagrams are "guidelines" only NOT milling requirements. Each mill can interpret these guidelines differently. YOU need to confirm the actual pattern measurements whenever you buy wood siding. Browse all WWPA Siding Patterns or CAL Redwood Siding Patterns to help guide your redwood or cedar pattern decision.