Dutch Lap siding is a traditional type of siding that grew in popularity in the 1880s as it was considered more economical than other siding styles at the time. Dutch Lap siding is a horizontal plank-style that has a slightly concave face with a notch at the bottom of each course. This notch creates a shadow over the course below, giving the siding its distinctive appearance.
Dutch Lap siding has been popular for so long that it can easily be found in many siding materials, including vinyl.
Attractive and classic in appearance, it looks good in a range of colors and on many architectural styles. If you’ve been wondering what the best type and style of siding is for your home, you may want to check out Dutch Lap.
Dutch Lap is considered to be one of the more traditional styles of siding. It’s not as decorative as some siding types that have ogee or beveled edges. However, it has more interest than ordinary styles, with a chiseled appearance that gives it that notched reveal (which can be seen in the image above). Dutch Lap can have a smooth finish or it can be embossed with a wood grain pattern.
This versatility makes Dutch Lap an ideal siding for any home where you want the siding to have a subtle interest, but not necessarily be the stand-out feature of the exterior. If you want siding to complement your home’s style or showcase the architecture and style, Dutch Lap does a great job at both.
Dutch Lap siding pairs well with a number of traditional architectural styles. It's even had a renaissance in recent years, as older styles that incorporate Dutch Lap siding have come back into fashion.
The most common architectural styles to use this style of siding on, however, are those that were also increasing in popularity around the same time that the siding was introduced. This means that the homes that will look best with this type of siding will include Colonials, Gambrels, Victorians and Greek Revivals. The key is to use the Dutch Lap in conjunction with other decorative sidings when using them on Victorians, Greek Revivals and other stately homes, and to let the Dutch Lap siding stand alone when using it on Gambrels and other plain styles.
It helps to think of this siding style as transitional; it blends traditional style with something more. In this case, it’s the unique styling of the siding face that gives it interest and makes the siding ideal for either using alone or with other styles, such as decorative shingles or gingerbread.
However, Dutch Lap is also a very popular style with some more common home styles as well, such as the Ranch. Any home with a lot of long, horizontal lines will benefit from the reveal and shadow of Dutch Lap siding.
Dutch Lap siding looks good in a wide range of different colors as well as architectural styles. It does, however, tend to look better in colors that can help it emphasize the shadow created by the notch and reveal. This means that lighter or brighter colors tend to look best on a Dutch Lap siding, while very dark shades may end up with a more subtle appearance.
Because color can also be a regional preference, you may want to consider which colors will not only look best for your area, but also on the siding. For example, in the Northeast, Dutch Lap would fit in best in the whites and light grays that are popular there. In the Midwest, both white and cream can make a beautiful statement, or you can mix it up and combine cream and tan for a two-tone look that still shows off the siding.
Homes in the South tend to be clad in colors a little darker than in other regions. To make sure your Dutch Lap looks best, consider mid-tones in blue/gray or tan, rather than very dark browns, as this will help bring out the shape of the siding.
Homes in the West have more of a varied color palette, which means you can use nearly any mid-to-light tone shade to help make your home stand out beautifully with Dutch Lap siding.
Dutch Lap siding is beautiful, traditional and stylish. Whether you use it alone or combine it with something more decorative, you’re sure to get beautiful results to enhance your home’s exterior for many years to come.
For more information on how to incorporate Dutch Lap siding on your home, contact an expert at Rollex today.