Lap Siding, Bringing The Architectural Beauty Of Yesterday Forward To Today

Often, the present looks to the past for ideas and inspiration. Nowhere is that more in evidence than in the construction and architectural world. A prime example of this borrowing from the past can be found in lap siding.

The beautiful simplicity of lap or clapboard siding is a big part of what makes it so popular, especially today. The overlapping horizontal planks of wood were originally used more as a practical exterior rather than with an eye specifically towards aesthetics. But, as it turns out, the clean appearance became a signature look in Colonial America and has been emulated and copied ever since.

And it's not just the eastern part of the United States that feels the indelible mark and contribution of lap siding. Though each region has its signature look, from Mid-Western brick to Southwestern adobe and stucco, lap siding can be found with regularity all through the United States.

It's popularity has spread across all lines of manufacturing materials as well. In the past, whatever kind of wood that was milled in a particular area or region was what determined, in large part what material was used for this kind of siding. Now, when it comes to actual wood, cedar is the material of choice. Because it is a replenish-able natural resource and is highly weather, fungus and pest resistant, cedar makes perfect sense if you want recreate the look and feel of the past with a great deal of exactness.

But siding companies and manufacturers that use non-wood and synthetic materials also produce lap siding in huge quantities. The popularity of vinyl siding, due to its virtually no-maintenance reputation, is without question. Manufactures of vinyl siding products long ago adopted the clapboard look into their repertoire. Today they have vastly improved on their imitation efforts with the use of textures and colors.

The same can be said for fiber cement or hardiplank siding. It's unique board planks that are molded from real wood, have helped this industry replicate the look and feel of real lap siding to a T. Many homeowners will swear by this material. So much so, that many of them thought they were living in a real wood sided home until they were informed otherwise.

Other siding products like aluminum, for example, have long since entered the lap siding imitation game. Of course the simple and straightforward look makes for easier manufacturing and installation. This fact is by no means lost on any of the companies, independent of the material they use.

They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery. If that is the case then lap siding should be immensely flattered. It has proven the test of time and continues to be hugely popular siding wherever you go. With all the advancements in technology over the centuries, it has found a way to combine function and beauty for millions of home owners in every part of the country.

Joey Shepherd writes more about Lap Siding at http://www.LapSiding.net/.