Knowing the cost of lap siding can help homeowners determine the best exterior for their home and budget. There are lots of siding styles to consider, and there are also different materials available that can make lap siding more valuable in the long term.
Calculating lap siding costs can be tricky, since there are many factors to consider — including the manufacturer, the material, the installation costs, and the ongoing upkeep that can be expected with the lap siding that is finally selected. Here, we’ll break down some of the hidden costs of lap siding, as well as offer helpful comparisons between different lap siding materials so you can get the best value for your investment.
Get a Classic Look with Lap Siding
First things first — why lap? Recognized as one of the most classic siding styles available, lap siding consists of flat, horizontal beams that overlap at the seam, resulting in subtle texture and shadow lines. Found throughout the country and in all sorts of architectural styles, lap siding is simply a classic. The advantage of being such a staple in design trends is that lap siding holds a very good resale value. In other words, its allure is not going to fade anytime soon, which means it is a great choice for homeowners who may be planning on putting their home on the market down the line.
Another advantage of lap siding is that it is quite versatile — which adds to its universal appeal. By playing with color, trim, texture, and other outdoor features, it’s easy to transform lap siding and make it your own. Though it’s a classic, it has so much potential to express a wide range of styles!
Beyond the design possibilities and general appeal of lap siding, it is also a safe choice in terms of investment. Unlike other more intricate siding styles like stucco, lap siding is pretty straightforward and simple in its core design, which means it does not require elaborate fabrication processes that can push up its price tag. All in all, lap siding costs are considered quite consistent and affordable.
Cost Comparison of Lap Siding
One of the most influential components to affect lap siding costs is material type. Sold at around $3 per square foot, untreated wood lap can have a more attractive price tag upfront than other types of lap siding, like metal lap, which can be around $4 to $5 per square foot. This premature comparison can mislead homeowners into thinking that wood lap siding costs less. However, there are other factors to consider, such as maintenance, durability, and product lifespan. These factors make the lap siding cost comparison a bit more complex.
Hidden Lap Siding Costs
The long-term care of any product should be considered in its cost assessment. For lap siding, costs can add up everywhere — especially with high-maintenance materials like wood lap. Known to be particularly susceptible to damage like rotting, chipping, color fading, and flaking, wood lap siding typically requires seasonal maintenance to maintain its allure. Painting, caulking, and staining can be some of the major hidden costs of wood lap siding.
Comparatively, metal lap siding is essentially maintenance-free, and it comes with the color already integrated, meaning there’s no need to paint it before or after installation. It has a much greater resistance to moisture, Sun, and other potential threats, but metal siding doesn’t incur nearly as much damage as wood lap. This means it typically does not require the same amount of money to maintain as wood.
Installation is another issue that can rack up additional bills. Traditional wood lap siding generally requires skilled labor to ensure the installation is done right. Metal lap siding, on the other hand, features an innovative lock-in design that makes installation easy and straightforward. This enables some homeowners to install it on their own, without the need to hire expensive contractors.
Lifetime Value Assessment of Steel Lap From TruLog
When you consider the ongoing maintenance needs of wood lap siding, the initial cost savings get wiped out. Steel siding, which requires little to no maintenance and has much better durability than wood, can maintain its original beauty without additional costs. Thus, the extra dollar or two per square foot for metal siding quickly makes up for itself in lifetime value.
When it comes to lap siding costs, it’s better to go with a product that is designed to provide an exceptional performance year after year — without heavy maintenance. Download our Lap Siding Buyers Guide to explore a wide range of durable, maintenance-free lap siding products made from steel. It’s worth the cost savings!
