where to start first course of wood siding

Step-By-Step Wood Siding Installation

1. Before the Siding is Installed. Take a layer of plywood sheathing covered with felt building paper and install it onto the exterior surface of a your house's ...
2. Cutting Wood Siding. Use a circular saw to cut the siding boards to length, making sure that each joint falls on a stud. ...
3. Installing Wood Siding. ...
4. Border and Edge Treatment. ...

Full Answer

Where do you start when siding a house?

Engineered wood siding typically butts into the trim pieces, so it is necessary to start by installing the trim at the windows and doors. This is much like building a frame around the windows, so be sure to account for the width of the trim when measuring to cut these pieces.

Where do you start with vinyl siding starter strips?

How do you install lap wood siding? – Related Questions Do you need a starter strip for lap siding? HardiePlank lap siding requires a starter strip beneath the first course. You can make your own fiber cement starter strip by ripping a piece of HardiePlank lap siding into 1-1/4-inch strips.

How is engineered wood siding installed?

Nov 24, 2019 · Install the starter with a clearance of 1-inch. In the case of a concrete foundation, install the starter 1 inch between the wood framing and foundation. Prepare the siding. Due to variations in weather conditions, it is important that as you cut your siding, you should leave a small allowance for contraction and expansion.

How to install wood siding on a concrete foundation?

Siding may be installed starting with the bottom course. It is normally blocked out with a starting strip the same thickness as the top of the siding board (See Figure A). Each succeeding course overlaps the upper edge of the lower course. Siding should be …

How do I start my first piece of siding?

14:4729:45How to install Vinyl Siding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure the panels are lining up around both inside and outside corner posts as you go up the wallMoreMake sure the panels are lining up around both inside and outside corner posts as you go up the wall stagger the laps. So that no two laps are aligned vertically unless separated by three courses.

Where do you start when siding a house?

0:3433:48How To Install Vinyl Siding On Your House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlso go up underneath the soften soffit of your house the eve of your house to make that transition.MoreAlso go up underneath the soften soffit of your house the eve of your house to make that transition. Another item that you may need is a starter strip.

How do you start the first row of lap siding?

3:1217:4090075 views - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd these starter strips are going to be the first thing you install along the very bottom of yourMoreAnd these starter strips are going to be the first thing you install along the very bottom of your sheathing. And that's going to be what helps to kick out that first row of lap siding.

Do you start wood siding from top or bottom?

Secure it to the plywood using 2” galvanized roofing nails. Make sure you start from the bottom of wall and work your way up and overlap the moisture barrier a couple inches each time. This will keep wind and water out of the wall cavities.

How do you side a house with wood?

2:485:04How to Install Engineered Wood Siding -- Buildipedia DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipProject one person at each end of the siding board in that. Case. You'll use a side engage like thisMoreProject one person at each end of the siding board in that. Case. You'll use a side engage like this one two evenly spaced each course to leave the 7 inch reveal.

Can you use J channel instead of a starter strip?

3:334:40Vinyl Siding - J channel Options - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow where you have to use it as a starter strip is with vertical siding so eric's going to show thatMoreNow where you have to use it as a starter strip is with vertical siding so eric's going to show that to you we have a piece of board and batten very common.

What goes behind Hardieboard?

Hardie™ Weather Barrier is installed over the sheathing—beneath the exterior siding—to reduce water and air infiltration.

How do you stagger wood siding?

0:040:25Quick Tip: Staggered Clapboards - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEvery 16 inches we've chosen 16 inches because we nail directly into wall studs. Which are spaced 16MoreEvery 16 inches we've chosen 16 inches because we nail directly into wall studs. Which are spaced 16 inches on center this method.

What goes under wood siding?

Underlayment Underlayment or weather resistive barrier (WRB) is installed between the siding and the sheathing. This can be tar paper or a house wrap such as HardieWrap® or Tyvek HomeWrap®. HardieWrap® is great for keeping water out and at the same time letting water vapor escape from the house.

How much do you overlap wood siding?

Installing Bevel Siding (Clapboards) Each succeeding course overlaps the upper edge of the previous one by a minimum of 1 inch. Rabbeted patterns are self-spacing, but leave 1/8 inch expansion clearance.

How do you deal with inside corners when installing wood siding?

For outside corners you can use preformed metal corners or a corner post. For inside corners use an inside corner made from wood stock.

Do you install siding top down?

You only need to remove the siding that is in the area you will be working. The siding nails along the top edge, so it is easiest to install from the bottom-up, but if you reinstall up to the pieces that were left, you can resnap them together.

Do you need a starter strip for lap siding?

HardiePlank lap siding requires a starter strip beneath the first course. You can make your own fiber cement starter strip by ripping a piece of HardiePlank lap siding into 1-1/4-inch strips.

How do you stagger wood siding?

Installing Siding Siding boards usually come in uniform lengths, so the best way to achieve a random stagger pattern is to cut the first board of each row a different length before installing it. You can often get great stagger patterns by using the off-cut from a row you just finished to start the next one.

How much do you overlap wood siding?

Siding is applied in overlapping horizontal boards ranging from 4 to 12 inches in width including an overlap of ½ to 2 inches.

How far should siding overlap?

Homeowners who attempt the DIY vinyl siding installation method often make the mistake of leaving too much overlap in between panels. This results in a messy and unkempt look. The industry standard warrants between one and one-and-a-quarter inch of overlap where two panels meet.

What is furring strips used for?

In construction, furring (furring strips) are thin strips of wood or other material to level or raise surfaces of another material to prevent dampness, to make space for insulation, or to level and resurface ceilings or walls.

Do you need furring strips for vinyl siding?

Furring or strapping must be applied to create an even base for siding. Apply 1” x 3” (minimum size) wood furring, not more than 16” on centers. As an alternative, solid sheathing can be applied directly over the old surface to create a smooth base, or over furring to provide even support for the vinyl siding.

Do I need furring strips?

Furring strips offer a secure base for new drywall panels. If you’re hanging drywall on new ceiling joists, you probably won’t need furring strips. If the ceiling is old, however, and you don’t want to remove the existing ceiling finish, furring strips can provide a solid base.

Where is the starter on a siding?

The starter is basically the thin piece or strip usually installed at the furthest bottom. It is, in most cases 1-inch and usually installed underneath the first course. Since siding needs a little overlap, this starter helps stimulate that.

Should you cut siding smaller than the actual length?

In this case, cut your sidings a few inches smaller than the actual lengths.

Is trim thicker than siding?

Here is a little something about the trim, it should always be a little thicker than the siding you intend to use so that they are compatible and fit properly with each other.

How far should bevel siding be?

The minimum lap for bevel siding should not be less than 1 inch. The average exposure distance is usually determined by the distance from the underside of the window sill to the top of the drip cap (See figure A).

How far apart should nails be for 1/2 inch siding?

For 1/2-inch thick siding, nails may be 1/4 inch shorter than those used for 3/4-inch siding. The nails should be located far enough up from the butt to miss the top of the lower course of siding (see figure B). This clearance distance is usually 1/8-inch.

Why do you square cut siding?

Siding should be square-cut to provide a good joint at window and door casings and at butt joints. Open joints permit moisture to enter, often leading to paint deterioration. It is good practice to brush or dip fresh-cut ends of the siding in a water-repellent preservative before boards are nailed in place. Tweet.

Is the bottom of a siding course flush with the underside of the window sill?

It is also desirable that the bottom of a siding course be flush with the underside of the window sill. However, this may not always be possible because of varying window heights and types that might be used in a house. One system to determine the siding exposure width so that it is about equal above and below is described below: ...

How many people do you need to re-siding a house?

While one person usually can repair or replace a few damaged boards solo, a full-scale re-siding usually requires a crew of at least three: one person to make the cuts on a power miter saw, and two people to hold, line up, and nail each board in place.

What is a short course on cladding?

A Short Course on Cladding: Part 1. Clapboards, shingles, and stone cladding are timeless, so it’s no wonder all three have made a comeback for houses built in this century. Just be sure any new materials match the quality of those on the house. This is the first of a 2-part series. Click here to read A Short Course on Cladding, Part 2.

What is clapboard siding?

The most familiar type of wood siding is the clapboard, a form of lap siding that’s also called bevel siding. Clapboards have a triangular cut: thinner at the top and wider near the lower, more exposed part of the board. Clapboards can also be rabbeted, or notched at the bottom so that the edge of one board overlaps the one next to it in ...

How far should nails be from clapboard?

If you’ve used scarf cuts, the nails should be at least ½” from the edge of the boards, and at least 2″ from the board ends. (Butt-cut clapboards should be at least ½” from any edge.) When you reach the top of the wall, with any luck the last clapboard will fit effortlessly against the frieze.

How much overlap should be between clapboards?

As a rule of thumb, there should be at least 1″ of overlap from one board to the next so that a nail through the top clapboard also runs through the one below it, and into the sheathing at least 1¼” deep. In a perfect world, the courses should break conveniently right at the tops and bottoms of window and door casings.

How to smooth out corner boards?

To help smooth things out, snap a chalk line between the two corner boards to establish a line to follow. As you work, place boards strategically so that joints are staggered 12″ to 18″ apart from row to row (6); this will help keep out water.

Can clapboard be butt-joined?

Clapboards can also be rabbeted, or notched at the bottom so that the edge of one board overlaps the one next to it in a flush joint. Traditionally, clapboards are installed with joins cut at an angle (scarfed), but they can also be butt-joined.

How many inches does a siding lap?

As its name “lap” implies, an upper siding board laps over the board below it by 1 to 2 inches. On thick profiles of siding, nails may be hidden, meaning they are driven into the upper portion of a board so they are covered by the lower part of the board above it.

How thick should lap siding be?

Some 3/4-inch-thick patterns of siding can be applied directly over wall studs.

What is lap siding?

Lap siding, also called horizontal siding or clapboard, may be made of wood, fiber-cement, plywood, hardboard, or similar materials. Despite the variety of materials, installation methods are basically the same, with a few variations in fasteners, joints, and so forth.

Do you prime the backside of siding before painting?

If you are planning to paint your siding, it’s a good idea to prime all the pieces on all sides before installing them; that way, the backsides will also be protected against rot and the boards are less likely to cup or twist. Always prime the cut ends of boards before installing the boards.

Do you need to install metal flashing before applying trim?

Around windows and doors, install metal flashing before applying the trim to be sure water will not infiltrate. Some installers install vertical strips of roofing felt over the studs— these help you locate the studs, and they help seal the nail shanks to prevent moisture penetration.

Can lap siding be mitered?

In some custom installations, lap siding is carefully mitered at outside corners. This makes for a classic look but calls for very good carpentry skills and boards that are certain not to shrink. The method discussed here is an easier and more common one—installing corner trim first and then butting the siding to it.

How to make a swing stick for siding?

Make a swing stick. To ensure that the courses are evenly spaced, make a "swing stick" from a straight 1x3 at least 6 feet long. Starting at either end, make a series of marks along one edge, each equal to the clapboard's exposure to the weather. For 6-inch siding, that's 4 1/2 inches.

How to install a swing stick on a window?

Hold the swing stick near the window casing. Align one mark with the top of the head casing. Swing the stick's bottom to one side. When a mark on the lower part of the stick lines up with the butt edge of the last installed clapboard, transfer the marks on the stick to the wall.

How to make a story pole?

Take a length of clapboard as long as the wall is high. Hold it vertically and align one end with the butt edge of the starter course. Transfer the marks from the wall to the clapboard. This is your "story pole.".

What is the wood that protects a house from the weather called?

Estimated Time. Since colonial times, Americans have protected their houses from the weather with thin, overlapping wood planks known as clapboards. The siding, which got its name from the Dutch work klappen, "to split," was originally hand-split from logs of white pine, hemlock, spruce, or cypress.