Cedar Siding in Seattle

Clapboard comes from the Dutch klapholt (“split wood”) — boards were originally riven from logs, leaving a tapered edge; sawn versions later kept the name, now near-interchangeable with “bevel siding.” Installed horizontally, each course overlaps the one below by about an inch, shedding water down the wall face and creating the classic horizontal shadow-line look of Cape Cod and colonial homes. Cedar is preferred for its rot and insect resistance, light weight, and stability.

Log cabin siding gets its name from its thick, often D-shaped or curved profile, which mimics stacked, hewn logs once installed. Boards are milled with tongue-and-groove edges, installed horizontally course by course, giving real dimensional shadow at a fraction of the weight and cost of true log construction. Cedar suits it well thanks to natural rot/insect resistance, light weight, easy milling into curved profiles, and attractive weathering. It’s popular for country cottages, cabins, pool houses, ski lodges, and rustic commercial buildings — offering an authentic log-cabin look without the structural cost of real logs.

Shiplap uses a rabbeted edge so boards fit flush together with a small reveal, unlike the sloped overlap of bevel siding. This joint works equally well horizontally or vertically, allowing flexible layouts — even mixing directions on the same facade for a custom look. The flush seams give it a cleaner, more modern edge than bevel siding’s deep shadow lines, while exposed board lines keep it feeling rustic. Commonly milled from cedar, pine, or fir, plus engineered wood and fiber cement. Since it lacks overlap, proper sealing at joints matters more to keep water out.

Tongue and groove siding features a protruding edge (tongue) on one side of each board that fits into a matching slot (groove) on the next, creating a tight, interlocking seam. This joint conceals fasteners, resists water infiltration, and allows boards to expand and contract without gapping or warping. It can be installed horizontally, vertically, or diagonally for varied aesthetic effects. Cedar is a popular choice for this profile due to its natural resistance to rot, decay, and insects, along with its light weight and dimensional stability. It offers a clean, seamless look with subtle shadow lines, suited to both rustic and modern exteriors.

Board and batten consists of wide flat boards installed vertically, with narrower strips (battens) covering the seams between them. This alternating pattern creates a distinctive rhythm of wide and narrow lines, giving walls a strong vertical emphasis and a clean, structured look. The battens conceal gaps caused by wood expansion and contraction, helping prevent water infiltration while adding visual texture. Traditionally used on barns and farmhouses, it’s now popular on modern and rustic-style homes alike. Cedar and pine are common material choices, valued for durability and their ability to take paint or stain well while resisting warping over time.

Cedar shingles are uniformly sawn wood pieces that create a smooth, even texture across a roof or wall surface, unlike the rough variation of shakes. They’re sometimes left natural to weather to a soft gray, but are more often painted or stained for color consistency and added protection. Common subtypes include pattern shingles (cut into decorative shapes like fish-scale or diamond), round edge (curved bottom for a softened look), staggered (irregular coursing for a textured, rustic effect), and straight edge (uniform lines for a clean, traditional finish). Cedar’s natural durability makes it a lasting, versatile roofing and siding choice.

Shakes are typically split (rather than sawn) from cedar blocks, which is why each piece has a slightly irregular, textured face compared to the uniform look of shingles. This rougher, more rustic grain adds visual depth and shadow across a roof or wall. Because shakes are thicker and made from higher-grade wood, they hold up better to weather, impact, and UV exposure, often lasting several decades longer than shingles. Common types include hand-split, taper-split, and straight-split shakes, each varying in thickness and texture. They’re a popular choice for rustic, high-end, or traditional homes seeking a heartier, longer-lasting roof or siding.