What Is V-Rustic Siding?

Definition

• V-rustic siding is a type of lap siding or plank that's cut on its top along the length of the plank to give the appearance of a shallow, horizontal channel or groove. The groove becomes a part of the overall design as a continuous line or reveal running between each course of planks in the overall finished siding installation. The bottom edge of the plank is beveled to focus the eye on the reveal that sits below it. In a sectional cut, some products may show that the siding was created by routing two boards separately and laminating them together in a offset manner. Other products may be cut, routed and beveled from a single plank of wood.

Dimensions

• The standard dimensions for V-rustic siding are measured per plank -- this type of siding is not usually sold in a panel format. Each plank it put into place and nailed to the exterior surface of the home one at a time. The planks are made in 16-foot and 20-foot lengths and can be found in exposed widths of 6, 8 and 10 inches. Exposed widths are a reference to the viewable width of the board, and reveals and channels are not usually included in the exposed measurement. Overall widths vary according to the profile the manufacturer is making — some provide a wider reveal or beveled edge detail.

Materials

• V-rustic lap siding is typically made from wood and is not a profile description referenced by aluminum or vinyl siding manufacturers. Pine and cedar are used to create V-rustic siding. The siding can be purchased as prepainted or primed, and primed lap is ready for painting on site. Some V-rustic products are pretreated to prevent water and termite damage.

Installation

• Installation requirements for V-rustic siding vary by manufacturer, and that requires contractors, builders and home owners to read the requirements carefully in order to maintain product warranties during installation. V-rustic that is primed and sealed at the factory and ripped on the job site will require newly exposed edges to be resealed to block moisture from entering and damaging the siding at a later time. Resealing typically requires priming and painting the exposed edges. Some manufacturers may require a vapor barrier between the V-rustic and the exterior wall.