Steps for Siding

Measure the width and height of the exterior wall surface where you want to install wood siding. Multiply the height by the width to determine the area of the surface. Calculate the area of windows, doors and other obstructions on the wall and subtract it from the total area of the wall. The lumberyard will assist you with the number of clapboard wood planks you need to cover the wall. Most boards are 6 to 8 inches wide and overlap subsequent boards by 1 to 2 inches.

Snap a chalk line along the base of the wall to form a guideline that ensures you install the clapboard planks straight.

Cut a length of wood lath to the length of the chalk line. Nail the lath to the wall, with its top flush against the base of the sheathing.

Hold a wood clapboard plank for the starter course against the wall, with its lower, wider edge overlapping the lath. Pound nails every 12 to 14 inches along the upper edge of the plank to secure it to the wall. This row of nails will be covered by the lower edge of the clapboard plank you will install directly above it.

Draw a straight line along the width of the starter clapboard plank with pencil, 1 to 1 1/2 inches from the top. This line serves as the overlap guideline for the plank you will install above it.

Hold the board for the second course against the previous board, with its lower edge resting directly over the pencil line. Hammer a row of nails directly above the overlap, not through it. Stagger the joints in this course and the remaining courses by 16 inches.

Measure and cut clapboard planks to go around windows, doors and light fixtures as you work your way upward to cover the exterior of the house.