Hanging Exterior Siding by Yourself

Locate studs on the wall with a stud finder and mark the location with a pencil. Snap a vertical chalk line over each stud mark location. Wall studs are typically located 16 inches apart.

Multiply the length and width of the wall to determine the area. Measure and deduct the area of doors, lighting fixtures and windows on the walls. The lumberyard will tell you the number of 6-inch planks you need.

Snap a chalk line over the wall, 4 inches above the ground, to form a straight guideline for the courses.

Trim 1.5 inches off the top of the clapboard plank for the base row. Hold this plank against the wall so its lower, wider edge just covers the horizontal chalk line. Hammer a nail into the siding plank at each stud location.

Form marks every 4.5 inches along the 1-by-3 plank, or swing stick, so the planks are spaced evenly apart in each course. The 4.5 inch dimension equals the exposure of the planks, since the remaining 1.5 inches will be covered by the overlap of each subsequent course.

Snap a chalk line along the lower edge of the windowsill. Hold the swing stick upright against the wall with its end aligned with the lower end of the base course. If any stick mark matches up to the horizontal chalk line, transfer its marks on the wall. If no mark matches up to the chalk line, tilt the stick slightly until one mark matches it, and transfer the stick’s marks.

Hold a clapboard plank that matches the height of the wall and stand it vertically against it. Align the plank so its lower end matches the end of the base course. Extend the wall marks to this plank. Stand this plank at each corner board and transfer the marks on it.

Spread sealant over the joint between the wall and corner board. Insert the corners of the plank for the second course into it, with its edges lined up against the corner board marks. Drive 7d nails to secure this course to the wall studs. Repeat this process of hanging courses of siding over the wall, staggering the joints for decorative appeal.

Cut a notch over the upper edge of a clapboard siding plank so it fits under the window. Spread sealant around the window and insert the notched piece into place.

Stand the swing stick on one side of the window and align a mark on it with the head casing. Tilt the stick until a mark lines up with the top of the last clapboard. Transfer the stick marks to walls on the sides of the window. Continue the process of hanging siding on each side of the wall and above it.