How to Put Up Siding on the Exterior of House

Properly installed siding and corner pieces will create a cohesive shell that protects the home from moisture and UV rays.

A home's siding is an important element that protects the underlying structure from potential damage caused by water and ultraviolet (UV) rays. Wood siding boards should be treated with stain or primer on all sides before the boards are fastened to the house. Correct installation of siding involves finding and marking a level starting point, properly spacing joints between siding boards, and trimming the inside and outside corners to create a cohesive, water-resistant shell around the house. Wood siding should be hand-hammered with corrosion-resistant nails.

Things You'll Need

• Level
• Chalk line
• Circular saw
• Wood primer or stain
• Paintbrush, roller, or stain
• Corrosion-resistant nails
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Mark the baseline for the siding. Use a level to find the low point of the house. Follow the siding manufacturer's instructions and measure up the specified distance from this point. Mark this point with a pencil; it will serve as the baseline, where your first course of siding will begin. Use your chalk line to snap a line and mark the baseline all the way around the house.

2. Snap guidelines representing your siding corner pieces, using your chalk line.

3. Measure, lay out, and cut your siding. Leave about 1/8 inch between butt joints between siding boards, and stagger the joints between courses by 4 feet. Cut all your siding before it is installed.

4. Seal the siding on all sides with primer or stain. Use a paintbrush, roller, or sprayer to seal your siding boards and corner pieces on all sides, including the backs and ends of the pieces. Take special care to seal the end cuts; these can absorb up to 250 times more moisture than the face wood.

5. Install your inside and outside corner pieces. Fasten these pieces to the frame of the house with corrosion-resistant nails. The size and type of the nails will vary depending on the thickness and type of siding. Fasten the siding pieces to the framework with nails driven every 16 inches on center.

6. Fasten your siding boards. Start with the lower course and refer to the chalk guidelines. Fasten the boards to the studs with corrosion-resistant nails driven at a distance of no greater than 24 inches on center. Take care not to overdrive nails when fastening siding. The nail heads should be driven flush with the surface of the siding, and no further. Overdriving nails when hanging siding can result in warping, and will not allow the siding to breathe properly in varying weather conditions.

7. Work your way up the house until you reach the eaves.

References

• Western Red Cedar Lumber Association: How to Install Cedar Siding
• Move: Installing Clapboard Siding