Installing Tongue and Groove Siding

Channel Siding Installation Guide

Tongue and groove siding can be installed horizontally or vertically. In horizontal application, start at the bottom and work up with the grove edges facing downwards to assure a weather-tight wall. Siding up to 6 in. wide can be blind nailed with one casing nail per bearing toe-nailed through the base of each tongue. Wider siding should be face nailed using two nails per bearing. Nails must penetrate 1-1/2 in. into solid wood (see Figure 5).

In vertical application, start at one corner with grooved edge toward the adjacent wall. Use a level or plumbline to ensure that the first board is installed vertically. The grooved edge of the first board may have to be trimmed to ensure a flush fit. Siding is nailed to horizontal blocking lines installed between studs or to furring strips (see Wall Construction). As with horizontal installation, pieces up to 6 in. can be blind nailed and wider pieces should be face nailed.

Table 8. Tongue and Groove Siding Dimensions

Tongue and Groove Siding Coverage Table

Lap sidings can be installed horizontally or vertically. For horizontal applications, start with the bottom course and work up with the bevel sides of the channels pointing upwards. Allow a 1/8 in. expansion gap between pieces if the siding is air-or-kiln-dried. Do not nail through overlaps. For siding up to 6 in. wide, use one nail one inch up from the lap. Face nail with two nails per bearing for 8 in. patterns and wider, keeping nails 2-1/2 to 3 in. apart to allow for dimensional movement without splitting (see Figure 6).

Table 9. Channel Siding Dimensions

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Last modified: 11/13/08