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The durability of clapboard siding depends primarily on the material chosen and maintenance practices. Wood varieties require regular upkeep, including painting, sealing, and prompt repairs to achieve their potential lifespan. 

Alternatives like fiber cement and vinyl demand less maintenance while offering comparable or superior longevity. Your local climate also significantly impacts siding performance, with harsh weather conditions potentially shortening expected service life regardless of material.

While often used interchangeably, these terms have subtle distinctions. Clapboard traditionally refers to wooden boards with a tapered profile, creating a distinctive shadow line when installed horizontally. 

Lap siding encompasses a broader category of horizontally installed, overlapping materials, including clapboard, Dutch lap (featuring a decorative notch), and various modern alternatives. Essentially, all clapboard is lap siding, but not all lap siding is technically clapboard, though the distinction has blurred in contemporary usage.

Traditional wood clapboard costs more than vinyl alternatives, with wood ranging from $2 to $15 per square foot compared to vinyl at $4.50 to $8 per square foot. Beyond initial installation expenses, wood requires regular maintenance, including painting or staining every few years. 

Vinyl offers a lower-maintenance alternative that mimics traditional appearance at a more moderate price point, though many homeowners feel it lacks the authentic character and depth of genuine wood siding.

Painting costs vary significantly based on your home's size, surface condition, and the quality of materials selected. Proper preparation, including cleaning, scraping, and priming, represents a substantial portion of the total painting expense. 

Regular maintenance painting helps preserve both the appearance and structural integrity of wood clapboard siding. While DIY painting can reduce labor costs, professional application often provides superior results and longer-lasting protection.