James Hardie 10 Inch Reveal Lap Siding: The Style Choice No One’s Talking About

Why We Chose Lap Siding for Our Custom Home in Seattle

When we started designing our custom home over two years ago, we had a clear vision: a traditional-style exterior with unique details. We originally planned on a board and batten look with a clean black and white color palette.

Check out our Doorwin Windows review to see how we picked the perfect windows for this design.

Why We Switched from Board and Batten to Lap Siding

Fast forward through delays and budget updates, we made the practical decision to switch to lap siding—a timeless and cost-effective choice that fit our neighborhood aesthetic and saved us thousands. Plus, Peter was never fully on board with the board and batten style (marriage is about compromise, right? 😄).

What is Lap Siding and Why Does Size Matter?

Lap siding is a style of siding where each row overlaps with the one below it. Within this style, you can choose how wide each row is and how much is exposed after the overlap; this is referred to as the "reveal."

We explored everything from skinny reveals to wide options, working with multiple contractors and visual tools. Ultimately, skinny lap siding felt too busy for our home’s larger scale.

Finding the Perfect Siding Reveal (and Knocking on Strangers' Doors)

After several “research drives” through Seattle neighborhoods, we discovered a home with a 10-inch lap siding reveal that immediately stood out. We were so obsessed we literally knocked on the door—and the homeowners were kind enough to share their experience!

Still, we struggled to find examples online of Hardie Board 10-inch lap siding. (Seriously, how are there no real-life photos of this reveal size in 2025?!)

Our Final Choice: Hardie Board 10-Inch Reveal Lap Siding

We trusted our gut and went with James Hardie Board lap siding with a 10-inch reveal—and we have zero regrets.

This reveal size hits the sweet spot: it’s bold yet refined, modern yet classic, and looks phenomenal on larger homes.

And in case you were wondering, we also spent many weeks debating over white paint colors. Blog post coming soon but the final color is - Shoji White (SW 7042).

Final Thoughts: Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Siding Reveal

Your home’s exterior sets the tone, and the siding reveal size can completely change the visual story. We’re so glad we trusted our instincts and hope this post helps you feel confident making your own siding decision.

Got questions about lap siding, 10-inch reveals, or our builder/installer? Drop a comment or send us a message—we’re happy to help!

The Siding Installation Team That Brought It All Together

If you're in the Greater Seattle area, we highly recommend Side-Pro for siding and roofing. They were professional, precise, and collaborative every step of the way. We have worked with them twice and have been so happy with their work!

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Happy siding!