6″ cedar clapboards. Install rough side out or smooth side out?
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In Monrovia, CA where I would be asked to do this sort of work on older homes I would put the smooth side out because it would be painted. But frankly, I can't see any application where I would put the rough side out.
Bing
You will get more life out of a good paint job by doing it on the rough side. Of course, both sides should be primed, plus the ends of each board. Seal 'em up.
Ask the customer.
Smile. It could be worse. You could be me working for you.
For staining, rough side out.
For the beleveld lap siding we used Flood CWF on the rough side facing out.
The boards were pre-coated on all other sides before installation.