The first course carried on a level support line, held clear of grade. Once the panel is set, only the hook feet show below its bottom edge.
Installing panel siding runs in a set order: prep the wall with a water-resistive barrier and flashing, set a level starting and support line, hang and fasten the first panel dead level, then work up and across holding your reveal and your joint gaps, flashing every joint and penetration as you go. A support tool holds each panel steady while you position and fasten it. The fastening schedule, clearances, and gaps are set by your panel manufacturer, and panel siding is a minimum two-person job.
1. Prep the wall
Start with a continuous water-resistive barrier and the correct flashing at the bottom edge, openings, and any penetrations. Everything above depends on the water getting out, not in.
2. Set a level support line
Snap a level line for the bottom of the first course and set your support along it. This is where a row of support hooks earns its place: the panel rests level across the row, off the grade, so you are positioning and fastening instead of holding weight. See how to hold a panel while you fasten it and replacing improvised ledger boards.
3. Hang and fasten the first panel
The first panel sets the whole wall. Get it dead level and plumb, then fasten to your manufacturer's schedule. See how to read a nailing schedule for what governs fastener type, penetration, and edge-versus-field spacing.
4. Hold your clearances and gaps
Keep the bottom edge up off grade and gap the butt joints and openings so the panels can move. See clearance and gap basics. Flash every joint and penetration as you reach it.
5. Work up and across
Maintain a consistent reveal, keep courses level, and reset your support line for each course. A row of hooks moves up with a tap rather than a rebuild.
6. Finish and inspect
Trim, seal, and flash the terminations, then walk the wall for reveal, fastening, and clearances before you call it. Compare your support method against the alternatives in EZpanl vs cleats vs panel clamps.
The rule that governs all of it
Your panel manufacturer sets the fastening, flashing, clearance, and gap requirements, and this guide does not replace them. Panel siding is a minimum two-person job. A support tool makes that crew faster and steadier. It does not replace a second worker or the manufacturer's instructions.