Choosing the right cladding for your garden building can be a pivotal decision. With various options available, it's crucial to understand the differences and benefits each type offers. In this blog, we delve into the world of shiplap and log lap cladding, exploring their characteristics and how they might best suit your project needs. As we navigate, we'll uncover insights into timber framing, the role of OSB Board and Plywood, and touch upon elements like roof shingles and roofing felt, ensuring your timber masterpiece is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Understanding Timber Framing
Before we dive into the specifics of shiplap and log lap cladding, it's essential to grasp the importance of a solid timber frame. A sturdy frame is the backbone of any garden building, providing the structural integrity necessary for longevity and resistance against weather elements. Typically constructed from treated wood, like tanalised timber, these frames withstand rot and insects, ensuring a long-lasting foundation for your cladding.
What is Shiplap Cladding?
Shiplap is a popular choice for many due to its practicality and classic aesthetic. With its overlapping board design, it keeps water at bay, thus protecting the interior of your structure. Its sleek appearance makes it a favoured option for modern garden buildings.
Benefits of Shiplap Cladding
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Weather Protection: The overlapping design of shiplap offers excellent protection against wind and rain, ensuring your building remains dry.
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Aesthetic Flexibility: Available in various finishes, it complements numerous design styles, from traditional to contemporary.
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Ease of Installation: Its design allows for straightforward fitting, making it ideal for DIY enthusiasts.
Exploring Log Lap Cladding
Log lap cladding brings a rustic charm to any garden building, echoing the aesthetics of traditional log cabins. It's designed with a rounded face, giving a more robust, three-dimensional appearance.
Advantages of Log Lap Cladding

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Aesthetic Appeal: Its rounded profile creates a warm, inviting look, commonly sought after for garden summerhouses and log cabins.
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Durability: With the right treatment, such as our 32x125 Tanalised Treated Loglap Cladding, it becomes highly resistant to weathering and decay.
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Insulation: The thicker profile helps in providing better insulation than thinner cladding options.
Comparing Shiplap and Log Lap Cladding
Installation and Maintenance
Both types of cladding are relatively easy to install, especially when paired with a robust timber framing. However, log lap requires careful treatment application to maintain its resistance to moisture and pests. Our tanalised options reduce this maintenance need. Shiplap demands regular painting or staining to keep its sleek appearance and longevity.
Costs and Availability
While log lap might appear slightly more expensive due to the material's thickness, its long-term benefits often outweigh initial costs. Meanwhile, shiplap, due to its widespread use, might be more readily available and come in a broader range of finishes.
Roofing Essentials: Roof Shingles and Roof Felt
Regardless of whether you choose shiplap or log lap, roofing remains an integral part of your build. Choosing between roof shingles and roofing felt can significantly impact the durability and waterproofing of your structure.
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Roof Shingles: Known for their durability and aesthetic appeal, shingles offer excellent lifespans and weather resistance.
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Roofing Felt: Versatile and cost-effective, felt provides an additional waterproof barrier, though it may require more frequent replacement than shingles.
The Role of OSB Board and Plywood
Contrasting with traditional timber, OSB Board and Plywood offer a more modern approach to construction.
OSB Board
Engineered for strength, OSB (Oriented Strand Board) is a cost-effective choice suitable for foundational layers in roofing and walls. It provides excellent stability and load-bearing abilities.
Plywood
Often used interchangeably with OSB, Plywood lends itself to various finishing options, making it ideal for both structural support and aesthetic finishes.
Specialty Products to Enhance Your Build

Enhance your outdoor space not just with cladding, but also with quality additions like:
Installation and Delivery Insights
Both shiplap and log lap cladding can be easily delivered and installed with a bit of planning. It’s crucial to account for:
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Delivery timeframes: Confirming with suppliers to schedule your installation accordingly.
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Substrate preparation: Ensuring your timber frame is adequately primed will smooth the installation process.
At Timber DIY, our team ensures timely delivery and offers guidance on preparing your site for a smooth installation experience.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
In concluding your journey through shiplap and log lap cladding, consider the ambience you wish to evoke in your garden space. Whether the sleek, modern allure of shiplap calls to you, or the rustic charm of log lap steals your heart, both offer unique benefits that can be maximised with thoughtful material pairing and installation.
Explore our Timber DIY products, ensuring every piece of your build aligns with your vision, from OSB Board to specialty cladding.