When it comes to creating a charming garden shed, a durable exterior for your home, or simply upgrading the aesthetics of your outdoor spaces, log lap cladding is a popular choice. It's not only robust but also offers a rustic appeal that’s perfect for blending into natural surroundings. In this article, we'll delve into the step-by-step guide on how to use plywood for log lap cladding, ensuring you achieve professional results even as a DIY enthusiast.
Why Choose Log Lap Cladding?
Log lap cladding has become a staple for garden buildings and exterior structures, largely due to its timber framing that complements wooden landscapes. Besides its aesthetic value, log lap cladding functions as a protective barrier against weather elements, enhancing the durability of the wooden framework. Here’s how plywood comes into play.
Plywood is an excellent material for cladding, especially if budget and value are priorities. Not only does it provide sufficient structural support, but it also works well with additional treatments, such as waterproofing or painting.
Superior Material: Plywood and Timber Framing

So why choose plywood for your cladding needs? Plywood boasts versatility and strength, making it ideal for an array of construction applications. It combines exceptionally well with a timber frame, ensuring your structure is both robust and visually appealing. For instance, using 15mm hardwood faced plywood offers high resilience and a smooth surface, which is great for log lap installations.
Explore our 15mm Hardwood Faced Plywood - 8x4ft Sheets, ideal for achieving a seamless finish.
On the other hand, 3x2 (50x75) tanalised timber framing is perfect for supporting your plywood and log lap combination. This type of framing resists rot and insect damage, ensuring a long lifespan for your project.
Consider investing in our 3x2 (50x75) Tanalised Timber Framing for reliable results.
Before diving into the installation process, gather the necessary tools to streamline the process:
- Measuring tape
- Circular saw or hand saw
- Hammer and nails
- Screws and a drill
- Spirit level
- Pencil and square
- Safety gloves and goggles
Materials Needed

For a successful cladding project, you will need:
- Timber for the framework
- Hardwood faced plywood
- 32x125 tanalised treated log lap cladding
-
OSB board (Oriented Strand Board) for additional sheathing
- Roof shingles and roofing felt for the roof
- Wood sealant or protective stains
Don’t forget to check out our 32x125 Tanalised Treated Loglap Cladding for high-quality materials.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Workspace
Ensuring that all your materials are on-site and ready to use is crucial. Lay out your plywood and check all boards for damage or warping. Remember, the quality of your materials determines the finish, so it's worth double-checking before proceeding.
Step 2: Establish a Solid Framework
First, create a durable timber frame using tanalised timber. The frame should precisely match the dimensions of your structure to provide support to the cladding. Use the spirit level frequently to keep your frame squared and even.
Step 3: Sheath with OSB Board
Before applying the cladding, it's wise to add an additional layer of protection with an OSB board. This board acts as an intermediary between your timber frame and the ply cladding, offering improved insulation and soundproofing.
Step 4: Attach the Plywood Sheets
The plywood will serve as the primary surface to which the log lap cladding is attached. Cut your plywood to size, ensuring a snug fit against the OSB. Use screws to securely fix the plywood onto the frame.
Step 5: Install Log Lap Cladding
Now comes the exciting part - attaching the log lap cladding. Starting from the bottom, nail each piece of log lap ensuring they overlap appropriately. This overlapping technique aids in rainwater runoff, preventing moisture ingress.
Step 6: Roofing with Shingles and Felt
To complete the look and functionality, apply roof shingles on top of your structure. First, lay the roof felt underneath to act as an additional water barrier before overlaying with the shingles. This will ensure a long-lasting roof, protecting your cladding investment.
Considerations and Final Touches
Weatherproofing
After successfully installing the log lap cladding, coat your structure with a weatherproof sealer. This step is vital to extend the life of your cladding and maintain its bold appearance.
Additional Structures

Enhance your garden space with accessories like a Solid Teak Banana Bench for charming seating that complements the surroundings. Additionally, a Raised Garden Pond can add a tranquil element to your garden setup.
Conclusion
Using plywood for log lap cladding provides a durable, aesthetically pleasing finish to your outdoor projects. With the right tools, timber frameworks, and attention to detail, achieving professional cladding results is entirely feasible. Enhance your living space beautifully with the help of our high-quality materials and expert guidance.
For all your DIY timber needs, explore Timber DIY, your trusted resource for enhancing woodworking projects with reliability and style.