The Difference Between Shiplap and Overlap Cladding
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What Is the Difference Between Shiplap and Overlap Cladding?
What Is the Difference Between Shiplap and Overlap Cladding?
It's a fair question, and after supplying both types for over two decades, we can tell you the difference goes far beyond just the price tag. Let us walk you through what we've learned from thousands of transactions across the UK.
The Story Behind the Names
Shiplap gets its name from shipbuilding – and there's a good reason for that. Naval carpenters needed a way to join wooden planks that would keep seawater out while allowing the wood to expand and contract with changing conditions. The rebated edge they developed created a weatherproof joint that's stood the test of time.
Overlap cladding, on the other hand, is exactly what it sounds like – boards that overlap each other, much like roof tiles or traditional weatherboarding. It's been used on British buildings for centuries, from medieval barns to Victorian cottages.
Both have their place, but understanding when to use which can save you money and headaches down the line.
What You Actually Get
When customers visit our yard, we always show them samples of both. The difference is immediately obvious once you see them side by side.
Shiplap boards have a groove (rebate) cut along one edge and a matching tongue on the other. When you fit them together, they create a seamless joint that looks almost like a single continuous surface. Run your hand across properly installed shiplap and you'll barely feel the joins.
Overlap cladding is much simpler – just straight-edged boards that overlap by about 25-40mm. Think of how roof tiles work, but vertical. It creates a lovely traditional shadow line that many customers prefer for period properties or rustic buildings.
Real-World Performance Stories
Last year, we supplied shiplap cladding for a customer in the Lake District who was converting an old stone barn into a holiday let. Two years later, he called to thank us – apparently, his guests regularly comment on how smart the cladding looks, even after facing some of the worst weather the Lakes can throw at it.
Compare that to a project we did in Essex about five years ago. The customer chose overlap cladding for their large garden building, mainly for cost reasons. It still looks great, but they do mention having to clear out leaves and debris from behind the overlaps each autumn. Nothing major, just part of the maintenance routine.
Both are performing exactly as we'd expect, but they suit different situations and budgets.
When We Recommend Shiplap
From our experience, shiplap really shines when customers want that crisp, contemporary look. Garden offices, modern extensions, high-end outbuildings – these are where shiplap excels.
The precision of the joint means it handles weather brilliantly. Water runs straight off without finding gaps to exploit. We've installed shiplap on buildings facing the prevailing winds on the Yorkshire moors, and they're still looking sharp years later.
There's also less maintenance involved. The tight joints don't collect debris, and the smooth profile means you can power-wash it without worrying about forcing water into gaps.
When Overlap Makes Perfect Sense
Don't think overlap is the budget option that compromises on quality – that's not the case at all. Some of the most beautiful buildings we've clad use overlap boarding.
Traditional buildings almost always look better with overlap. We recently supplied larch overlap cladding for a barn conversion in the Cotswolds, and it perfectly complemented the existing stone and timber frame. Shiplap would have looked completely out of place.
Overlap is also more forgiving during installation. If your building isn't perfectly square (and let's be honest, how many are?), overlap cladding can accommodate minor irregularities without showing them up. With shiplap, precision is essential – any wobbles in your building will show as gaps in the boarding.
Cost-wise, overlap typically saves you 15-20% compared to shiplap. For large projects, that difference can be significant.
The Installation Reality
Here's something most suppliers don't mention – shiplap is definitely more fiddly to install. Each board needs to be perfectly aligned with its neighbour, and any twist or bow in the timber becomes immediately obvious.
We had a customer last month who decided to tackle his shed cladding himself. He started with shiplap, got frustrated with the precision required, and switched to overlap halfway through. Smart move – he finished the job in half the time and was much happier with the process.
Overlap is much more forgiving. If a board's slightly out, you can often hide it with the next course. Professional installers can fly through overlap installations, which can save on labour costs too.
What About Weather Performance?
This is where people get confused by marketing claims. Both shiplap and overlap, when properly installed with good quality timber, will handle British weather without problems.
Shiplap's tight joints do provide excellent weather protection, but overlap's time-tested design has been keeping buildings dry for centuries. The key with overlap is proper installation – the boards need adequate overlap and the building needs proper breathable membrane behind the cladding.
We've seen both types perform brilliantly and both fail spectacularly, usually because of poor installation or inadequate building preparation rather than inherent flaws in the cladding style.
The Honest Cost Comparison
Material costs typically break down like this: if overlap cladding costs £100, expect shiplap to cost around £120-125. The precision machining required for the rebated edges adds to the manufacturing cost.
Installation costs can vary more dramatically. A skilled carpenter can install overlap about 30% faster than shiplap, so labour costs often favour overlap significantly.
However, longer-term maintenance costs might tip the balance back. Shiplap's lower maintenance requirements can offset the higher initial cost over time.
Our Recommendation Process
When customers call us, we always ask the same questions: What's the building's purpose? What style are you aiming for? What's your budget? How hands-on are you planning to be with maintenance?
For modern garden offices, contemporary extensions, or anything where that crisp, clean look matters, we'll usually steer them toward shiplap. The extra cost is worth it for the finish quality.
For traditional buildings, agricultural structures, or projects where budget is the primary concern, overlap often makes more sense. It's not a compromise – it's choosing the right tool for the job.
The Bottom Line
After all these years in the business, here's what I've learned: there's no universally "better" choice between shiplap and overlap cladding. Both are excellent products that serve different needs.
Choose shiplap when you want that premium, contemporary finish and don't mind paying a bit extra for precision. Choose overlap when you want traditional charm, easier installation, or need to keep costs down without sacrificing quality.
Either way, buy quality timber, ensure proper installation, and both will serve you well for decades. We've got customers using both types that we first supplied fifteen years ago, and they're all still perfectly happy with their choice.
The most important thing? Choose a style that fits your building and your budget, then commit to it fully. Half-hearted compromises are usually where problems start.
Thinking about cladding for your project? Our team has been helping customers choose the right materials for over 20 years. Give us a call on 01536 267107 to discuss your specific needs, or browse our full range of timber cladding online.
or send us an email at
sales@uksleepers.co.uk.
