What Is Shiplapped Wood?
Shiplapped wood is a type of wood siding that is commonly used in the construction of rustic structures. It is similar to tongue-and-groove siding, with interlocking notches; however, boards overlap approximately 1/2 inch. The overlap of the boards encourages rain to fall toward the ground rather than collect in gaps. The interlocking notch feature also helps maintain a watertight exterior barrier. Shiplap siding is 3/4 inch thick; 6, 8 or 10 inches wide; and 8 to 16 feet long. Boards may have rough sawed or smooth textures. Does this Spark an idea?
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Uses
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Shiplap wood is commonly used as a siding for buildings that do not require, or warrant, a significant degree of ongoing maintenance, such as sheds. Traditionally, shiplap siding was a common choice for barns, but it was also frequently used in ceilings and soffits. Shiplap siding excels in withstanding harsh weather conditions. It can be installed vertically or horizontally and at varying widths to add visual interest. Shiplap siding is not limited to outdoor use. It may also be used indoors to provide a more rustic look inside homes or other structures.
Installation
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In horizontal applications, begin at the ground level and work your way up. Reserve gaps between each piece, approximately 1/8 inch wide, to allow for regular expansion and contraction. Avoid nailing through overhanging portions of wood. Instead, insert nails 1 inch up from each siding lap. Maintain 2 1/2 to 3 inches of space between nails to limit horizontal movement. In vertical applications, place nails in furring strips. Bevel cut the ends of boards and lay siding with the sloped end directing water away from the structure.
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Advantages
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Shiplap siding has a reputation for strength and durability. Structures with shiplap siding are able to withstand extreme wet and cold weather with a minimal degree of maintenance. Moreover, shiplap siding requires little effort to install, particularly compared to tongue-and-groove siding. It is considered by many to be one of the easiest forms of siding to install. In addition, shiplap joints are formed by cutting identical rabbets into the faces of adjoining boards; consequently, there is a minimal amount of waste during construction.
Alternative Sidings
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Dolly Varden, channel rustic, cove lap, drop siding and log cabin are alternative siding forms that use overlap and interlocking notch features similar to shiplap siding. All provide good weather protection and appealing shadow lines along the exterior of structures. Overall, shiplap siding is most similar to channel rustic siding in terms of the appearance of the wood’s profile. Unlike shiplap siding, channel rustic siding is not reversible. Each channel rustic siding board will have a 1/2-inch overlap with an approximately 1-inch reveal on the other end.
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References
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