Is Shiplap Good For A Shed?

A garden shed, regardless of its size, can emerge as one of the most valuable structures you own. It serves as a haven to safeguard and organise your cherished and essential items. Therefore, it’s crucial for these sheds to withstand the trials of time, ensuring they fulfil their protective role for an extended period. Whether you envision a summer house and a shed or a simple storage solution, choosing the right materials is vital. 

Wood is an excellent material choice for constructing a shed. It offers a natural and good-looking vibe that adds a touch of charm. You’ve got plenty of room to play with designs, making it easy to match your shed to your style. Wood’s inherent strength and durability make it a robust choice for shed construction, ensuring stability and longevity. Additionally, timber is a renewable resource when sourced responsibly, aligning with environmentally conscious building practices. Its insulating properties contribute to better temperature control within the shed. So, whether it’s softwood or hardwood, wood is a reliable choice for building a shed that’s not just sturdy but easy on the eyes too.

When it comes to cladding, you may be wondering which type of cladding to choose to complement your shed design. In this blog, we explore the benefits of shiplap cladding and why tanalised shiplap is our preference.

Why Use Shiplap To Clad My Shed?

Shiplap is a specific type of cladding distinguished by its unique design, featuring overlapping, interlocking boards that create a tight fit. Unlike generic cladding, shiplap’s configuration provides enhanced weather resistance, structural stability, and a distinctive aesthetic appeal due to its clean lines and horizontal profile.  Shiplap is an excellent choice for shed construction due to several key reasons:

Weather Resistance

Shiplap siding provides excellent weather resistance. The overlapping design helps shed water effectively, preventing it from seeping into the structure. This is crucial for sheds that are exposed to various weather conditions, including rain and snow.

Durability

Shiplap is typically made from sturdy and durable materials such as wood or engineered wood products. This durability ensures that the siding can withstand the elements and resist damage over time, extending the lifespan of the shed.

Aesthetic Appeal

Shiplap has a distinctive and attractive appearance characterised by the horizontal overlapping of boards. This aesthetic quality is often sought after for sheds and other outdoor structures, adding a rustic or charming look to the exterior.

Easy Installation

Shiplap siding is relatively easy to install, making it a practical choice for DIY enthusiasts or those looking to save on installation costs. The interlocking design simplifies the installation process, and the boards can be quickly and securely attached to the shed’s frame.

Versatility

Shiplap can be used with various shed designs and architectural styles. It complements both traditional and modern aesthetics, allowing for flexibility in design choices. Additionally, it can be painted or stained to match the desired colour scheme. making it a fitting option for custom sheds and garden buildings.

Ventilation

The slight gap between the overlapping boards in a shiplap design can provide natural ventilation to the shed. This can be beneficial for preventing moisture buildup inside the shed, which is crucial for protecting the contents from damage and discouraging the growth of mould or mildew.

Insulation

Shiplap siding can contribute to the overall insulation of the shed. The overlapping boards create a barrier that helps regulate temperature inside the shed, keeping it cooler in hot weather and warmer in cold weather.

Cost-Effective

Shiplap is often an economical choice compared to other siding options. Its affordability, combined with its durability, makes it a cost-effective solution for those looking to build or upgrade a shed on a budget.

The Advantages Of Using Tanalised Shiplap

At National Timber Buildings, we exclusively employ tanalised timber for our structural components and cladding, a material meticulously impregnated with Tanalith® E wood preservative in a controlled environment within a vacuum pressure timber impregnation facility.

Our pressure-treated wood, including tanalised® timber, boasts a demonstrated capacity for long-term protection against wood decay and insect infestations. As a result, any structure crafted from treated tanalised® timber is exceptionally resilient, capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions and enduring the test of time. These pressure-treated timbers represent a high-performance, durable, and environmentally sustainable construction material suitable for a diverse range of applications, including solar panels for sheds. 

Find out more about the tanalisation process here.

The industry standard for estimating the lifespan of tanalised® timber is typically set at 30 years without additional treatment. Nevertheless, based on our extensive experience, we have observed numerous instances where structures constructed with tanalised® timber have exceeded the 40-year mark, particularly when subjected to diligent maintenance.

Tanalith® E wood preservative, an integral component of our tanalised® timber, has received approval for its directed use under the Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) by the UK Health and Safety Executive. The biocides within Tanalith® E are endorsed under the Biocidal Products Directive.

It is crucial to understand that while tanalising effectively prevents wood rot and decay, it does not render the wood completely waterproof. As part of our commitment to ensuring longevity, even with pressure-treated materials, we recommend the application of a clear water shield to offer protection against the elements, including sun and rain.

Planning Permission to Build a Shed 

If you are considering adding a shed to your property, it is essential to check if you need planning permission to build a shed. Many local councils have specific guidelines regarding the size and placement of garden buildings. It’s always best to consult with your local authorities to ensure compliance. 

If you are undertaking a timber building project and would like some further information on how our team at National Timber Building can help you, why not request a brochure, or contact us at your convenience to turn your idea into a reality.