Shiplap Cladding Vs Overlap Cladding

On Alfresia, we've just launched a whole new range of garden sheds, greenhouses, playhouses and summerhouses. These have just come in and can broadly be divided into two kinds of sheds: overlap and shiplap.

But what do these categories mean, and how do they should they affect your decision when choosing a wooden garden building?

What is Overlap Cladding?
Overlap cladding refers to the way in which the cladding is fitted together - the pieces of timber overlap. This style is easier and cheaper to construct, and the savings are passed onto the customer - overlap sheds tend to be cheaper than other kinds of shed. Whilst not as sturdy and durable as shiplap cladded sheds, overlap cladding is still a safe and secure mode of construction meaning that overlap sheds are great value products. The advantages and disadvantages of overlap cladding have led us to believe that it is suitable more for the construction of sheds and storage units - the cladding keeps your tools or garden clutter safe and dry and provides shelter if you use the shed as a workshop.

                                

What is Shiplap Cladding?

Shiplap and tongue and groove cladding two similar ways of interlocking the pieces of timber. This gives a far sturdier construction and reduces the chance of water getting inbetween the wood, in turn reducing the risk of getting wood rot. The sturdier construction also means that the shed will be less likely to be damaged by day to day wear and tear. The more advanced techniques required to build the sheds mean, however, that they cost slightly more money.

We believe that Shiplap Cladding is more suitable for use in the construction of workshops and garden buildings where you might be spending a longer period of time, time that you use to relax rather than do house/garden work. The sturdy construction makes these buildings secure for storing valuables and more comfortable for sitting in on a hot summer's day. They are also more suitable for use as children's playhouses.

Whichever kind of construction sounds favourable to you, you will be sure to find a shed that is ideal in size and style for you on Alfresia UK. Recently we've added a vast number of garden sheds, a collection of children's playhouses, a range of summerhouses, utilising both traditional and modern designs, and a small number of buildings suited to both  casual and keen gardeners.

Alfresia is also an online retailer of garden furniture.