When you’re browsing wooden sheds, three words come up again and again: overlap, shiplap and tongue and groove. They describe how the boards on the walls fit together, and that makes a big difference to how weatherproof, strong and long-lasting the shed is.
Overlap cladding
Rough-sawn boards are simply laid over each other, like a clinker-built boat. It’s the cheapest way to build a shed and it looks rustic. The boards are thinner and the gaps can let in draughts, and they’re more prone to warping and splitting. Fine for storing tools and the mower, as long as you treat it regularly.
A good overlap shed
WALTONS 8×6 Overlap Storage Shed
A great-value 8×6 for basic storage. Treat it well and it’ll do the job for years.
- Lowest price
- Rustic look
- Fine for basic storage
Shiplap cladding
Shiplap boards are machined with a curved profile so each board slots into the one below, creating a channel that sheds rain away. They’re smoother, tighter-fitting and much more weatherproof than overlap. It’s a big step up for not much extra cost.
A good shiplap shed
Forest Garden 6×8 Apex Wooden Shed
Forest’s Beckwood shiplap 6×8 is smooth, tight and well made, with a long anti-rot guarantee.
- Sheds rain well
- Smooth, easy-to-paint finish
- Stronger than overlap
Tongue and groove cladding
Each board has a tongue on one edge that slots into a groove on the next, so they interlock tightly. Combine it with a shiplap profile and you get “shiplap tongue and groove”, the strongest and most weatherproof option. It’s what you’ll find on better sheds, summerhouses and workshops.
A premium tongue and groove shed
POWER High Grade Premium Apex Garden Wooden Shed with Security
A heavy-duty, high-grade build with security features. The one to choose for valuable kit.
- Tightest fit, fewest draughts
- Strongest walls
- Built for workshops
Which should you choose?
| Feature | Overlap | Shiplap | Tongue and groove |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lowest The budget option on most ranges | Mid Usually a modest step up | Highest Premium sheds and summerhouses |
| Typical board thickness | 7-8mm Rough-sawn | 10-12mm Smooth, machined profile | 12mm+ Interlocking boards |
| Weatherproofing | Fair Gaps can let in draughts | Good Profile channels rain away | Excellent Tight, interlocking joints |
| Strength | Fair Can warp and split | Good Stiffer, flatter walls | Excellent Strongest, most rigid walls |
| Best for | Basic storage Tools, mower, garden kit | Most sheds Everyday family storage | Workshops, summerhouses Valuable kit and spending time inside |
Tip: Board thickness matters as much as type. 12mm cladding is a lot sturdier than 7-8mm, whatever the profile.
Whatever you choose, timber needs protecting. Our guide on how to treat a wooden shed covers it. Or browse all wooden sheds.
