Board-on-board cladding is a traditional cladding method where wooden boards are applied overlapping, without a profile. One board partially covers the other, creating a watertight facade. It is one of the oldest forms of cladding in the Netherlands and is still widely used for sheds and fences.
How does board-on-board cladding work?
The principle is simple: flat boards are placed next to or above each other, with each board overlapping the edge of the previous one. There are two orientations:
Horizontal board-on-board
The boards run horizontally. Each board overlaps the top edge of the board below. This is the most common method for facade cladding.
Vertical board-on-board
The boards are placed vertically. A narrow cover strip or wider cover board covers the joint between two boards. Often used for fences.
The overlap is typically 20 to 30 mm. The greater the overlap, the better the protection against driving rain — but also the more timber you need.
Board-on-board cladding for DIY projects
Building a fence
Board-on-board is the classic method for a wooden fence:
- Vertical boards are placed between two horizontal rails
- Cover strips cover the joints
- Result: a solid fence with a robust appearance
Building a shed
For a wooden shed, board-on-board is a popular cladding option:
- Boards are screwed horizontally onto the battens
- The overlap provides water resistance
- No complicated profiles needed — flat boards are sufficient
Step-by-step installation
1. Install battens — Vertical battens at approximately 60 cm centres on the structure
2. Place first board — Start at the bottom, at least 3 cm above ground level
3. Overlap — Each subsequent board overlaps the previous one by 20-30 mm
4. Fix — Screw through the overlap into the battens. Use stainless steel or galvanised screws
5. Finish — Finish corners with corner strips
Board-on-board vs. weatherboard cladding
| Board-on-board | Weatherboard | |
|---|---|---|
| Board type | Flat (no profile) | Profiled (tapered edge) |
| Overlap | Larger (20-30 mm) | Smaller (10-15 mm) |
| Appearance | Rustic, robust | Sleek, modern |
| Timber use | More | Less |
| Price per m² | Lower (cheaper timber) | Higher (profiled timber) |
| Installation | Simpler | Slightly more precise |
Suitable wood species
- Douglas fir — Durable, weathers to a nice grey, no treatment needed
- Larch — Comparable to Douglas fir, slightly harder
- Pressure-treated spruce — Budget option, greenish colour
- Scaffold board wood — Popular for a weathered look, but less durable
Related terms
- Weatherboard
- Weatherboard cladding
- Swedish featheredge
- Battens
- Fence post