What is clapboard cladding (rabat)?
Clapboard cladding is a type of timber facade cladding where boards are fixed horizontally or vertically onto battening, with an overlap between the boards. It is widely used as external cladding for sheds, garden houses and fences. The overlap ensures that rainwater runs off without getting behind the boards.
How does clapboard cladding work?
With clapboard cladding, boards are profiled at an angle (with a thinner top edge and thicker bottom edge) and applied overlapping. The bottom board is fitted first, the next board overlaps the top edge of the previous one. This creates a weather-resistant facade that sheds rain.
There are two main variants:
Clapboards (fine profile)
Boards with a profiled edge that interlock. The overlap is small (10-15 mm) and the result is a clean, modern appearance. This is also called featheredge clapboard or Swedish rebate, depending on the profile.
Featheredge boarding (rough profile)
Boards that are laid over each other without a profile, where the upper board partially covers the lower one. This gives a more robust, rural appearance.
Clapboard cladding vs. featheredge boarding
| Clapboard (profiled) | Featheredge boarding | |
|---|---|---|
| Profile | Angled finish, interlocking | Flat boards overlapping |
| Appearance | Clean, modern | Robust, rural |
| Installation | Slightly more precise | Simpler |
| Timber usage | Less (thinner overlap) | More (wider overlap) |
Applications for DIY projects
Clapboard cladding is a popular choice for:
- Building a shed — Clapboards as facade cladding on a timber frame wall
- Building a fence — Clapboards vertically or horizontally between fence posts
- Garden house — External cladding with clapboards for a neat finish
Installation
- Fix vertical battens (30×50 mm) to the structure, at approximately 60 cm centres
- Start at the bottom with the first board — ensure minimum 3 cm clearance to the ground
- Work upwards, each board overlapping the previous one by 15-25 mm
- Use stainless steel screws or galvanised nails — ordinary screws rust and cause staining
Timber species for clapboard cladding
| Timber species | Lifespan (untreated) | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Douglas fir | 15-20 years | Shed, garden house (beautifully weathered) |
| Larch | 15-20 years | Comparable to Douglas fir |
| Pressure-treated spruce | 10-15 years | Fences, budget option |
| Thermowood | 20+ years | Premium appearance, no maintenance |
| Western Red Cedar | 25+ years | Highest quality, lightweight |
Common mistakes
- Boards touching the ground — Always keep minimum 3 cm clearance, otherwise the timber wicks up moisture
- No ventilation cavity — Air must be able to circulate between the wall and the clapboards
- Wrong screws — Always use stainless steel or galvanised, never plain steel
Related terms
- Featheredge boarding
- Swedish rebate
- Clapboards
- Battening / furring strips
- Timber frame construction