What is featheredge boarding (potdekselen)?
Featheredge boarding is a traditional cladding method in which timber boards are applied overlapping, without a profile. One board partially covers the next, creating a weatherproof facade. It is one of the oldest forms of facade cladding in the Netherlands and is still widely used for sheds and fences.
How does featheredge boarding work?
The principle is simple: flat boards are placed side by side or above each other, with each board overlapping the edge of the previous one. There are two orientations:
Horizontal featheredge boarding
The boards run horizontally. Each board overlaps the top edge of the board below. This is the most common method for facade cladding.
Vertical featheredge boarding
The boards are vertical. 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.
Featheredge boarding for DIY projects
Building a fence
Featheredge boarding is the classic method for a timber 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 timber shed, featheredge boarding is a popular facade cladding:
- Boards are screwed horizontally onto the battening
- The overlap ensures weather resistance
- No complicated profiles needed — flat boards suffice
Installation step by step
- Attach battening — Vertical battens at approximately 60 cm centres on the structure
- Place the first board — Start at the bottom, minimum 3 cm above the ground
- Overlap — Each subsequent board overlaps the previous one by 20-30 mm
- Fix — Screw through the overlap into the battening. Use stainless steel or galvanised screws
- Finish — Finish corners with corner trims
Featheredge boarding vs. clapboards
| Featheredge boarding | Clapboards | |
|---|---|---|
| Board type | Flat (no profile) | Profiled (angled edge) |
| Overlap | Larger (20-30 mm) | Smaller (10-15 mm) |
| Appearance | Rural, robust | Clean, modern |
| Timber usage | More | Less |
| Price per m² | Lower (cheaper timber) | Higher (profiled timber) |
| Installation | Simpler | Slightly more precise |
Suitable timber species
- Douglas fir — Durable, weathers beautifully, no treatment needed
- Larch — Comparable to Douglas fir, slightly harder
- Pressure-treated spruce — Budget option, greenish in colour
- Scaffold board timber — Popular for a weathered look, but less durable
Related terms
- Clapboard
- Clapboards
- Swedish rebate
- Battening / furring strips
- Fence post