What is Swedish rebate (Zweeds rabat)?
Swedish rebate is a type of facade cladding where boards are fitted horizontally with a characteristic profile: a groove (rebate) at the top of each board. The next board sits with its bottom edge in this groove, creating a clean yet visibly separated facade. The name refers to the Scandinavian origin of this profile type.
How to recognise Swedish rebate
The hallmark is the visible horizontal line (shadow line) at each board transition. The groove at the top and the slightly protruding bottom edge of the next board create a rhythmic pattern of lines on the facade.
| Property | Swedish rebate |
|---|---|
| Profile | Groove at top |
| Installation | Horizontal |
| Overlap | Board sits in groove |
| Appearance | Scandinavian, clean, rustic |
Swedish rebate vs. standard clapboard
| Swedish rebate | Angled clapboard | |
|---|---|---|
| Profile | Groove at top | Angled cross-section |
| Shadow line | Clearly visible | Subtle |
| Appearance | Scandinavian, rustic | Clean, modern |
| Water drainage | Good (water runs from groove) | Good |
Applications
Swedish rebate is popular for:
- Garden houses and sheds — The classic Scandinavian look
- Residential facade cladding — Especially in combination with Scandinavian red (Falu red paint)
- Garages — Rustic appearance
- Fences — Horizontally fitted
Timber species and finishes
Traditionally, Swedish rebate is combined with:
- Spruce + opaque paint — The Scandinavian standard (often red or white)
- Douglas fir — Untreated, weathers to silver-grey
- Larch — Comparable to Douglas fir
- Thermowood — Dark brown, maintenance-free
Related terms
- Clapboards
- Clapboard cladding
- Featheredge boarding
- Douglas fir wood