Weatherboard is a type of wooden cladding where boards are fixed horizontally or vertically to battens, with an overlap between boards. It is widely used as exterior cladding for sheds, garden rooms, and fences. The overlap ensures that rainwater runs off without getting behind the boards.
How does weatherboard work?
With weatherboard cladding, boards are profiled at an angle (with a thinner top and thicker bottom edge) and applied overlapping. The bottom board is mounted first, and 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:
Featheredge boards (fine profile)
Boards with a profiled edge that interlock. The overlap is small (10-15 mm) and the result is a sleek, modern appearance. This is also called lap siding or Swedish featheredge, depending on the profile.
Board-on-board (rough profile)
Boards laid flat over each other without a profile, where the upper board partially covers the lower one. This creates a more robust, rustic appearance.
Weatherboard vs. board-on-board
| Weatherboard (profiled) | Board-on-board | |
|---|---|---|
| Profile | Tapered finish, boards interlock | Flat boards overlapping |
| Appearance | Sleek, modern | Robust, rustic |
| Installation | Slightly more precise | Simpler |
| Timber use | Less (thinner overlap) | More (wider overlap) |
DIY applications
Weatherboard is a popular choice for:
- Building a shed — Weatherboard as cladding on a timber frame wall
- Building a fence — Weatherboard planks vertically or horizontally between fence posts
- Garden room — Exterior cladding with weatherboard for a neat finish
Installation
1. Fix vertical battens (30×50 mm) to the structure, at approximately 60 cm centres
2. Start at the bottom with the first board — allow at least 3 cm clearance from the ground
3. Work upwards, each board overlapping the previous one by 15-25 mm
4. Use stainless steel screws or galvanised nails — plain screws rust and cause staining
Wood species for weatherboard
| Wood species | Lifespan (untreated) | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Douglas fir | 15-20 years | Shed, garden room (attractive weathering) |
| Larch | 15-20 years | Comparable to Douglas fir |
| Pressure-treated spruce | 10-15 years | Fence, 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 at least 3 cm clear, otherwise the wood absorbs moisture
- No ventilation gap — Air must be able to circulate between the wall and the cladding
- Wrong screws — Always use stainless steel or galvanised, never plain steel
Related terms
- Board-on-board cladding
- Swedish featheredge
- Weatherboard cladding
- Battens
- Timber frame construction
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