Shiplap cladding
British western red cedar shiplap | VSL1British western red cedar shiplap | VSL1
Shiplap cladding is a machined profile supplied with a smooth finish and an overlapping edge detail to create a waterproof façade. The profile is relatively traditional compared to the more contemporary halflaps and splayed profiles and tends to suit buildings originating in the 1960s and 70s.
The term shiplap is often loosely used to describe various cladding profiles but we use it specifically to describe the true shiplap profile which is also described as a channel profile.
All air-dried species can be machined to shiplap. The most popular choices are cedar and British oak.
Technical Specification
Profile name | Shiplap | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Profile code | VSL1, VSL2, VSL3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appearance | Classic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Surface finish | Planed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Orientation | Horizontal or vertical | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Location | External only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Length | Random lengths from 2.0 – 4.0 metres, depending on specie | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dimensions |
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Profiles | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Species |
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When to fix | Year round. Ideally September to March | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
How to fix | VSL1, VSL2 – face fix only. One per fixing board / batten VSL3 – face fix or secret nail A gap of 2mm should be left between each board |
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Begin at the bottom, ensuring that the first board is level with the lap that is adjacent to the wall, pointing upwards. For boards up to 150mm wide, use a single fixing located 25 – 30mm above the lower lap. Never nail through the lap joint. For boards over 150mm, use two fixings, with the second located a further 65 – 75mm above the first to allow for some dimensional movement.![]() ![]() ![]() |
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Batten thickness | 35mm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Batten spacing | 400 – 500mm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nail length | 50mm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Further information | Click here for further fixing advice | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special or bespoke profiles up to 200mm wide can be provided. However, for external cladding, it is generally recommended that boards do not exceed 150mm in width. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
While the utmost care has been taken to provide accurate information, Vastern Timber shall not be held responsible for any consequences arising from any errors or omissions on this website nor for any damages resulting from the use of the information. |