By If you’re planning to give your old garden shed a facelift, loglap cladding is one of the easiest and most rewarding DIY projects you can tackle. Its curved “log-style” face brings a rustic, cabin-inspired look while protecting your structure from the elements.
Whether you’re restoring a classic timber shed or building a new one from scratch, loglap cladding offers simplicity, weather resistance, and professional-looking results that even first-time DIYers can achieve.
🪵 What Is Loglap Cladding?
Loglap cladding is a timber board with a rounded face and interlocking edges that fit neatly together. It’s similar to shiplap, but instead of a flat finish, it mimics the appearance of stacked logs — perfect for creating that charming garden chalet effect.
Because each board overlaps the next, water runs off easily, and the interlocking joints reduce drafts and moisture ingress. That means your shed stays drier and more stable throughout the year.
🌲 Timber Choices: Siberian Larch vs Nordic Spruce
Your cladding’s performance depends heavily on the wood you choose. Two of the best options for garden sheds are Siberian Larch and Nordic Spruce — both durable, sustainable softwoods with different strengths and looks.
- Siberian Larch Log Lap 24×146 mm
- Extremely durable and resin-rich
- Naturally weather-resistant (even untreated)
- Ages beautifully to a silvery-grey patina
- Perfect for high-exposure sheds or outbuildings
👉 Explore product: Siberian Larch Log Lap 24×146 mm
- Nordic Spruce Log Lap 24×146 mm
- Lighter, cost-effective option
- Smooth surface ideal for staining or painting
- Excellent choice for sheltered gardens or colour-matched projects
- Sustainable and easy to work with
👉 View product: Nordic Spruce Log Lap 24×146 mm
Quick tip:
If you prefer a natural, low-maintenance look, go with Siberian Larch.
If you’d like to paint or stain your shed, Nordic Spruce gives you a smoother base and better colour control.
🔧 How to Install Loglap Cladding on a Shed
Tools & materials needed:
- Stainless steel screws or ring nails
- Drill & countersink bit
- Level & tape measure
- Breathable membrane
- Treated battens (typically 25–38 mm)
Step-by-step:
- Prep your surface– Check your frame for level and fix vertical battens 400–600 mm apart.
- Add a breathable membrane– This prevents trapped moisture and improves longevity.
- Start from the bottom– The first board must be perfectly level; every row follows this line.
- Fix boards securely– Drill pilot holes near ends; use stainless fixings through the tongue edge or face.
- Stagger joints– For strength and appearance, offset end joins by at least one batten spacing.
- Leave small expansion gaps– 2–3 mm between boards helps prevent buckling during seasonal movement.
🎨 Finishing & Weathering Options
Both Siberian Larch and Nordic Spruce can be left natural or finished for extra protection.
- Natural silvering:Letting the wood age naturally provides a beautiful silver-grey tone that requires almost no upkeep.
- Oil or stain:Use a breathable exterior oil to maintain colour and water repellence.
- Painted finish:Nordic Spruce’s smoother grain makes it ideal for painted sheds or modern colour themes.
Reapply finish every 2–3 years depending on exposure — coastal or sunny locations may need more frequent care.
🧰 Maintenance Tips
- Keep vegetation at least 150 mm away from the base.
- Rinse off dirt or salt once a year.
- Inspect for loose fixings and recoat if needed.
A few minutes of yearly attention keeps your shed watertight and looking fresh for decades.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Loglap cladding combines durability, natural charm, and ease of installation — perfect for DIYers who want quick visual impact without the complexity of professional joinery.
Choose Siberian Larch for the strongest, longest-lasting finish, or Nordic Spruce for a smoother, more affordable option ready for paint or stain.
Either way, you’ll end up with a shed that looks incredible, stays weatherproof, and elevates your garden space effortlessly.
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