Cedar siding is a go-to style for many, known for its natural beauty and rustic style that brings a classic look to any home’s exterior. And when you learn how to care for cedar siding correctly, it can last for decades.
There are many different styles to choose from when it comes to cedar siding, and shiplap cedar is one option that has been around for decades. It’s a versatile style that can bring just as much rustic charm as it can natural elegance.
Continue reading through this guide to learn everything you need to know about shiplap cedar siding, and what makes it such a good option.
Quality Cedar Products can meet all your cedar board needs. This blog is informational only and not a replacement for expert advice. Please consult a professional before starting any building project as your needs and specifications may vary and it may not reflect the most current building codes, regulations, or industry standards.
What is Shiplap Cedar Siding?
First, let’s discuss what is shiplap cedar siding, then we’ll dive more into what it’s best used for and the advantages and disadvantages of using it on your home’s exterior.
Cedar shiplap is a type of cedar siding that can either be installed horizontally or vertically. Specifically, shiplap is a traditional way of exterior building that has been used to build different types of boats, hence the name shiplap. Thus, cedar shiplap takes this historic style, mixed with the natural beauty of cedar for a wonderful exterior look on any home. What makes shiplap siding different from other types is that each board has a groove cut into it during production. So, when installed on the exterior of a home, it creates an overlapping effect as each piece lays on top of the other. With shiplap siding, the overlapping will create a seal to help protect the home from the elements.
What is Shiplap Cedar Good for?
There are many different types of cedar siding to choose from, so why would you choose shiplap? Continue reading as we cover the main advantages and disadvantages of choosing this type of cedar siding.
Advantages
Cedar siding durability is one of the major draws of this type of home exterior, and shiplap cedar is no different.
We’ve already discussed the overlapping effect of shiplap that sets it apart from other styles and creates a strong seal. This is a great defense for a home, stopping any air or moisture from entering the interior of the home. So, the insulation that shiplap siding brings is a great advantage and will help you stay more energy efficient.
On the other hand, the shiplap style contributes to the durability of the siding. The space where the wood connects on the grooves lets the wood expand and contract naturally as the wood ages and endures the elements of each season. Thus, shiplap cedar siding has less of a likelihood of cracking or buckling throughout the years, while other types of cedar may shrink more easily and cause sealing problems.
Disadvantages
As we discussed, how long cedar siding lasts is one of the benefits of this type of lumber, though this can depend on the cedar siding maintenance it receives. Especially for shiplap cedar, it can be quite susceptible to mildew and mold, which is a common problem for any type of cedar siding. So, it must be cleaned frequently to help fight against harmful buildup.
Another problem with shiplap specifically is that if installed incorrectly, it could have a tendency to warp or rot, which could be quite costly to fix. Additionally, given how the pieces of shiplap siding are installed by interlocking into one another with the tongue and groove notches, it could be challenging to replace just one board if it gets damaged or experiences rot.
The Different Types of Shiplap Siding Explained
Now let’s review a few of the main types of cedar shiplap siding. Each of these types of shiplap differs based on the grooves that are cut into the boards to create the overlapping effect when installed. So while they are highly similar, there are some distinct differences between these styles that have their own specific use cases.
Square Edge Shiplap
Some shiplap boards are created with a square edge that can easily be overlapped for easy installation. These boards can fit snuggly against one another, creating a tight seal.
Tongue and Groove Shiplap
Another style of shiplap siding features a tongue and groove notching, which is one of the most common types available today. One end of each piece of siding will feature a jutting tongue edge, while the other side has a notched groove so the pieces can tightly interlock into one another.
Eased Edge Shiplap
Lastly, eased edge shiplap is similar to the square edge shiplap, though the square notches on either side have a slight slant to them. This creates a small v-groove between the boards, giving it a distinct style that differs from the previous two.
Where Can I Find High-Quality Shiplap Cedar Lumber?
When it comes to cedar siding that lasts–no matter the style–finding the right supplier that provides quality lumber is the most important step. At Quality Cedar Products, we’re proud to offer high-quality western red cedar lumber for sale for any type of construction project you have.
So if after reading through this guide you decide that shiplap is a good choice for your home’s exterior, we have a great selection of cedar shiplap for you to choose from. But if you’d rather stick to a more traditional style, we also have a wide variety of western red cedar siding available as well.
Wrapping Things Up
Given the many benefits that shiplap cedar siding can bring to your home, it’s no surprise why it’s been such a common choice for home exteriors for decades. Combining the great insulation properties of shiplap with the natural durability and beauty of cedar, any home can benefit from having cedar shiplap siding.
We offer high-quality cedar products for any home construction project. We offer cedar planks to build sound barrier fencing for when you want to bring some added privacy to your home and yard. Plus, for other exterior projects, we have cedar deck boards to create a fantastic outdoor space everyone will love, and we even have quality sauna cedar wood! Shop today for all of your cedar needs.
Quality Cedar Products does not assume any liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information provided in this blog post. The reader is solely responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented. Any reliance on the information is at the reader's own risk. Quality Cedar Products is not responsible for any loss, injury, or damage that may occur as a result of following the suggestions, tips, or recommendations provided in this blog post. Building projects involve inherent risks, and it is essential to exercise caution, obtain proper permits, and engage qualified professionals to ensure safety and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The inclusion of external links, references, or recommendations in this blog post does not constitute endorsement or guarantee the quality, reliability, or suitability of the linked sources. The reader should independently verify the information and assess its relevance to their specific circumstances. The author reserves the right to modify, update, or remove the content of this blog post at any time without prior notice. It is recommended to check for the most recent updates or consult with professionals to ensure the information is current and applicable. By reading this blog post, the reader acknowledges and accepts the above disclaimer and agrees to use the information provided responsibly and at their own discretion.
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