A Clear Guide to Fitting Shiplap Cladding the Right Way

Shiplap cladding is a simple, smart way to give walls, sheds, or garden rooms a tidy, lasting finish.

If you think that learning how to fit shiplap cladding is a bit of task, well, it is easier than you might think. With the right tools and a steady pace, it’s perfectly manageable for anyone.

This shiplap cladding guide takes you through each stage clearly so you can plan, prepare, and fit your boards confidently for a neat, professional look.

What You Need Before Starting

Before you begin, it helps to gather everything in one place. Having your tools ready makes the whole process of shiplap cladding installation smoother and less stressful.

Tools

• Tape measure and spirit level – for checking lengths and keeping lines straight.

• Hammer or nail gun – whichever feels easier for you to handle.

• Saw – for trimming boards neatly to size.

• Drill – for pre-drilling holes if you’re fixing into tougher materials.

• Pencil and square – for marking cuts accurately.

Fixings

• Galvanised nails or screws suited for outdoor use.

• Treated battens to support the boards.

Safety

• Protective gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask help prevent injuries.

• Keep your workspace clear and stable, especially if you’re using ladders.

How Shiplap Boards Fit Together

Shiplap boards have a tongue on one edge and a groove on the other, allowing each piece to slot neatly into place.

This overlapping design keeps rainwater out and gives a clean, even surface once fitted. When fitting shiplap cladding, it helps to test a few pieces first so you can see how they line up.

Keep every board straight and level to maintain a smooth look across the wall. For a closer view of the texture and profile options, explore our woodgrain cladding collection for practical examples.

Preparing the Surface

A smooth, solid base makes all the difference to the final result. Before installing shiplap boards, check that the wall or frame is flat, dry, and strong enough to hold the cladding. Fix treated battens vertically, spacing them roughly 400 millimetres apart for support and ventilation. Keep them level and firmly secured.

If you’re cladding an exterior wall, adding a breathable membrane between the battens and surface helps protect against moisture. Taking a little extra care here ensures your shiplap cladding installation goes more smoothly and gives a straight, long-lasting finish once the boards are in place.

Setting Out Your First Board

Your first board sets the tone for the entire job, so accuracy here really matters. Begin by checking the lowest point of the wall or structure, as this will help you decide where the baseboard should sit. Use a spirit level to draw a straight line across the surface so you can follow it as you go.

Place the first board along this line and double-check it’s perfectly level before fixing it. Even a small tilt at this stage can make the rest look uneven later on. 

Once you’re happy with its position, mark any cuts you’ll need and get ready to start fitting shiplap cladding smoothly and evenly.

Nailing and Securing Each Board

Once your first board is in place, the rest of the shiplap cladding installation follows a steady rhythm. Fix each board through the top tongue so the next piece hides the nails when it locks in. This gives the surface a clean, professional look.

Use galvanised nails or screws to prevent rust marks and avoid hammering too close to the edges.

Keep the boards pressed firmly against the battens while you work, checking alignment every few rows.

These small, steady steps help your fitting stay tight, even, and durable from top to bottom.

Keeping Gaps and Lines Consistent

Consistency is what makes cladding look neat and reliable. As you continue fitting shiplap cladding, keep checking that each board stays level and overlaps evenly. A small, uneven gap can quickly stand out, so use a spirit level every few rows.

Leave a slight expansion gap where the boards meet corners or joins. Timber can move with heat and moisture, and this space prevents buckling later on. Step back now and again to check the wall from a distance.

These simple cladding fitting tips keep everything looking balanced and tidy.

How to Work Around Corners and Edges

Corners and edges often look tricky, but they’re easy to manage once you know what to expect. When installing shiplap boards around a corner, measure and trim each piece so the joins meet neatly without forcing them together. A fine-tooth saw gives smoother cuts and helps keep the edges tidy.

If you’re cladding an external corner, you can either butt the boards together or fit a purpose-made corner trim for a crisp finish. For internal corners, cutting the tongue off the joining board can help it sit tighter. Always take your time marking and cutting each section.

Care at this stage makes the whole shiplap cladding installation look cleaner and more professional once complete.

Finishing the Cladding

Once all boards are fixed, it’s time to give the surface a quick tidy-up. Brush away sawdust and check for any raised edges or rough spots. Lightly sanding the ends where you’ve made cuts helps the finish look smoother.

You can leave the timber as it is for a natural look or add trims and edging to frame the cladding neatly. A light coat of protective treatment or stain can make a big difference, especially outdoors. Taking this care right at the end gives the whole project a more polished feel and completes your shiplap cladding DIY job beautifully.

By now, you can see that learning how to fit shiplap cladding is mostly about good preparation and steady progress. Each board builds on the last, and the end result is always worth the effort. Whether you’re updating a shed, a garden room, or a feature wall, you’ll get a finish that feels neat and lasting. If you’d like guidance on choosing materials or checking suitability, simply contact us for friendly help from the Tuda Grass team.

FAQ

Can shiplap cladding be fitted by DIYers?
Yes. This guide shows that with a few tools and some patience, anyone can complete a shiplap cladding DIY project.

Is battening always required?
Usually, yes. Battens create a flat surface, helping with ventilation, and make installing shiplap boards easier.

How long does installation take?
That depends on size and experience. A small garden wall might take a day, while a full feature wall could take a weekend. Taking time to prepare properly makes the whole shiplap cladding installation smoother and the final result more satisfying.