Decking Board Lengths: A Comprehensive Guide

As if there wasn’t enough choice already available on the cladding market to choose from, there are also different connections that can alter the appearance and structure of your cladding. A long with choosing different colours, materials and companies you will also need to decide from a shiplap, tongue and groove or an overlap connection. These different types of connections are most commonly used with wood/timber and composite cladding. It is important to know the difference between the various styles prior to purchasing your cladding, as it can change not only the installation process of your cladding project but the appearance of the cladding too.

Shiplap

Shiplap cladding is the design that we stock at Composite Warehouse for our composite cladding. This particular design consists of panels of either timber or composite, that overlap each other with grooves at the top of the board and a longer overhanging piece at the bottom, so that when they are fitted together it creates a seamless and flat finish. This aesthetic is desired by many homeowners and is ideal for the exterior of your home or property. As the surface is flat, it usually provides a smooth and modern appearance to the space, which will complement any existing landscape.

Not only are these types of cladding boards more aesthetically pleasing than other alternate options but they are also more protective and have more beneficial attributes. The boards have lips that interlock in order to allow a more efficient surface run off and provide more weather resistance. Additionally, another benefit to this type of connection is that it provides better protection against draughts and wind. This added protection means the boards will have a longer lifespan as they are more resistant to the elements and will withstand more over time.

As there is no groove for water to sit in or pool, due to the seamless finish and slick surface run off, you will experience less issues due to moisture such as rotting, warping or splitting. Therefore, the boards are less maintenance over time and will save you money on upkeep through the years. Of course, these beneficial attributes come with a higher initial upfront cost as these particular cladding boards are more expensive to produce. However, it is important to note that you will save money on maintenance over time due to the resistant properties of the board. Shiplap cladding will insulate your outdoor property or wall more significantly than other types of cladding, due to its design, which will save you money on heating bills over time.

Tongue & Groove Cladding

The tongue and groove system is the most popular cladding connection, usually used on garden sheds and out houses on a larger scale with a bigger surface area. This design consists of an interlocking pieces, like a jigsaw, that fit into each other to create a secure and stable connection. The boards simply slot into each other leaving no gaps between the boards, making a seamless and flat surface finish to the exterior of the property. This is aesthetically pleasing and desired by most homeowners, as it provides a modern look and not only looks good but is extra protected.

As there are no gaps between the boards, the structure is strong and prevents moisture from getting in which increases the longevity of the boards. As the surface is flat, water simply runs off the boards, making the cladding more resistant to the weather. With higher water resistance comes less issues and problems associated with moisture such as rotting, warping and splitting in turn saving you money on maintenance and upkeep. As this type of cladding is stronger than other types, it is more expensive to construct, however you will of course save money on maintenance and replacements or repairs over time which is something to consider when purchasing.

Weatherboard/ Overlapping Cladding

Overlapping cladding also known as a weatherboard system, is one of the simplest systems and easiest to produce, featuring horizontal panels that slat together one over the other. This design doesn’t leave a flat surface as other cladding options do, yet still allows rainwater to run off with ease. This in turn will aid with resistance to the elements and prevent problems associated with moisture such as rotting or warping.

This type of system is usually used for sheds and storage rather than your home, as it is not as stable or durable than other types. Overlapping cladding is susceptible to draughts, as it is not as insulating as other types of cladding, which will also cost you more over time on heating. This is why it is a more suitable option for storage and keeping tools in sheds rather than covering the exterior of homes and properties. However, you may prefer the appearance of this type of cladding system, as everyone has different preferences.

Additionally, it has a shorter lifespan than other systems which makes it cheaper in manufacturing and in turn lowering the upfront cost. This can make it an attractive option for homeowners on a budget, but will cost you more in the long run and over time through more maintenance and replacements or repair, which should be considered at the time of purchasing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many different connections and cladding systems available to suit specific projects and plans. Each system has different attributes and benefits that must be considered prior to buying. If you are unsure which cladding system is better suited to your project, it is recommended to order samples to compare products or check with your supplier or fitter which is the best cladding system for your individual project. Remember not to only focus on the initial upfront cost and consider the attributes of each, as you would when comparing various cladding materials or companies, as you can save money over time on maintenance.

Would you like our guide on how to build the perfect decking for a small garden? Click the link below

https://ultradecking.co.uk/composite-decking-buyers-guide/